Packing Guide

Packing is best done by the professionals to insure safe transport. Here are some packing tips if you plan to pack some or all of your goods. If you have questions about packing or items that cannot be packed, please call us..

Here are some guidelines for self-packing. You might want to print them out and work on them accordingly. 

As with any job, the right tools make the job easier. These packing supplies that will come in handy:

	Moving boxes in assorted sizes.
	Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
	Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or "popcorn."
	Tissue or craft paper for delicate items.
	Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
	Tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) designed to seal cardboard boxes
	Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
	Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
	Scissors and/or sharp knife.

Packing Tips

Use only strong, corrugated cartons that close completely.
Purchase packing paper from your mover or box supply company, don't use newspapers as the ink will rub off and stain clothing and other items.

	Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
	Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
	Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification  log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons  packed. It's a good idea to leave space in your log for a special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. *Notify your mover of any high value items. (*required for valuation protection)
	Be sure to have plenty of "filling" material available.
	Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
	Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier.
	A general rule to remember on carton size -- the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

Packing Dishware:

	Select a medium-sized carton (or dishpack provided by the mover or box supplier) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
	With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.
	Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until the sheets completely cover the plate. Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
	Stack a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner, one at a time, over the plate.
	Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
	Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle, cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.
	Seal the bundle with packing tape.
	Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge.

Use this process on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.

Packing Cups 

	With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
	Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup.
	Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cup).
	Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.
	Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
	Delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time.

Packing Glasses and Stemware

	Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
	Lay on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
	Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers,etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box. Glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.

No matter what you're packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there's a gap. 


Specialized Packing Tips

	Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks
	Wrap grates and briquets separately in a newspaper (or place all briquets into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained and serviced before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method. (Cannot be shipped Internationally)
	Dresser  Drawers
	Don't overload. Too heavy a load can cause damage. Only clothing and soft lightweight articles should be in dressers.
	Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food
	Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton.  Don't attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
	Cars and Motorcycles
	Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Check with your move representative for more detailed information.
	Clocks
	Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for  moving by expert servicemen.
	Drapes and Curtains
	Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or dresser drawers.
	Flammables and Combustibles
	Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. If you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, will  be held liable. The US government imposes up to $25,000 in fines for each occurrence.
	Frozen Foods and Plants
	Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is  prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading.
	Lamps and Lampshades
	Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
	Medicines
	If needed during travel, carry with you. Clearly mark boxes that contain medications for quick access if you should need them.
	Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures
	Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons.  Do not place newspaper or packing directly against oil paintings. (* declare all high value artwork)
	Personal Computers and Video Recorders
	Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is "parked" and ready for transport.
	Silverware
	Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulfur content paper to prevent tarnishing.
	Tools
	Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons.
	Waterbed Mattresses
	Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner's manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.
WARNING: Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes. Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores.

copyright 2002