Packing (Tips, Supplies & Labeling)

• Keep the following handy for packing:

• Boxes,
• marking pen,
• bubble wrap,
• newspaper and tissue
• Tape and scissors
• Tape measure

• Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes (if available). Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
• Avoid loading boxes. You should not pack more than 50 pounds into one box.
• Label each box and indicate the following:

  (a) Which room it should go in

  (b) Whether it is fragile

  (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.

• Cushion contents. Use packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue.
• Pack books tightly on end in small boxes.
• Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.
• Carry all valuables and Medicines with you.

How to Pack Boxes

PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY CARTONS:

SELECT THE PROPER SIZE AND TYPE OF CARTON:

Heavy items such as books, record albums, canned food, etc. should be put in smaller cartons. Some items such as large pictures, mirrors, glass tops and shelves, clocks and mattresses may require special cartons.

PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME:

Packing can appear to be an impossible task when viewed from the prospect of the entire house. Packing one room at a time (and staying with that room until it is fully packed) has the effect of dividing the overall task into several smaller and more manageable tasks. This approach also makes it possible to set realistic goals. (i.e. pack the dining room today, the kitchen tomorrow, etc.)

TAPE THE BOTTOM OF CARTONS:

Taping the bottom of cartons before filling them prevents the contents from spilling out the bottom during the move.

HEAVY ITEMS ON THE BOTTOM/LIGHT ITEMS ON TOP:

In each carton the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter items on top to prevent damage.

USE A LOT OF PAPER:

All breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Paper should be used to cushion the bottom, sides and top of cartons.

PLACE BREAKABLES CORRECTLY IN CARTON:

Plates should be stacked vertically as if in a dish drain; glasses and stemware should be placed in an upright position; again, use plenty of paper on all fragile and breakable items.

CORRECTLY FILL CARTONS:

Fill all cartons to the top without overfilling. Cartons with items sticking over the top cannot be properly closed or stacked. Cartons that are under-filled tend to crush when stacked. Always make sure each carton is filled totally to the top before closing. A small space at the top can be filled with paper, a towel, a blanket or other similar items.

CLOSE CARTON AND SEAL SHUT WITH TAPE:

Cartons should be closed and sealed with tape to prevent damage and make stacking easier.

LABEL EACH CARTON:

Use a felt pen to clearly label each carton as to its general contents. Also label which room it is to be placed in at the destination. Label on the side of each carton rather than on the top so that cartons in stacks can be identified. If a carton is packed in a such a way that it is required to be kept in an upright position, draw arrows on each side indicating which end is up. Any boxes containing fragile items should be labeled as such.

STACK CARTONS:

Time will be saved on your move if you arrange cartons in stacks of similar sized cartons four to five feet high. This enables the cartons to be easily dollied from the house to the truck.

Items you should not Move

Do Not pack Hazardous Materials          

Dispose of hazardous materials. Do not pack them up in boxes for the move. It is dangerous and illegal for movers to transport them. Give them away to neighbors or call your local waste management center or The Environmental Protection Agency EPA about how to dispose of them safely.

Hazardous materials include:

Acid Aerosols Ammunition Batteries Car Batteries Charcoal Chemistry Sets Cleaning Fluid

Fertilizer Fireworks Gasoline/Poisons Kerosene Lamp Oil Lighter Fluid Liquid Bleach Loaded Weapons

Matches Motor Oil Nail Polish & Remover Paints Paint Thinner Pesticides Propane Tanks Weed Killer

Important Papers and sentimental Items

Things of importance that you need on hand should be carried with you. These may not have a monetary value, but they could be difficult to replace or might be irreplaceable: