Packing Tips
Packing Supplies, Labeling & Packing Tips
*
Keep the following supplies handy for packing:
o Boxes,
o marking pen,
o bubble wrap,
o newspaper and tissue
o Tape and scissors
o 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. Label cables and tighten transit
screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
* Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
* Label each box and indicate the following:
o (a) Which room it should go in
o (b) Whether it is fragile
o (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
* Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue.
Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
* Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder
between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of
months to eliminate the smell.
* Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for
the move.
* Pack medicines in a leak proof container.
* Carry all valuables with you.
* Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding
moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain
plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.
How to Pack Boxes
PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY CARTONS:
We can sell you any cartons you might need in addition to other packing material
such as paper and tape. You might save a substantial amount of money, however, by
obtaining cartons from other sources such as friends who have recently moved
and/or stores. Starting to collect cartons a month or two prior to your move will
probably make it possible to obtain enough 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 which we can provide.
PACKING OF SOME ITEMS IS OPTIONAL ON LOCAL MOVES:
When you are moving locally some items do not necessarily need to be packed. Items
such as mirrors, large pictures and mattresses can usually be transported safely for
short distances without packing. Generally, these items should be packed for long
distance move and for shipments moving into storage. Lamps and lampshades should
always be packed.
PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME:
Packing can appear to be an insurmountable task when viewed from the perspective
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 underfilled 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-top 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 and the room it is
to be placed in at 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 manner that
requires it to be always kept in an upright position, draw arrows on each side
indicating which end must always be kept up. Any cartons containing particularly
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.
What Items you should not Move
Do not pack Everything
Not everything in your home should be packed up in boxes to move to your new one.
There are some things movers wont transport or move for you because rules and
regulations forbid it. There are some things you should not try moving yourself, and
some things you should not take with you at all for safety reasons. This section will
help guide you. Contact your mover with any specific questions before you begin
packing.
Do not have movers move Paints, Turpentine or Kerosene Do Not pack Hazardous
Materials
Dispose of hazardous materials, do not pack them up in boxes for movers to take
to your new home. It is dangerous and illegal for movers to transport them. Give them
away to neighbors or call your local waste management center, recycling company or
The Environmental Protection Agency about how to safely dispose of them.
Hazardous materials include these flammable, corrosive and explosive items:
* 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
Perishable Items
Read Moving with Houseplants GuidePlants, food and animals are perishable items,
they easily spoil, die or suffer damages if not specially cared for along the way. Many
movers refuse to accept any kind of perishable items, but may make an exception if
the move is less than 150 miles and within a 24 hour drive away.
For more information about safely moving with pets or houseplants, read our Moving
Tips Guides: Moving with Pets, and Moving with Houseplants.
Moving Food and Plants across State Lines Packing Tip: Pack cold food in ice and
icechest, and carry it yourself.
Movers may agree to transport perishables, like your food and plants, if they are
properly packed to make a trip less than 150 miles, and are within 24 hours away.
There may be restrictions, however, about moving perishable food or plants across a
state line. A few agricultural states have strict rules about bringing plants and fruit into
their state. Call your local U.S. Department of Agriculture to check on regulations
before driving across state lines with perishable items.
Moving Sentimental Items, Irreplaceables and Valuables
Photos, Sentimental Items and Important PapersImportant Papers and
sentimental Items
Things of importance and information you need on hand should be carried with you,
not moved by movers. These may not have much of a monetary value, but they could
be very difficult to replace or be irreplaceable:
* Address Books
* Air Line Tickets
* Bonds
* Cameras
* Car Keys
* Check Books
* Computer Disks
* Computer Software
* Diaries
* Deeds
* Files
* Finacial Records
* Jewelry
* Letters
* Medical Records
* Photos and Albums
* Research Projects
Extraordinary Value ItemsExtraordinary Value Items
Anything worth more than $100 a pound is considered an Extraordinary Value Item. If
you decide to have your movers move your extraordinary value items, you need to
make an inventory list identifing each one and then advise your mover in writing of
their existance before the move. Most van lines have a special High Value Inventory
Form for you to fill out for this purpose.
* Antiques
* Art Collections
* Coin Collections
* Computer Software
* Currency
* Figurines
* Furs
* Jewelry
* Oriental Rugs
* Precious Stones/Gems
* Silver & Silverware
* Video Cameras
*
Keep the following supplies handy for packing:
o Boxes,
o marking pen,
o bubble wrap,
o newspaper and tissue
o Tape and scissors
o 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. Label cables and tighten transit
screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
* Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
* Label each box and indicate the following:
o (a) Which room it should go in
o (b) Whether it is fragile
o (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
* Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue.
Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
* Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder
between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of
months to eliminate the smell.
* Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for
the move.
* Pack medicines in a leak proof container.
* Carry all valuables with you.
* Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding
moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain
plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.
How to Pack Boxes
PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY CARTONS:
We can sell you any cartons you might need in addition to other packing material
such as paper and tape. You might save a substantial amount of money, however, by
obtaining cartons from other sources such as friends who have recently moved
and/or stores. Starting to collect cartons a month or two prior to your move will
probably make it possible to obtain enough 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 which we can provide.
PACKING OF SOME ITEMS IS OPTIONAL ON LOCAL MOVES:
When you are moving locally some items do not necessarily need to be packed. Items
such as mirrors, large pictures and mattresses can usually be transported safely for
short distances without packing. Generally, these items should be packed for long
distance move and for shipments moving into storage. Lamps and lampshades should
always be packed.
PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME:
Packing can appear to be an insurmountable task when viewed from the perspective
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 underfilled 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-top 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 and the room it is
to be placed in at 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 manner that
requires it to be always kept in an upright position, draw arrows on each side
indicating which end must always be kept up. Any cartons containing particularly
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.
What Items you should not Move
Do not pack Everything
Not everything in your home should be packed up in boxes to move to your new one.
There are some things movers wont transport or move for you because rules and
regulations forbid it. There are some things you should not try moving yourself, and
some things you should not take with you at all for safety reasons. This section will
help guide you. Contact your mover with any specific questions before you begin
packing.
Do not have movers move Paints, Turpentine or Kerosene Do Not pack Hazardous
Materials
Dispose of hazardous materials, do not pack them up in boxes for movers to take
to your new home. It is dangerous and illegal for movers to transport them. Give them
away to neighbors or call your local waste management center, recycling company or
The Environmental Protection Agency about how to safely dispose of them.
Hazardous materials include these flammable, corrosive and explosive items:
* 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
Perishable Items
Read Moving with Houseplants GuidePlants, food and animals are perishable items,
they easily spoil, die or suffer damages if not specially cared for along the way. Many
movers refuse to accept any kind of perishable items, but may make an exception if
the move is less than 150 miles and within a 24 hour drive away.
For more information about safely moving with pets or houseplants, read our Moving
Tips Guides: Moving with Pets, and Moving with Houseplants.
Moving Food and Plants across State Lines Packing Tip: Pack cold food in ice and
icechest, and carry it yourself.
Movers may agree to transport perishables, like your food and plants, if they are
properly packed to make a trip less than 150 miles, and are within 24 hours away.
There may be restrictions, however, about moving perishable food or plants across a
state line. A few agricultural states have strict rules about bringing plants and fruit into
their state. Call your local U.S. Department of Agriculture to check on regulations
before driving across state lines with perishable items.
Moving Sentimental Items, Irreplaceables and Valuables
Photos, Sentimental Items and Important PapersImportant Papers and
sentimental Items
Things of importance and information you need on hand should be carried with you,
not moved by movers. These may not have much of a monetary value, but they could
be very difficult to replace or be irreplaceable:
* Address Books
* Air Line Tickets
* Bonds
* Cameras
* Car Keys
* Check Books
* Computer Disks
* Computer Software
* Diaries
* Deeds
* Files
* Finacial Records
* Jewelry
* Letters
* Medical Records
* Photos and Albums
* Research Projects
Extraordinary Value ItemsExtraordinary Value Items
Anything worth more than $100 a pound is considered an Extraordinary Value Item. If
you decide to have your movers move your extraordinary value items, you need to
make an inventory list identifing each one and then advise your mover in writing of
their existance before the move. Most van lines have a special High Value Inventory
Form for you to fill out for this purpose.
* Antiques
* Art Collections
* Coin Collections
* Computer Software
* Currency
* Figurines
* Furs
* Jewelry
* Oriental Rugs
* Precious Stones/Gems
* Silver & Silverware
* Video Cameras
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