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Packing Tips
A few general things you need to know
about packing:
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Keep boxes to 50 lbs or less. Put
heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.
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Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller
boxes, so they're not too heavy.
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Buy clean newsprint to wrap items, and
bubble wrap for padding.
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Pack breakables loosely in plastic
storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.
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Rent furniture pads.
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Mark your boxes by room, so you know
exactly where everything goes. Color coding or using a number
system works great (i.e., red stickers for bedroom or 1 for
bathroom.)
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Write "FRAGILE" on all boxes with
breakables and stack these boxes on top.
Packing the big things:
Beds: Tie bed frames together
with tape or rope. Then label the pieces so they're easy to
reassemble.
Bureaus: Fill drawers with
clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or
furniture pads and rope securely.
 Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie
together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.
Big appliances: Empty, defrost
and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors
and put accessories in bags. Stuff towels between washer sides to
prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets
and tie.
Computers, TVs, & Electronics:
Use original packaging, or buy electronic-specific boxes.
Packing the small (but still important)
things:
 Small
appliances: Put your microwave, VCR, etc. into boxes, and
cushion with wadded paper.
Books: Pack them flat in small
cartons, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs.
Clothing: Pack hanging items,
including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers.
Collectibles: Wrap fragile items
in bubble wrap and tape securely.
CDs: Pack upright and cushion
with newspaper.
Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans,
and cushion with paper. Put a few of these items in the "open first"
box.
Dishes: Never stack them flat.
Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with
cups & bowls placed around them.
Packing the awkward things:
 Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with
bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection.
Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars
and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off
other items.
Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap
small pieces in newsprint and pack in mirror boxes. Cover larger
pieces with cardboard, tape securely and stand them along the
truck's sides or inside wardrobe boxes.
Lawn furniture: If heavy or
bulky, disassemble. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tie together.
Rugs: Roll up and secure with
rope or tape.
Plants: Put in plastic bags with
air holes, then in boxes. Water before you leave.
 Power and garden tools, Lawn
mowers/yard edgers: Wrap all sharp edges and use plenty of
cushioning to prevent injury. Tape long-handled tools together and
place small ones in boxes. Please NOTE: Not
allowed on truck -- anything that has gas, oil, propane
because if it spills and then someone else uses the truck, their
things will be smelly and damaged. This is part of my policy
handbook for clients' protection.
Garage & attic stuff: Use
medium-sized boxes for spray paints, brushes, car waxes, etc. Throw
away oily rags or anything combustible.
Pets: Always keep them in a pet
carrier up front with you. Ask your vet how to make their, and your,
move less traumatic. See Moving with
Pets
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