Packing Instructions
If you have questions about packing your departments items, read these items or call TR&S Gerry Apuzzo 203-436-4581.
Remove all books and pack in book cartons. For every 2 linear feet of bookshelf you will require one book carton. It is not unusual for bookcases to be “ganged” together or attached to a wall to meet safety requirements. Extra time must be allowed for this unbolting procedure, which can be a very time consuming process.
TR&S stocks cartons, sealing tape and bubble wrap in the Central Stockroom. See Packing Materials for complete listing. Items may be picked up at the Central Stockroom, 100 John Murphy Drive, from 8:30 - 11:30 am and 1-3 pm on any scheduled workday. Or fax a Stock Request to 203-436-4 594. Faxed requests are usually delivered within two workdays after receipt.
The Central Stockroom stocks two types of cartons: ”Totes” and Book Cartons:
- “Totes”, available in letter and legal size, is for the sole purpose of packing file cabinet paperwork. They are designed to each hold one vertical file drawer full of files. Their greatest asset is that they can speed up the process of packing file cabinets. They are not designed for and thus should not be used to pack books, desk or storage cabinet contents, glassware or other fragile items. They should NOT be used if you are packing for shipping by other than a mover. “Totes” do not require the use of sealing tape.
- Book Cartons are heavy-duty corrugated containers. They do require the use of sealing tape. The book carton is an “all-purpose” carton and should be used for the packing of books and all merchandise other than files from a file cabinet.
Be sure all cartons are property assembled. Cartons requiring sealing tape require that both the top and bottom to be securely sealed with tape.
Do not leave carton tops open . Carton tops must be flat. All packed cartons must be left closed and sealed. Cartons that are over packed, with bulging sides and/or tops will not be moved. Be sure all cartons are fully packed. Moving damages occur when a carton is over-packed or left partially full. If you can only fill part of a carton with merchandise, the balance of that carton should be filled with packing material, such as bubble wrap, foam pellets, or newspaper. One of the best packing materials is newspaper, which is usually readily available and free.
TR&S is not responsible for improperly packed containers.
Pack entire contents in book cartons. If lockers are ganged together or bolted to a wall to meet safety requirements, extra time must be allowed for this unbolting process.
Pack ALL contents. This includes current working papers, letter trays, books and other desk top items. Movers are not responsible for paper clips, tacks, pens, files, etc. left in desks and causing damage to the working parts of a desk. Lock all desks. Retain your key(s). DO NOT TAPE KEY(s) TO THE DESK! Movers are not responsible for keys.
If files are “ganged” together or attached to a wall, the entire contents MUST be emptied to allow access to unbolt units. Extra time must be allowed for this unbolting procedure.
- Vertical Style – Filing cabinets can sometimes be moved with contents intact. Tighten the internal drawer plate in each drawer to hold contents in place. There are exceptions for full file cabinets. If a number of stairs must be traversed at either the origin or destination, files may have to be emptied to avoid damage to cabinets. Lateral files must always be emptied. TR&S can assist you with these decisions. NOTE: Movers are not responsible for damage to the working parts of a vertical file,
if moved with contents intact. - Lateral Style – Office furniture manufacturers strongly recommend that lateral file units, when used in a “bank” or “grouping” be bolted side to side and/or back to back. Steelcase, for example, includes directions and fasteners with each lateral unit they sell. Lateral files have many use advantages, but a disadvantage is they could tip over when opened, if not properly installed. Steelcase has an automatic locking device that only allows one drawer at a time to be opened, but these can become unadjusted with moving and should be checked periodically. Lateral units MUST be emptied prior to any moving.
Major office furniture manufacturers highly recommend that office furniture items be moved only in a locked position, as it keeps the internal mechanisms in a fixed position and greatly reduces the possibility of damage. This enables drawers or doors of desks or cabinets to work as smoothly as they did prior to the move. Furniture should be locked and the keys retained by the department. Do NOT tape keys to the furniture.
Movers are not responsible for furniture mechanical mechanism damage or lost keys.
Do Not Pack These Machines! Leave the machines on top of their desk or stand. Be sure each part is labeled – i. e., monitor, keyboard, computer, printer. All machines must be unfastened and disconnected. Movers are not equipped to unbolt machines from work tops. Pads and covers for machines should be placed in a carton. Mover will give particular attention to all of these units. TR&S has specially designed carts for transporting computer equipment.
The mover cannot be responsible for your personal possessions, such as legal papers, money, lighters, fountain pens, keys, I. D.’s, etc. For your own protection, we suggest that you move these items privately, If you need special containers, contact TR&S at 203-436-4581 or fax a Stock Request to 203-436-4594.
The movers will not move pets or animals, pet cages or containers. Pets are the full responsibility of their owners.
If secured, remove these items from the wall. Tag each piece according to tagging Instructions; place them on end, back-to-back in carton. If the item does not fit in a carton, lean it against the wall and the mover will take it from there. Consolidate small pictures in a container. Cushion with packing material, i. e., newspaper.
TR&S will transport plants, but due to their delicate nature we cannot be responsible for damages. It is recommended that department personnel move their own plants.
TR&S will move office/household size refrigerators/freezers, however, they must be clean, emptied of all food stuffs and totally defrosted prior to the day of the move. Movers are not responsible for any contents not removed from appliances prior to the day of the move.
D. O. T. LAWS do not permit TR&S to move any type of container that has been used at any time for any type of research or biological storage unless it has been emptied and certified by an approved D. O. T. official. A copy of the official certifications must be attached to each container and a second copy of each must be given to the driver to be carried in the vehicle cab throughout the course of the move. Yale’s Safety Department may be able to assist you with this.
All files should be locked prior to moving. If security regulations necessitate escorts, advise the TR&S Department. They will make arrangements with the mover. Security files may then be consolidated and moved on one or more vans as required.
Professional servicing may be required for computers, faxes, copy machines, or other data processing equipment. This service is available from either the vendor or the manufacturer’s service department. If you require electricians, plumbers or machinists, contact Physical Plant well in advance of the move. TR&S is not responsible for the mechanical condition of appliances, machinery or any electronic equipment.
- All equipment containing liquid and/or powders must be emptied prior to day of move.
Storage cabinets cannot be moved unless they are completely emptied. Pack entire contents in book cartons (see 2. Cartons - Packing Tips above). Cabinet doors should then be closed and locked, and the department being moved retains the key. Each cabinet should be labeled with a moving label. It is not unusual for storage cabinets to be “ganged” together or attached to a wall to meet safety requirements. These units must also be completely emptied to allow the movers access to unbolt units before they can be moved. Extra time must be allowed for this unbolting procedure, which can be a very time consuming process.
All water coolers must be disconnected and drained prior to the day of the move. It may be necessary to contact a plumber/electrician. Bottled water vendor must be notified to move bottled water and coolers to your new location. TR&S does not move water coolers.