How to pack your home like a pro:
Basic Tips:
- It pays to use the proper packing boxes and the right materials. If at all posible, pack all electronics and small appliances in their original box. For all other items use sturdy boxes with a variety of sizes.
- Make sure you use a good amount of packing paper and make sure nothing is loose or moves inside the box after it is packed. If you have an empty hole in the box, use towels or linens to fill in.
- Pack room by room, labeling each box with its contents and what room it came from. If items are fragile, mark it as so and put arrows if the item has to be upright. Be sure to label the boxes with a dark marker on the side, not the top so it can be easily read when boxes are stacked.
- Make sure you remove and pack all the glass shelves from your china cabinet, curios, display cases, etc.
- Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.
- Don’t overfill your boxes. They should be able to close easily, but the top should also be sturdy and not cave in.
- By law, moving companies cannot transport any hazardous materials of any kind (which include household chemicals and aerosol cans), so place them in a plastic container or small box and transport them in your vehicle.
- Do not pack any loaded guns, ammo or explosives.
- Personal valuables, such as important papers, jewelry, and money should be transported by customers and will not be covered by the company.
How to paper wrap:
- Before packing boxes, you'll need to wrap most items to protect them from scratching and breakage. Materials that should be used include bubble wrap and bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint.
Before packing each box, line the bottom with a few inches of packing paper, wadded-up newspaper, old pillows, towels, or blankets for padding. Then place large, heavier items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top. As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with wadded-up paper; then add more paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets of cardboard cut from cartons as dividers. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed.
Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or countertop. Round glasses and jars can be rolled up in two or three sheets of paper; always begin from a corner of the sheet and fold the sides in as you roll. Large or odd-shaped items require a similar technique. Place them in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. (It may be necessary to flip the item over and wrap it again from the other side.) If in doubt, use more paper! Be sure no sharp points, edges, or rims are left uncovered.
Tape boxes securely with at least 2-3 strips of tape for every bottom and top to keep them from flying open while in transit.
How to pack:
- Books, papers, magazines-
Books should be packed in a small box with the spine down and the paper edges up. If theres space left on top of box, books or papers can be placed flat to fill in.
- Clothes-
Wardrobe boxes are ideal and make life easier unpacking. Clothes can be taken straight from closet on hangers and hung straight into wardrobe box with no added ironing to do afterwards. If you dont have any wardrobes available, you can pack the clothes in a large box with the hangers removed. If not going to storage, clothes can also be left inside the dressers or suitcases.
- Dishes & Breakables-
A dish barrel or dish pack is recommended for packing breakable items such as dishes. These are big boxes made out of extra thick cardboard. Wrap each dish carefully with packing paper. If the dish is extra important to you, consider double-wrapping it. The best way to pack dishes is to make layers. Place the heavier, bigger glassware on the bottom making sure not to lay flat. After you make your bottom layer, place a bunch of paper on top of it and keep with that process for every layer. The second layer should be the medium size dishes, such as small bowls, plates or cups. Stuff packing paper into each individual drinking glass and cup. Then wrap more paper around it, making two or three wraps. Place these with the drinking side down, making sure each is padded well enough to survive a bruising if it bumps against those next to it. Keep packing each layer using smaller breakables as you go up. Just make sure to remember not to pack any plates or dishes flat in the box. Pots and pans can be packed separately and in any size box since they are more durable and dont require as much paper wrap.
- Electronics & small appliances-
Where possible pack electrical items and small appliances in their original cardboard box. If you did not keep original packaging they can be packed in boxes with proper packing materials used such as bubble wrap. Dish barrels can also be used to pack electronics as they need to be packed in a sturdy box. Label the wires, cords, and jacks of your piece of equipment to make reconnecting your system quick and easy. Wrap monitors and computer towers with bubble wrap, blankets, or large towels and pack in a large box. You dont have to worry about packing your TV, for it will wrapped with a furniture pad and loaded onto the truck as is.
- Lamp shades-
Pack lamp shades by themselves in a medium size box. Make sure to use alot of paper padding around it and label the box as "fragile".
- Pictures and mirrors-
Pack individual pieces or groups into adjustable mirror boxes surrounded by adequate packing materials to ensure a safe journey. Wrap the picture or mirror in a ample amount of padding such as bubble wrap or paper. Place in a flattened packing box carton. Always stand glass, pictures and mirrors on their edges and do not lay flat. If dont have any adjustable mirror boxes, then normal boxes can be used by cutting them up and wrapping them around mirrors or pictures remembering to protect their corners.
Moving day:
- Make sure all electronics are disconnected.
- Fridge needs to be emptied out and water hose needs to be disconnected.
- Washer and dryer need to be unplug with hoses and vent removed. Hoses can be placed inside the washer and the vent can be placed into the dryer.
- Anything that does not go onto the moving truck should be place in a corner or an empty closet so it doesnt get moved by accident.
- Make sure the furniture is clear of any loose items so it can be ready to move. Pick up any toys or loose items lying on the floor to clear the pathway.
- Put your pets in a safe place such as a bathroom or backyard, as the movers need to go in and out with the front door left open.
- Remove any pictures, wall hangings, or mirrors from the wall that are to be loaded.
- If an item is small enough to fit in a box, pack it in a box.
