Packing Tips
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Planning Ahead
Gather up plenty of sturdy corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealting tape and marker pens, and any furniture covers that you may need.
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Seal Boxes
Make sure that you tape boxes closed securely, this will ensure that dust will not be able to get into your box.
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Padding
Wrap furniture legs with protective bubble wrap, furniture covers, or padding to prevent them from being scratched. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers. Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easiers assembly later on. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.
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Labeling
Label boxes on all sides for easy identification. Keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items. Make sure fragile boxes are placed on top of heavier, less delicate boxes.
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Valuables
Use valuable space inside dresser drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items such as towels, linens and small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.
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Efficient Packing
Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.
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Heavy Items
Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30lbs. or less.
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Appliances
Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.
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Books
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
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Dishes and Glassware
Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge.
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Clothing
Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes.
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Lamps & Shades
Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes. Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.
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Mirrors and Paintings
Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes.
