Pack like a pro
Packing is
best done by the experts, but if you are packing yourself here
are some helpful tips. Remember, that the contents of the
boxes you packed are not covered for damage. So it is best to
let the professionals pack the breakables!
START
EARLY! As soon
as you know you will be moving...start packing.
GET BOXES!
Lots of boxes in all sizes. You can purchase boxes
from your mover or check with your local merchants for free
used boxes. Make sure you have plenty of tape, packing paper
(use unprinted newspaper), bubble wrap, a marker and scissors.
GET STARTED! Start in the
rooms that are least used, such as the basement or garage and
pack your way to the bedrooms and kitchen so that these rooms
will be packed last. Set up a work area in the room. Lay your
paper out on a flat surface. Have your tape, scissors and
marker at your work area. Pack items only from the room you
are working in. Seal the box securely (make sure the bottom is
sealed also) and mark the room and the box contents on the
side of the box. All the boxes should be filled to the top to
prevent them from crushing in transit. Always pack the
heaviest item on the bottom and lighter items to the top.
Fragile items like lampshades and dried flower arrangements
should be pack individually.
Essentials- one box should contain essential
items you will need right away at your new home. The
telephone, paper towel, toilet paper, paper cups, baby items
and flashlight are some items you made need immediately. This
box should be marked "LOAD LAST", it will be the
first box off the truck at your new house.
Books and Records-should be packed in small
boxes so they are not too heavy to pick up. Make sure the box
is filled to the top. Books should be packed binder side up,
records standing on end.
Lamps-should be wrapped in bubble wrap and
placed standing upright in the box. Fill the rest of the box
with small sofa pillows or small individually wrapped knick
knacks from the room. Be sure to put lots of crushed paper
around all items to prevent them from shifting in the box. The
shade (with the harp) should be packed separately in another
box. Pole lamps do not need to be packed, just wind up
the loose cord.
Stereo components- should be disconnected and
prepared for shipping (see your owners manual) Pack them in
their original boxes if you have them, it not pack them in an
appropriate size box with lots of crushed paper all around.
You may pack two or three components together keeping plenty
of padding between them.
Televisions - do not need to be packed. The
mover will pad wrap them. Wind up and secure the cord.
Bedding - Sheet, blankets, towels and pillows
can be packed in large boxes. The mattresses should be packed
in mattress cartons. (I recommend letting the mover pack the
mattresses).
Dressers- Remove all breakable and loose items
from the dresser. Clothing can remain in the drawers.
Pictures- should be packed in specially designed
picture boxes, available from your mover. Wrap the picture in
bubble wrap. Stuff crushed paper in the bottom of the picture
carton, insert the picture, then fill the top and sides of the
box with more crushed paper to keep the picture snug.
Glass table tops- and glass shelves (from inside
hutch, curio,etc) must be removed and packed. These also
should be packed in picture boxes. Large glass table tops
should be wood crated (ask you mover for advise)
Dishes- should be packed in a sturdy box. Place
3-4 inches of crushed paper in the bottom of the box. Take 3
dinner plates and wrap them together butcher style with at
least 3 sheets of paper between each plate. Place the wrapped
plates on edge in the bottom of the carton. Repeat until the
entire bottom is filled. Start another layer by placing 3-4
inches of crushed paper on top of the packed plates. Smaller
plates or glasses should be on top.
Glasses- Wrap two glasses of the same size
together with 2-3 sheets of paper between them. Stemware
should be packed individually. Place the wrapped glasses
upright in the box. Never lay glasses on their sides and
always pack them at the top of the box.
Microwave- remove the plate from the microwave
and pack separately. Small microwaves should be pack in an
appropriate size box. Large microwaves can be pad wrapped by
the mover.
Pots and Pans- should be wrapped individually to
keep them from clanging together. They can be packed with
other none breakables such as utensils, plastic ware and
dishtowels.
Food- should be in sealed containers. Do not
pack anything that will leak or spill. Do not pack aerosols
(Pam, furniture polish, etc) or flammables (sterno, lamp oil)
and do not pack perishables. Can goods should be packed in
small boxes.
Garden tools- such as rakes, brooms, shovels can
be bundled in groups of 3 or 4 and taped together. Fertilizer,
grass seed, potting soil and ice melt most be packed in a box
to prevent spillage. Remove ashes from charcoal grills and
remove the propane tank on gas grills.
Gasoline can- must be emptied and washed out.
Run the lawnmower unit it is empty of gas.
Do
Not Pack: aerosols, gasoline, flammables,
propane, sterno, bleach, firearms or ammunition. Do not pack
anything that is flammable, combustible or anything that may
leak or spill.
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