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Click Belows
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Pro Packing tips
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1.
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You can pack most
of the items on your own with simple materials like tape, bubble wrap, foam
peanuts, and boxes. Leave the furniture,
mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover.
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2.
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Smaller boxes
should be used for heavier items like books or cd’s. Keep the weight of the box under 50lbs and
remember to always lift with your knees, not your back.
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3.
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You should never
let the movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items.
Should they be lost or damaged, the insurable value will not come anywhere near
the value you would place on them.
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4.
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Put the
appliances in and pad them well all around with packing material.
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5.
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Get the proper
boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths. Have enough wardrobe
boxes, as they'll save you ironing time later. Purchase the padded dish boxes with dividers
to protect your fine china.
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6.
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The mover will
advise you on whether the boxes need to be repacked in sturdier, more
appropriate boxes. Professional moving
companies use only sturdy and reinforced cartons. Free boxes from the supermarkets are more
susceptible to causing damage to your valuables in transit. Keep in mind that
movers are not liable for items they didn't pack.
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7.
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To protect
themselves, movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers
arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove,
washer and dryer. Also prep your computer and back-up your important files.
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8.
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Movers will not
transport living things such as your plants or pets. If you do not wish to give
them away, don't forget to prepare them for the move. They will need a
"plant/pet suitcase" of their own.
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9.
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Movers will not
transport or allow you pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint,
thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas,
propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and
oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans. Also note that spilled
sesame oil leaves a terrible stench on nearby items.
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10.
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Make the loading
process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment,
preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes. This will help cut on the carrying time and
make the move much more efficient.
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aaa
Packing Small Appliances
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1.
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Group kitchen
appliances, like blenders and toasters, or other small household appliances,
like hand- held vacuums and telephones, two or three to a box. (Make sure
they're clean)
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2.
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Make sure the
bottom of the box is securely taped, and then pad the bottom of the box with
blank newsprint (wadded up, not shredded) or your towels and sheets.
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3.
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Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and the tub to keep
the tub from rotating.
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4.
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Put the
appliances in and pad them well all around with packing material.
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aaa
Packing Large Appliances
We're talking washers, dryers, dishwashers,
air conditioners, and refrigerators - the big stuff! Before you pack any of it,
read your users manual for each appliance to make sure there aren't more
special moving preparations you'll need to make. Also consider servicing all
your appliances a week or two before you move, if you haven't done it in a
while.
A washing machine
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Do your best to drain all the water out of the washer. If possible,
take the washer outside and tip it sideways to empty out any remaining
water. Then dry the interior completely with a towel.
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Take out all accessories and fittings and put them in a plastic
bag.
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Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and the tub to keep
the tub from rotating.
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Fill the basket with clothes, linens, and stuffed animals (that's
rights, stuffed animals). Also include a box of baking soda (designed so
you don't have to tear open the top of the box) to cut down on mildew.
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Tape the lid and electrical cord down
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A dryer
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Disconnect the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer and from the
exhaust duct in the wall. Loosely roll the hose and place it in the dryer
basket.
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Tape the lint screen, electrical cord, and dryer door down.
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A refrigerator
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One day before moving, empty out the contents of your refrigerator
and allow it to defrost. (Eat what you can, then give the rest away to
neighbors - never transport perishable food.)
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Empty the drainage pan underneath and disconnect and drain out your
automatic icemaker.
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Some refrigerators have "leveling rollers," which are
wheels that raise and lower each corner of the refrigerator so it is even.
Check your manual to see whether you should raise or lower them for the
move.
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Wrap shelves (especially if they are glass) and tape them together.
Tape down all other loose parts, including the drawers on the inside and
the electrical cord and doors on the outside.
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A stove
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Place all the oven racks on the bottom rung and tape them down.
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Tape down the burners and the protective pans under each burner.
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Tape the electrical cord and door to the stove (lock the door, if
you can)
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A dishwasher
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See your manual for removing and draining the water hook-up.
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Close and lock the door. Tape the door shut. Now tape the hose and
cord to the dishwasher.
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An air conditioner
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If your air conditioner's in use, shut if off the day before so the
coils can dry and cool off.
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Remove and clean or replace the filter.
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Tape the cord to the side of the air conditioner (not the back,
where the coils are).
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Use the original box, if you have it, or another large appliance
box well padded with wadded up newsprint. (Don't use Styrofoam peanuts,
which could get inside the air conditioner and cause problems later.)
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aaaPacking Armoires
Armoires can be great for packing lightweight
items like pillows, lamp shades, and even hanging clothes (if you use a tight
tension rod inside). If you're going to pack a lamp shade, be sure to pad it
all around with lots of lightly wadded up blank newsprint or bubble wrap.
You'll need:
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1.
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Rope
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2.
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Large padding or
old blankets
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How to pack:
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1.
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Remove all the
contents from the shelves. Don't try to ship your CDs, TV, cards and games, or
other loose items inside the armoire - they'll be jostled and probably damaged.
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2.
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If you have
drawers, you can keep some items inside if they're not too heavy. Wad up blank
newsprint in the empty spaces and tape the drawers shut as it might ruin the
finish.
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3.
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If you like, fill
in empty spaces with lightweight items, like pillows and lampshades (properly
padded with lightly wadded up blank newsprint or bubble wrap.) Several
lampshades can be stacked together with blank newsprint in between.
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4.
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Close and lock
your doors, if possible, or tie the handles together.
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aaa
Artwork & Mirrors
How to pack:
Framed prints
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1.
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Wrap them
individually in newsprint and then tape cardboard around them. Or wrap them in
bubble wrap.
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2.
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Put them in flat
fitted boxes. If they still fit loosely in their individual boxes, fill in the
spaces with lightly wadded blank newsprint.
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3.
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Tape the box shut
and mark it. You're done!
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Mirrors
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1.
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Put tape across
the front of the mirror like an "X" to keep the pieces in place in
case the glass breaks.
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2.
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Wrap in bubble
wrap or blank newsprint with cardboard taped around them. Fill loose spaces
with lightly wadded paper.
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3.
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Put in a flat
box, seal, and mark "Fragile - Mirror." That's all!
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Original paintings
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1.
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If your painting
is framed with glass, tape the front like an "X" with masking tape.
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2.
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Cover the framed
painting or canvas with bubble wrap and tape it closed.
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3.
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Build a box to
fit that is slightly bigger than the painting, or purchase one. If you're
packing a canvas (no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard box in bubble wrap
again, tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly bigger than the first.
Double boxing is a guarantee against other sharp objects puncturing the box and
canvas during the move.
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Sculptures
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1.
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You'll need a box
at least one-third larger than the size of your sculpture and bubble wrap.
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2.
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Fill one-third of
the box with Styrofoam peanuts. Wrap the sculpture with bubble wrap, put it in
upright, and then fill in all around and on top with peanuts. Your piece of art
should be nestled in the center without touching the sides of the box.
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aaa
Packing Beds
How to pack:
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1.
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.Disassemble the
bed frames and mark the pieces so you know where they go later. Tie or tape rails
together.
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2.
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Take all screws,
bolts, nuts, etc. put in plastic bag and tape to rails.
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3.
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If you have
headboards or footboards, tie large pads around them.
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4.
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Leave sheets on
mattresses to protect them, or cover them with plastic mattress covers. You're
done!
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Waterbed Mattresses
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Drain all water from the waterbed. After doing this, grasp the
internal baffle systems with external vinyl, and fold the mattresses 20
inches at a time.
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Be sure to adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual
baffles.
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In addition, consult your owner's manual for special instructions
concerning the care and transportation of your mattress.
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Do not place your mattress in a carton with a sharp or pointed
objects.
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aaa
Packing Books
How
to pack:
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1.
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Never pack more
than 30 pounds of books in a box, unless you're a weight lifter by trade.
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2.
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Fill in small
spaces in each box with smaller paperbacks. Alternate bindings every few books
to keep stacks level in each box.
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aaa
Packing Bureaus
TIP: Don't leave bureau drawers completely full for the
move - the bureau will be too heavy. Use suitcases to pack some clothing and
other non-fragile items from your bureau drawers.
How to pack:
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1.
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Partially empty
out drawers and fill spaces with small, fragile items like clocks or picture
frames wrapped in loose clothing.
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2.
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Don't put tape on
the drawers - it could stick to the finish.
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aaa
Packing Music & CD's
How to pack:
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1.
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Pad the bottom of
the box with wadded-up blank newsprint or Styrofoam peanuts.
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2.
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Place a stack of
CDs in the middle of the box. If your box is big enough and you don't have a
lot of CDs, put your entire CD holder in the center - CDs and all. CDs can
weigh a lot, so you'll probably have to divide them into several boxes.
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3.
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Fill in tightly
all around and on top with peanuts or wadded paper so the CDs won't jiggle.
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aaa
Cars & Motorcycles
Cars and motorcycles that are shipped on
the moving van should be completely drained of fuel. In addition, motorcycle
batteries should be disconnected. Last but not least, be sure that there is an
ample amount of antifreeze to protect your automobile against severe winter
temperatures.
aaa
Packing Chairs
How to pack:
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1.
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Wrap arms of
chairs with blank newsprint or bubble wrap and tape.
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2.
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Leave slipcovers
on or cover with large flat sheets.
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3.
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Next, cover the
chair with furniture pads. Now you're done!
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aaa
Packing China and
Crystal
TIP: Don't use compartmentalized liquor boxes unless the
compartments are made of sturdy cardboard and you put a layer of packing
material on the bottom first. (Usually the compartments are too flimsy.)
Glasses and cups should still be wrapped in bubble wrap.
How to pack Plates and Bowls
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1.
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Use dish barrel
cartons and place all plates on edge in the containers.
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2.
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Layer bubble wrap
in between, leaving space at the top of the box to fill in with wadded
newsprint.
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3.
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Place wadded newsprint or
peanuts in the bottom of a box and put layers of plates or bowls on top. Then
fill in top and sides with peanuts or newsprint.
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1.
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Wrap each glass
or teacup in a piece of bubble wrap and tape it.
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2.
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Put a layer of
peanuts or newsprint on the bottom of the box. Place wrapped cups or glasses on
top, upright as if you were placing them on the table.
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3.
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Place a layer of
cardboard and another layer of packing material on top and the sides.
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4.
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Keep layering in
wrapped cups and peanuts until you've reached the top. Put a final layer of
packing material on top, seal, and mark "Fragile - Crystal/China."
That's all!
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aaa
Packing Clothes
How to pack:
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1.
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Hang clothes from
closets in wardrobe boxes. If the boxes still have some space, consider filling
them with lightweight items like lamp shades covered in bubble wrap.
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2.
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Pack some clothes
from bureaus in boxes or suitcases so the bureaus won't be too heavy to move.
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3.
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Consider using
some clothes as packing material in between breakable items or to fill spaces
in other boxes that contain items from bedrooms.
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aaa
Packing Collectibles
How to pack:
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1.
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Wrap each fragile
item separately with bubble wrap and tape.
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2.
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Put a layer of
peanuts or wadded paper on the bottom and layer in wrapped items with peanuts
or wadded paper in between.
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3.
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Put a final layer
of peanuts or wadded paper on top.
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aaa
Packing Computers
How to pack:
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1.
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Back up all the
files on your computer.
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2.
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Your computer
company may recommend that you "park" your hard drive. That means
using a special program (possibly called "SHIP.EXE") that makes
recording heads in the hard drive pull back from the data area into a
"safer" area of the CPU.
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3.
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Pack your disks
in a separate box, but not with anything magnetic.
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4.
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Bundle cables and
wires together, and color code them to their matching holes. This will make it
easy to reconnect them in your new home.
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5.
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If your
computer's completely cooled off, put each component part in a plastic bag to
keep dirt out during the move, then inside the foam forms in their original boxes.
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6.
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If you don't have
the original boxes, use the double-box method. Then place the
"bagged" monitor or CPU in the middle of this box. Be sure to fill
any empty space, so that the computer component does not touch the sides of the
box. Then place cables in the box. Then
fill the second (and larger) box with peanuts and place the first box inside of
it.
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7.
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If you have a
small printer, you can pack it with your CPU. Be sure to remove the printer
cartridges. If your printer uses pins to form-feed paper, leave the paper in
during the move to keep the pins in place.
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aaa
Packing Flammable Items
How to pack:
DON'T!!!
It's dangerous and illegal to pack and move flammable and hazardous materials.
If you have a small can of turpentine or leftover paint, ask your neighbors if
they can use it. Otherwise, dispose of it properly with assistance from your
recycling company or the EPA.
TIP: Many towns have an annual
"Hazardous Materials Disposal Drop-Off Day" at a recycling center or
fire station. If you know you're moving, plan ahead to dispose of materials
then.
aaa
Packing Kids' Stuff
How to pack:
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1.
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If your kids are
still small, pack their rooms last. Try to prepare your children for the move
ahead of time; the move will be much easier for both of you if your kids can
make a smooth transition into their new home.
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2.
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Give older
children - ages 5 and up - extra time to pack their rooms. In addition, help
them to pack their rooms.
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3.
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Allow them to
select some items to take with them in the car or in their carry-on bag.
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4.
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Most kids' toys
are somewhat durable and can go in boxes with some wadded newsprint or extra
clothes to fill in spaces.
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5.
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Breakable toys
like models or porcelain dolls can be wrapped in extra clothes and packed in
wadded newsprint.
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aaa
Packing Breakable Kitchen Items
How to pack:
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1.
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Wrap each glass
and mug in bubble wrap and tape shut. Put layers of bubble wrap in between
plates and bowls.
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2.
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Fill bottom of
box with peanuts or wadded paper. Layer in glasses and mugs with peanuts and
paper, or place stacks of layered plates and bowls on top. If your glasses have
stems, place them upright, as if you were putting them on the table.
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3.
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For larger
breakable items - Pyrex dishes, china serving bowls, glass coffee pots - wrap
in bubble wrap and tape shut. Put two or three smaller items or one larger item
in the center of a small box filled with peanuts. Make sure you put a layer of
peanuts or wadded paper between smaller items.
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aaa
Packing Non-Breakable Kitchen
Items
How to pack:
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1.
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Select a few
important pieces of essential cookware - a couple of pots, a frying pan, some
cooking spoons, a spatula, and utensils for the first day you're in your new
home.
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2.
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Put blank
newsprint (or ripped-open paper bags) between the items. Fill in spaces with
wadded newsprint.
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aaa
Packing Lamps
How to pack:
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1.
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Take light
bullbs, harps, and lamp shades off lamp.
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2.
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Wrap lamp shades
in bubble wrap and stack them in a large box with wadded paper, or put them in
an armoire or large chest.
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3.
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Wrap the cord
around the lamp and pack the lamp in bubble wrap. Place the lamp in an empty
defrosted refrigerator, unplugged dryer, or an unplugged and drained washer.
Alternatively, you can pack your lamps with bedding or wrap and place them
individually in an upright, tissue-lined carton. Wrap the harp and finial
(decorative piece) with packing paper, and tape it to the inside wall of the
carton. Wrap the shades in tissue; do not use newspaper.
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aaa
Packing Lawnmowers and Lawn
Tools
How to pack:
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1.
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Clean your
lawnmower underneath of all grass and debris (use a hose). Clean other lawn tools
and equipment.
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2.
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Drain gas and oil
out of the lawnmower into storage containers. Contact your local recycling
company or Environmental Protection Agency office for information on disposing
of the gas and oil.
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3.
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Tape or tie
handles of rakes, shovels, and other garden tools.
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4.
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Pack smaller
garden/lawn items in a box.
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aaa
Lawn Furniture
How to pack:
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1.
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Packing is easy
if you have furniture with no breakable parts. Hose down/clean off your
furniture.
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2.
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Disassemble any
parts. Tape them together, or put small pieces in ziplock bags and tape to the
furniture.
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3.
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If you have glass
tabletops, wrap them in bubble wrap and put them in flat boxes used for mirrors
and artwork. Seal and mark boxes "Fragile - Glass."
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aaa
Packing Stereo Components
How to pack:
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1.
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Use color-coded
tape to mark where cables and cords should go in the equipment when you get to
your new home.
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2.
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Check your CD
player manual to see whether you need to tighten screws that will keep internal
components from moving around.
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3.
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Put components in
original boxes, or put them in double boxes.
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4.
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Don't bundle
components together in the boxes.
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aaa
Packing Big-Screen TV
How to pack:
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1.
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If you don't have
the original box, you will still need more than plastic peanuts. Companies that
sell packing materials probably have dense Styrofoam blocks you can use. Gently
lay the TV on its side on top of a piece of foam. Tape another piece of foam on
the bottom and slide the whole thing into the box.
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aaa
Packing A Less than 30" TV
How to pack:
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1.
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Make sure the TV
is cooled off and you've left the cable and cable box for the cable company
(they own those).
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2.
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Do the same for
the VCR. Check your manual to make sure there are no special moving
preparations you need to make to stabilize internal components.
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3.
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Wrap up the cord
for the TV and VCR and put in the original boxes. Or use foam forms you
purchase or peanuts. (Wrap your TV and VCR in a plastic bag before immersing in
peanuts so the peanuts don't get inside the machines). Put the TV and VCR in
separate boxes.
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