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Moving & Packing Tips
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How To Pack Household Goods
Tips from the Professionals
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Lets Get To Packing!!!
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Many people prefer to have their belongings packed professionally to avoid risk of damage. Your iDoMoving.com & Storage representative will be happy to discuss costs, materials and unpacking services.iDoMoving.com & Storage professional packers can usually pack an average home in 1-2 days.
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If you plan to pack yourself.
You automatically assume a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move - including that of having everything properly packed and ready for loading when the moving van arrives. All packing must be completed by the evening before the moving day. Only the things you will need that night and the next morning should be left for last minute packing. Allow yourself several weeks to complete the packing.
Your packing will be expected to meet specific standards. This means complying with the principles of good packing as outlined here. Your van personnel will inspect each box to make sure that your articles are properly packed prior to loading. If it is determined that your cartons are susceptible to damage, the driver may refuse to load those boxes until they are repacked or removed from the shipment. There is, of course, a charge for packing services performed by iDoMoving.com & Storage.
Be sure to have a pencil and notebook handy to make a list of each box. Label with a maker.
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Getting Ready
Prepare a convenient place to work and gather all packing materials in one location. If there is a spare room available, consider setting it up as your packing headquarters.
A large table covered with a heavy blanket, or mattress pad makes a good, firm work surface. It may be helpful to have a second table nearby for soon to be packed items.
You will need packing cartons, newsprint (unprinted newspaper for wrapping), bubble wrap, tissue paper, packing tape, a felt marker, scissors and newspapers. The printed newspaper should be used for outer wrapping or cushioning only. The ink always rubs off, and can become embedded in your dish ware. When using newspaper, be sure to wash your hands frequently to avoid rubbing the ink on the items you handle.
Ready, Set, Pack!
Professional packers use a dish pack carton for china and glassware. Place plenty of cushioning material in the bottom of the carton. Then wrap each piece individually using several sheets of paper. Start from the corner, wrapping diagonally, continuously tucking in overlapping edges. Then wrap four to six in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row, standing them 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 bundles to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Always remember, the heavier pieces go on the bottom.
- Stand Shallow Bowls on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three
together, upside down on their top rims.
- Sugar Bowl and Glassware w/lids: Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down on the bowl before wrapping them together. Place sugar bowls, pitchers and similar pieces upright in the carton, being careful to cushion firmly. Complete the layer as for plates.
- Cups and Glassware should be wrapped in a double layer of paper and placed upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer within the box with all the handles facing upward in the same direction.
- Silverware: Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, in clear plastic or tissue. If the silverware is in a chest, you still may want to wrap the pieces individually and replace in the chest, or fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper toweling.
- Silverplate or Sterling Silver: Since air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be completely enclosed in fresh, clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Silver bowls, tea sets and serving dishes should be carefully wrapped as fragile items and packed the same as china.
- Books: Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons. Pack on edge, alternating bound edge to open edge. Pack books of same general size together.
- Lamps: After removing the light bulb, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately, in newsprint, (never use newspaper) and place together in a carton filling spaces with crushed paper. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of fresh tissue paper, a pillow case or large lightweight towel. More than one lamp or shade can be packed in a carton if properly protected. Large, Tiffany-style lamp shades and chandeliers should be crated by iDoMoving.com Systems.
- Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Mirrors Painting and Art: Leave it to the professionals. It is best to consult with your move coordinator about obtaining custom made cartons or crates for these type of items. All are easily damaged. Glass may shatter, marble slabs can crack at veins. Paper should never be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.
- Clothing: Footwear may be left in shoe boxes and placed into large cartons. Or, wrap each shoe individually, then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage occurring to high heals or ornaments. Do not pack heavy items on top of shoes.
Leave clothes and drapes on hangers and transport in iDoMoving.com & Storage wardrobe cartons, which can be purchased from your booking agent. Otherwise, each garment should be removed from the hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing such as hose, lingerie and sweaters may be left in dresser drawers.
It is recommended that you take any furs or high-value items with you, rather than packing them for transportation in the moving van.
- Linen and Bedding: Because they are lightweight, these items can be used for padding delicate items or folded and packed in larger cartons. Line the box with clean paper, and place the linens in a large plastic bag for protection. Place in cartons and label appropriately.
- Draperies, Curtains and Rugs: Draperies and curtains may also be folded and packed in larger cartons, lined with clean paper. Another alternative is to place on hangers, and pack curtains and drapes in a wardrobe carton. Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they have just returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled and carpets will be rolled and secured to placing them on the moving van.
- Photographs and Valuables: If possible, carry all valuables and photo albums, which should be wrapped and packed in separate cartons. Loose photos should be packed in separate cartons and protected from moisture or possible water damage. Take the time to properly pack your irreplaceable items.
- Small Appliances: Small clocks, radios and similar items can be packed in the same carton, or in with the linens. These items should be wrapped individually, using several pieces of paper, and should be placed in the packed carton with plenty of crushed paper.
- Larger Appliances: Pre-move preparations is required for many major appliances. All appliances must be dry before loading. Be sure to discuss with your id Moving representative.
- Tools: Hand tools may be left in tool boxes, the spaces filled with crushed paper, or the tools may be packed according to general rules. Always use small cartons because the tools are generally heavy.
Long handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should bundled together securely. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately.
- Food: Pack only those things you are sure will travel well. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING PERISHABLE. In the winter months, do not take anything that may freeze and burst. FOR LONG DISTANCE RELOCATIONS, WE RECOMMEND GIVING AWAY CANNED AND PERISHABLE FOODS AND REPLENISHING YOUR SUPPLY UPON ARRIVAL AT YOUR NEW HOME.
If you decide to take pantry items, remember to seal any open boxes with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, should be placed together in a small box before packing into a larger container. Cover holes of shaker type containers and seal with tape.
Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited. It is good practice to place these canned items on the bottom of a box containing several other light items.
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Moving Day Cartons
If you are traveling by car, be sure to pack a "Moving Day Box." Place your last minute items in the box, along with things you will need right away at your new home. Keep a folder with all of your moving paperwork with you at all times.
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You may want to take along:
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- snacks
- soap
- towels
- wipes
- toiletries
- paper plates
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- plastic utensils
- coffee cups and instant coffee
- juice, bottled water
- a small tool kit
- toys for the kids.
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Non-Transportable Items
(DO NOT PACK)
Combustible Liquids:
- Rubbing alcohol
- antifreeze compounds
- combustible cleaning materials.
Corrosive Liquids:
- Acids
- bleach
- auto batteries.
Flammables:
- Adhesive
- aerosol cans
- ammonia
- cleaning fluids
- weed killer
- gasoline/diesel fuel
- flares
- kerosene
- lighter fluids
- matches
- paint remover
- stain
- lacquer
- varnish
- paint thinners.
Compressed Gases:
- Any gases used in welding, un-purged scuba diving equipment and propane tanks.
Valuables:
- Stocks
- currency
- jewelry
- documents
- medications,
- moving and housing information.
Food Items:
- Perishable items of any kind.
Houseplants:
- Living plants of any kind.
Pets:
- Living animals of any kind.
Good Packing Means
- Wrapping items carefully.
- Using sturdy cartons that close completely.
- Making sure of a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward.
- Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock.
- Labeling boxes correctly.
- Limiting cartons, when possible, to a maximum weight of 50 pounds.
Loss and Damage Protection
Be sure to discuss valuation coverage with your moving representative. In the event that an item does get broken, you'll want to be sure that you have adequate coverage to repair or replace the item.
What Type of Cartons Should You Use
The boxes you use to pack your household goods are important many ways. In order to minimize damage, select cartons that are suitable for transporting your goods. Make sure that you are not packing boxes too heavy as they can break open, or too light causing crushing and compression when they are stacked in the moving van. Your sales representative can assist you in locating and purchasing the appropriate cartons, or visit http://www.movingboxes.com/ to buy your boxes online.
- 1.5 cubic foot cartons (the book or small carton)
This is the smallest of the general-purpose containers. Used for books, CD's, DVD's, VCR tapes, tools and canned goods.
- 3.0 cubic foot carton (medium carton)
This is the workhorse carton. Smaller and heavier items are usually packed in these containers,
including small kitchen appliances, lamp bases, pots and pans and small outdoor tools.
- 4.5 cubic foot carton
As the size of the container increases, the weight of the individual items going into the container should decrease. Use this carton for non-hanging clothes, larger lamp bases, lamp shades, linens, unbreakable kitchen goods and toys.
- 6.0 or 6.5 cubic foot carton (Large carton)
This is the largest of the general purpose cartons. This carton should only be considered for the lightest and bulkiest items such as: stuffed toys, blankets, pillows, area rugs and winter coats.
- Dish pack (Barrel or Dish Barrel)
This is the safest of all cartons because of its extra-strength, multiplayer construction. All breakable kitchenware, china and crystal should be packed in these cartons for safety. Occasionally, lamp bases, small antiques and brick-a-brac are also packed in dish packs.
- Mattress Carton
Just as mattresses and box springs come in different sizes, so do the cartons for shipping them in. Standard sizes are crib, twin, double, queen and king. For king size beds, double check that the box springs are either king size or two singles.
- Mirror cartons
Mirror carton pieces will fit together to offer a great deal of flexibility for such items as pictures, mirrors or small glass table tops.
- Wardrobe cartons
These are the largest of the standard cartons. They are constructed so that hanging clothes will remain hanging during the move. Also good for packing drapes and curtains (on hangers) to help reduce wrinkling during shipment.
- Other
There are specialized cartons for very specific needs, such as golf clubs, grandfather clocks, etc.
Made-to-order crates for extremely fragile pieces, such as marble and glass are also available. They must be ordered prior to your move.
Checklist of the Basics
- Pack similar items together. Don't pack a delicate china figurine with a cast iron skillet.
- Start with out-of-season items, and things you use infrequently.
- Keep all parts of pairs together and use resealable plastic bags for hardware, taping the bag securely to the item.
- Do not include unwrapped breakables, spillables or anything that would damage other items.
- Leave lightweight items such as towels and sheets in the dresser drawers.
- Wrap items individually in clean tissue paper or newsprint.
- Small items are easily identified when wrapped in colored paper.
- Very fragile items should be double wrapped and then wrapped in bubble wrap.
- Label boxes with fragile items "FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP"
- Wind electric cords, fastening them so they will not dangle.
- Put a two or three inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton to serve as a cushion. Build up in layers, with heaviest items on the bottom, medium weight next, and lightest weight on top.
- As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces with crushed paper, adding layers of crushed paper between items.
- Avoid overloading the carton, but make sure that nothing "shifts". The carton cover should close easily with no bulges, and no inward bends. Blankets, towels and other soft items may be used for cushioning
- Seal cartons tightly with packing tape.
- Mark each carton with your name and the room to which the carton should be delivered.
- Write "unpack first" on items you will need at destination.
- When you arrive at your new home, tape a sign on the door of each room corresponding to your carton labeling
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