Packing Tips

In the event you choose to do your own packing, we have a complete inventory of cartons and packing materials to suit your needs. Arrangements to purchase your supplies can be made by stopping by our office, calling to place an order or by purchasing online. We will be glad to schedule free delivery to your home. Order Boxes

Important Things to Remember

● Always remember to allow yourself enough time to pack.

● Start by packing items you won’t need right away, such as articles stored in the basement, garage or attic.

● Wait and pack things you’ll use right up to moving day last. Packing room by room will help you stay organized, so establish work areas in each room.

 

Do not pack or load any of these items onto the moving van:

● Fuels and oils

● Any aerosol cans

● Paint, turpentine, varnishes

● Flammable liquids

● Firearms, ammunition

● Matches

● Corrosives, Bleach

● Propane Tanks

Types of Boxes

1.5 cu. ft. boxes (book box). Use for heavy or dense items including books, records, shoes, canned goods, kitchen canisters, small appliances and hand or power tools.

3.0 cu. ft. boxes. General-purpose size. Good for toys, lampshades, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, etc.

4.5 and 6.0 cu. ft. boxes. For large, lightweight items such as pillows, bedding, large lampshades, and toys. Do not overload.

Dishpack boxes. Extra sturdy carton for all breakables such as china and dishes, crystal and glassware.

Wardrobe boxes. Equipped with bar for hanging clothes, curtains and draperies. The bottom is not designed to support weight; do not pack other items in the bottom of these cartons.

Picture/Mirror boxes. These 2pc. Telescoping cartons come in a standard and a large size. They provide extra protection for large pictures and mirrors.

Protecting you items

Before loading your cartons, you’ll need to wrap your items to protect them from scratching or breakage. There are a variety of materials available, including bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and tissue. However, most commonly used is clean, unprinted newsprint. When assembling your box, be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.

Packing tape is better than masking tape.

 

After assembeling your boxes

● Putting loosely crumpled unprinted newsprint in the bottom of your box provides a nice paper cushion that absorbs shock and protects your items, so be generous.

● Wrap all fragile, breakable items in paper. (This is not necessary for soft items like bedding, etc.) This not only protects the item, but also protects other items from it. Wrapping also helps things fit snugly in the box and prevents them from shifting. Use unprinted newsprint for most items, tissue paper for very delicate and fragile things.

● Pack large and heavy items first.

● Pack smaller items next. Use these to fill in spaces around larger items.

● Fill all empty spaces with small items or crumpled paper.

● Do not leave gaps in the carton. Loose packing creates damage.

● Make sure all items are firmly packed.

● Periodically lift carton to check weight. The box should not be too heavy for one person to lift comfortably.

● Make a top cushion by filling the space left over on the top of the carton with crumpled paper. When closed, the carton’s top or sides should not bulge.

● Tape top seams securely.

● Label all of your boxes clearly. Use a heavy marking pen for easy reading. List all major items such as "GOOD CHINA" or "CRYSTAL" on the carton top. On the carton side, near the top, mark which room each carton goes into. If the carton contains fragile items, mark "FRAGILE" on all four sides. On the cartons containing fragile items or liquids, mark "THIS END UP" on carton top and put arrows pointing up on all sides.

● The list of individual household items is endless. However most items can be packed using common sense.
       

"Your Best Move is to Move with the Best "