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Moving... File Boxes

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Services for Real Estate Pros with pha logistix inc

 

Moving… File Boxes

Moving office files whether it is cross country, or just across town  can present many different challenges.  But the biggest factor in either move – is the weight of the boxes!

The ideal height for a row of stacked file boxes … for a cross-town move is five (5) high IF the boxes contain documents.  If they contain books, say for a law firm, then the stack should only be four (4) high.

Commercial Pallet with File BoxesFor a cross country move… shrink-wrapped pallets, or skids, are used. Because truckers need to balance the overall weight within their trailer, an individual pallet should have no more than 3,000 lbs of material on it.  If your average file box, loaded with documents, weighs 35-40 lbs that means no more than 75 boxes should be on any one pallet. If the pallet is going to hold items other than file boxes, the weights of those items need to be considered when assembling the pallet for the move.

For this particular move from the SF Bay Area to Milford MA, PHA needed to spread the weight of 207 file boxes, 5 boxes of IT equipment, 3 Fire King filing cabinets (at 1200 lbs. each) and 7 regular, 50 lb, filing cabinets, over six pallets.

File Boxes on a Pallet





By the way, that red tape you see in the pictures is special security tape… should the tape  be dislodged or attempted to be pulled off, a marking is left that says tampered. Because the information contained on the documents in these file boxes is confidential, the security tape is used to satisfy the client’s need for maintaining that confidentiality.

The truck left California last Friday… PHA will meet the truck in Milford, MA next Monday… let’s hope there is clear weather from one Coast to the other and that the truck doesn’t get delayed!

A Happy Move is an Organized Move!

Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

You know your stuff Peggy, this is great information.

Dec 10, 2012 11:02 AM
Christina Sanchez Hood
Palo Alto, CA
#SiliconValleyHOODS | Inspired Living

Peggy, I can appreciate your knowledge and expertise in the area of moving!  Being a techie kinda gal, I can't help but wonder if a paperless system could be an alternative in the future.  Just a thought :)

Dec 10, 2012 01:09 PM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

Thanks, Roger.... I've certainly picked up a few tricks over the years Ha Ha!

Christina... in this particular case, ALL of the information on these documents is also online!  However, because of the nature of the business, which is highly regulated, the US government requires hard copies to be kept in case of an electronic failure.  Until our legislative officials become comfortable with total use of the internet, we will all continue to be inundated with paper!

Dec 11, 2012 01:28 AM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

The red security tape was a surprise, but then again, you have to have some way of knowing when/if it's been tampered with.  Not everyone would know about the "tampered" feature of the red tape and therefore it would be hard to replace.

Dec 11, 2012 02:27 AM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

When I was researching security tape, Charita, I was actually surprised at the limited availability.  Glad I was able to find the one I did!

Dec 11, 2012 03:47 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Maybe that's a side product you could offer with your services....a security tape.  There may be an opportunity there.  

Dec 11, 2012 06:03 AM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

Great idea, Chris Ann... not so sure I'd want to get in to retail at this point in my life but maybe one of my kids will want to take it on!!

Dec 11, 2012 11:08 AM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Useful information that even a homeowner can use Peggy. Some people own a lot of books and files if they are teachers.

Dec 11, 2012 09:56 PM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Peggy, you are the organizational whiz.  I never would have thought of some of this even though as a project manager, I moved quite a few people. 

Dec 14, 2012 06:43 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Peggy, There is so much more that goes into a move like this (or most moves) than most realize. That is why we need to hire a professional, like you, to ensure it is done well, and on time.  Of course, no one can blame a mover for weather delays ... although I am sure there are some that will, at do.

Dec 26, 2012 10:47 AM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

Al & Peggy - you're so right about teachers having collections of books! 

Thanks for the kind words, Suzanne...

Weather is certainly challenging during any move, Kathleen. And, if nothing else, it adds time as sidewalks, and stairs can get very slippery!

Dec 27, 2012 12:15 AM