Empty drawers of
breakables, spillables, items not recommended for
inclusion in your shipment and anything that would
puncture or damage other items. However, blankets,
sweaters, socks, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft,
lightweight goods may be left in drawers.
Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate
china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying
pans, for example.
Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example,
curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small
hardware items should be placed in zip-lock plastic bags
and taped or tied securely to the article to which they
belong.
Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not
dangle.Wrap items
individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper
towels or bubble wrap for fine china, crystal and
delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very
small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good
outer wrapping.
Place a two or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the
bottom of a carton for cushioning.
Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom,
medium weight next and lightest on top.
As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly
with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a
level base for the next layer, or use sheets of
cardboard cut from cartons as dividers.
Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight
blankets also may be used for padding and cushioning.
The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed.
Be sure no sharp points, edges or rims are left
uncovered.
Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items
separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning
with crushed or shredded paper.
Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in
spaces with crushed paper.
Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack
that will prevent items from shifting; the cover should
close easily without force, but should not bend inward.
Seal cartons tightly with packing tape.
As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the
side of the carton (for easy viewing while cartons are
stacked). You might want to number and/or code the
cartons as well. You should not pack and ship extremely
valuable items such as cash or jewelry, but rather,
should take them yourself in your car. Never mark a
carton as valuable, jewelry or cameras.
Indicate your name and the room to which each carton
should be delivered at the destination.
Tape a sign on the door of each room at the destination
corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the
cartons into the proper rooms quickly.
Put a special mark on cartons you need to unpack first.
China, Glassware & Silverware
Our company packers use a dish-pack – an exceptionally
sturdy corrugated carton of double- wall construction —
for china, glassware and other fragile items less than
18 inches in size. Unless cartons of similar strength
and construction are available, you might want to
purchase several dish packs from us.
Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in
clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from
the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking
in overlapping edges. A double layer of newspaper serves
well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper
padding and cushioning is required for all china and
glassware. Label cartons, "FRAGILE
— THIS SIDE UP."
Flat China & Glassware
Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat
pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton.
Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a
bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these
bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful
to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of
crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and
make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal
cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers
level.
Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a
second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger
items.
Bowls & Odd-Shaped Items
Depending on their weight, these might be used either as
the bottom or middle layers. Wrap the same way as flat
plates.
Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the
carton and deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two
or three together, upside down on their rims.
Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down
on top of the bowl. Then, wrap both together in clean
packing paper, followed by an outer double layer of
newspaper. Wrap cream pitchers in clean paper and then a
double outer wrapping. Place sugar bowls, cream
pitchers, sauce containers and similar pieces upright in
the carton. Complete the layer as for plates.
Cups
Even when using a dish-pack and mini-cells for china,
wrap cups individually, protecting handles with an extra
layer of paper. Then, pack cups upside down.
If not using a dish-pack or individual cells, wrap cups
as previously described in a double layer of paper and
place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper
layer with all handles facing the same direction.
Complete the layer as for plates.
Silver
Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces
should be enclosed completely in clean tissue paper or
plastic wrap. Hollow ware — including bowls, tea sets
and serving dishes — should be wrapped carefully as
fragile items and packed like china.
Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in
sets, in clear plastic or tissue.
If silverware is in a chest, you still might want to
wrap the pieces individually and reposition them in the
chest. Or, fill in all empty spaces in the chest with
tissue paper or paper towels. Wrap the chest with a
large bath towel.
Figurines & Other Delicate Items
Wrap first in tissue paper, clean packing paper or paper
towels. Then, wrap carefully in newsprint that has been
crushed and flattened out. Be sure the items are
well-protected with plenty of cushioning.
Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped
individually in clean packing paper. A bath towel or
small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and
padding for glass. Place items on edge in a carton.
Fragile Items
We like to use a material called bubble pack (plastic
with bubbles) for exceptionally fragile items. If an
item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might
be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials
might be needed for maximum protection.
Artificial Flowers
An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in
its own carton. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap, tissue
paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of
the floral piece to the bottom of the carton. Label the
carton "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP."
Lamp Bases
After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the
base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. (Use paper
moving pads for large lamps.) Place them together in a
carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. More than one
well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a carton.
Lamp Shades
Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each
shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a
pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
To allow for movement, use a sturdy carton at least two
inches larger all around than the largest shade. Line it
with clean packing paper, using crushed paper under the
lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around
the shade. A small shade can be nested inside a large
one, if you are sure they will not touch. Only one silk
shade should be placed in a carton to avoid stretching
the silk. Do not pack other items with shades. Label
cartons "LAMP SHADES — FRAGILE."
Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors,
Paintings, Statues & Large Vases are easily and
unpredictably damaged. Glass might shatter, and marble
slabs can crack at veins. Paper should never be
permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting. It's
best to consult
with us about custom-made cartons and crates for items
of this kind.
Books
Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the
bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing up,
as glue can break away from the binder. Pack books of
the same general size together.
Expensively bound volumes or those of special
sentimental value should be individually wrapped before
packing. Because books are heavy, be sure to use small
cartons called book boxes which are generally about 1.5
cubic feet.
Photographs
Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should
be packed in separate cartons rather than being combined
with other household items.
Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning,
standing them on edge in a carton. Label cartons clearly
for easy identification and mark "FRAGILE".
If possible, carry irreplaceable and high value items
with you to the destination.
Compact Discs, DVD's, Video Tapes & Records
Remove these items from the stereo or storage cabinet.
Keep in mind records are heavy and should be packed in
small cartons.
If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in
tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect them from being
scratched.
Stand compact discs, DVD's and records on edge, never
flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends
with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of
cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed
paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and
mark "FRAGILE."
Video and audio tapes should be placed in the protective
plastic box in which they came, if possible, and then
wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual
tapes either vertically or horizontally on a couple of
layers of crushed paper.
Clothing
Clothing left on hangers and placed in special wardrobe
cartons used by moving companies will arrive at your
destination wrinkle-free. You might want to rent or
purchase several of these special cartons from us. One
will hold about two linear feet of compressed clothing
on hangers.
If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be
removed from its hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase
or a carton lined with clean packing paper. Some
lightweight clothing — such as lingerie, socks and
sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers.
Hats may be left in hat boxes and placed in a large
carton. Or, stuff the crown of each hat with crumpled
tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the outside and
place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the
heavier hats on the bottom. Don't pack anything else
with hats. Label the carton "FRAGILE."
Footwear may be left in shoe boxes and placed in a large
carton. Or, wrap each shoe individually and then in
pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage to
heels or ornaments. Don't pack heavy items on top of
shoes.
Linens & Bedding
Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and
other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and
packed in a carton that has been lined with clean
packing paper.
Wrap your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and
bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of
items.
Special mattress cartons in various sizes are available
from your moving company for a nominal charge.
Alternatively, you can have your mattresses shrink
wrapped to keep them clean and dry during the move.
Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in
cartons.
Draperies & Curtains
Wardrobe cartons are ideal for moving curtains and
draperies. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded
hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe carton.
Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in
cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.
Rugs
Leave rugs on the floor for us to handle. If they've
just been returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled.
Major Appliances
Pre-move preparation is required for all major
appliances. Set an appointment with a service technician
to prepare your major appliances for shipment -- or have
us send someone out who is authorized to perform this
service. All gas, electrical and water connections to
the appliance must be disconnected in advance of the
move. You should also arrange for handles and doors of
large appliances to be removed in advance of the move if
the appliance is a tight fit through doorways. Freezers
must be defrosted the day before the move. Refrigerators
and freezers should not be turned on for at least 24
hours after the move to avoid compressor damage. Washing
machines must be emptied of all water.
Small Appliances
Items such as clocks, small radios and other small
appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in
cartons cushioned with crushed paper.
Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be
packed in the same carton with linens or as extra items
with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not
to scratch or otherwise damage items.
Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and
placed in the cushioned bottom of a box.
Remove all batteries from small appliances before
packing.
Tools
Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops,
should be bundled together securely. Attachments should
be removed from power tools and packed separately.
Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces
filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed
according to general packing rules. Always use small
cartons because tools usually are heavy.
Outdoor Equipment
Before moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV
antennas and garden sheds. Gather pieces and bundle
together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a
cloth or plastic bag and securely attach to
corresponding equipment.
Prepare lawn mowers and snow blowers by draining
gasoline prior to the day of loading.
Food
Take only food items you are sure will travel well. Do
not take anything perishable. In the winter months, do
not take anything subject to freezing.
Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice,
macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small
containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon
cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed
together in a small box before packing in a large
carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal
with tape.
Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in any
one carton should be limited.
A Word About Special Household Items
The popularity of home electronic items has added a new
dimension for the do-it-yourself packer. Home computers,
monitors, tablet computers, flat screen TV's, microwave
ovens and sound systems require special care to ensure
they arrive at their destination safely.
If you saved the original cartons and packing materials
in which these items arrived, it is best to re-pack
using those materials. Should you not have those
materials, you might contact a store selling your
particular item and ask if discarded packing materials
are available. We can also supply rental packing crates
specially designed to protect computers, artwork and
flat screen TV's during transit.
We are familiar with current techniques for properly
packing electronic items and can assist you with advice
or pack the items for you. It is your responsibility to
disconnect electronic items prior to the packers'
arrival.
Winter Moving
Make sure to leave your shovels, salt and snow blower
for loading last so that you will not have to scramble
to find the equipment necessary to clean a snow or ice
covered driveway at the destination. |
