Packing Tips
OVERALL TIPS
• Mark each box with the contents and what room they will belong to in the new home. Give the box an inventory number if you are
using a moving company.
• Pack a safe or fire proof box with important documents.
• Try not to exceed 50 pounds per box or container.
• Use small boxes for heavy items such books, tools, etc.
• Always place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on the top.
• Use plenty of padding such as bubble wrap, paper, or packing
peanuts to pad fragile items.
• Pack each box as tightly as possible to avoid shifting within the box. Use the above mentioned items to fill space if needed.
• Put a 2-3 inch padding at the bottom of boxes with fragile items.
• All boxes should close easily and not bulge or cave in.
• Seal all packages securely with packing tape.
CHINA AND GLASSWARE
• Use dish pack cartons for china.
• Wrap each piece individually.
• Pack large/flat items on the bottom and smaller items such as
smaller plates.
• Surround each bundle with shredded or crumpled paper. Make
sure there are no empty spaces for shifting.
• All glassware should be double wrapped and placed upside down
on rims.
SILVERWARE
• Wrap individually or in groups in plastic wrap or tissue.
• If your sliver is in a case, fill empty space to keep silver from shifting.
• Try to pack in an airtight container to avoid tarnishing.
BOOKS
• Try to pack books of similar sizes together in small boxes.
LAMPS
• Remove the light bulb(s).
• Wrap each part separately.
• Wrap the lamp shade in cloth or tissue. DO NOT USE newspaper as
it can rub off and ruin the fabric.
GLASS TABLE TOPS, MARBLE SLABS, MIRRORS, WALL HANGINGS, PAINTINGS
• These are best left to professionals if you are hiring a moving
company.
• Glass, marble and mirrors can be placed in cartons specially made
for these items.
• Oil paintings can ruin easily. NEVER place paper over an oil
painting.
SMALL ELECTRONICS
• Wrap all cords and secure.
• Place securely in boxes, fill all empty space with crumpled paper.
CLOTHING
• Utilize wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. If you do not wish to
purchase a wardrobe box, remove all clothes from hangars, fold,
and place in a paper-lined, clean box.
• Leave light items such as lingerie and socks in your dresser or chest.
• Shoes can be left in shoeboxes and placed in a larger box or
wrapped individually and placed in a box. Take care to wrap shoes
carefully to avoid damage to heels and ornaments.
• All furs or high-value items should be taken with you if you are hiring
a moving company.
BEDDING AND LINENS
• Fold and pack in paper-lined clean boxes or hang in wardrobe
boxes.
• Less expensive items can be used as cushion to pack other items.
• Pillows can be placed in dresser drawers or packed in boxes.
DRAPERIES, CURTAINS, AND RUGS
• As with linens you can fold and place them in paper-lined cleaned
boxes.
• Utilize a wardrobe box to hang all draperied and curtains if you
choose not to fold and pack in boxes.
• Roll up all rugs and secure.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND VALUABLES
• It is highly recommended that if you hire a moving company you
take all photographs, mementos, irreplaceable items, and
valuables with you.
• If you need to pack some of these items, make sure they are secure and weather proof to avoid damage.
• Take your time to pack irreplaceable items carefully. Better safe
than sorry!
• Wrap all framed photos and pack in boxes on the edge rather than lying flat with plenty of cushion.
• Try to pack your photo in photo albums. If that is not possible, pack
all your loose photos in an air-tight container to avoid moisture
damage.
TOOLS
• Tools can be left in tool boxes.
• For tools that need to be packed, place them securely in small
boxes to avoid overly heavy boxes.
• Before packing, remove all attachment and pack separately.
• Long-handles tools should be bundled together with any
attachments removed and packed separately in boxes.
FOOD
• Try to consume all perishables before your move date.
• Take only the items you know will travel well. Do not take
perishables.
• Remember to seal all opened boxes of dried or powdery
substances such as pancake mixes, cereal, etc.
• Cover all holes of shakers with tape if they are not emptied and
pack small items such as spices, condiments, etc. in a small box.
MOVING DAY ESSENTIALS BOX - A.K.A. SURVIVAL BOX
• Copy of all moving documents
• First aid kit
• Toiletries (Don't forget towels and toilet paper!)
• Paper goods for the kitchen
• Snack food and drinks
• Tool Kit
• Toys for children
• Paper, pens, stamps, envelopes
• Heavy Duty Tape
• Scissors
• Can opener, bottle opener
• Alarm clock
• Flashlight
• Trash bags
• Address book
• Spare Car Keys
• Phone chargers
• Pet food
• Medications |
