Packing Tips

The following is a list of items that most people have trouble packing. Please feel free to contact us if we have not provided you with a specific tip.

Air Conditioners

Air conditioners need special attention and you should consult an authorized dealer or air conditioning technician before moving. After servicing the unit, you want to shut it off at least a day before the move and then remove and clean or replace the filter. It would be terrific if you had the box it came in when you bought it, but if not, find a large box and begin padding it extensively. However you pack it, you must make sure that the coils are protected.

Artwork

Wrap framed prints in bubble wrap and put them in flat boxes. Make sure to fill spaces with newspaper or the like in order to prevent movement. If it is a painting with a glass front, tape the front with masking tape in the shape of an 'X'. Then proceed as if it was a framed print. Make sure that you mark "Fragile" on the box.

Bedding

Place bedding in large clean cartons and pack it tightly in order to prevent crushing or denting during the move. You may be able to put light articles such as blankets or pillows in furniture drawers, but consult your mover beforehand.

Beds

Most likely, your moving company will assist you in the dismantling of you beds and the assembly in your new home. If you are to take move your bed then all screws, bolts, and nuts must be taken out and the pieces of the frame tied together. Mark all pieces for easy assembly. Keep all pieces together.

Books

Books should be packed in a small, strong, and securely tied carton. They should be placed cover-to-cover, alternating the bindings in order to prevent pages from becoming interlocked and damaged. Do not pack books in furniture drawers or leave them in portable bookshelves or bookcases.

Bicycles

Handlebars should be loosened and turned sideways. Keep chains and pedals covered.

Bric A Brac

Wrap separately and pack in cartons, boxes, or barrels. Cushion them well with newspaper or the like. Pack largest and heaviest items in bottom of container. Do not pack over edge of container.

Canned Goods

Pack upright in small, sturdy cartons. Do not pack over 50 pounds to each container. Approximately 24 cans should be ample.

China

Wrap china and all fragile objects separately in packing paper. Large platters and heavy pieces should be placed on the bottom of the container. Smaller plates, cups, and saucers should be placed toward the top of the container. Plates and dishes should be placed vertically with pads of paper in between them. Recommended: 3" of paper on the bottom of the barrel or carton and 2" of paper in between layers. Do not pack above edge of container.

Clothing

Wardrobe boxes are your best bet to pack and move clothing. Wardrobes will hold approximately 25 hangers depending upon the size of garments. Your clothing will reach you clean and wrinkle-free. Small clothing articles pack nicely in suitcases, boxes, or trunks.

Clocks

Pendulums on clocks should be removed or secured tightly to the base of the clock. Small clocks may be wrapped and placed in boxes.

Collectibles

Wrap each item separately in bubble wrap or packing paper, if fragile. Pack in box with a layer of peanuts and/or newspaper. Mark "Fragile" on box. You may want to consider carrying these items with you depending on the value of the item.

Computers

It is recommended that you back-up all the files on your computer. Make sure you leave your computer off for at least a day in order for it to cool off. If you have the original box and packing materials, it is suggested that you use it. If you do not have the old box, then put in a box that it fits in and stuff with Styrofoam peanuts in order to limit movement. Pack CPU and monitor in separate boxes. Bundle wires and cables together, put it in a plastic bag, and pack with computer.

Curtains

Before moving day, remove curtains from the rods and fold them neatly in drawers or clean, white tissue-lined cartons.

Draperies

These may be placed on hangers and transferred to wardrobe cartons or they may be folded and placed in cartons. To save on handling charges, they can be sent to the cleaners and delivered directly to your new home.

Drawers in Furniture

Articles such as blankets, cushions, pillows and clothing may or may not be left in drawers depending on the size of the piece and the desire of your moving company. Do no pack heavy items in dressers, bureaus, servers, or buffet drawers. NEVER leave liquids, breakables, or firearms in drawers.

Dryers, Electric or Gas

Check with your local technician or owner manual. Motors may need to be checked and secured.

Food

Dispose of food in open containers that might spill or spoil en route. Perishable food should never be stored or shipped.

Freezers

This type of appliance must be completely defrosted one or two days prior to moving. They should be dried and aired to avoid musty odor. Safety of contents cannot be guaranteed, so it is best to empty your freezer and plan meals that will use up perishable contents. Check with your service provider to be sure the motor is bolted, if necessary.

Glass Tops to Furniture

For complete safety, these items should be crated. This is a "must" when storing or shipping; for local moving however, they frequently can be removed and replaced by the mover who will pad them safely in the van.

Glassware

Stemware and glassware should be wrapped individually and placed in barrels or on the top of china containers. Do not nest unwrapped glasses in each other. Place wrapped glassware right side up, not on their sides.

Grandfather Clocks

Remove chimes. Secure weight chains tightly against the base of the clock with wire or strong string and remove weights and pendulums. If it is going a long distance, call a reputable clock expert to prepare the clock for the move against damage.

Jewelry

It is suggested that you keep valuable jewelry in your immediate possession.

Kitchen Utensils

Kitchen utensils should be clean and placed in cartons or barrels. Durable, heavy pieces should be placed on the bottom and light items on the top with each piece padded against dents, chipping, or scratching. Toasters, irons, waffle irons, mixers, and similar items may be wrapped individually and placed in cartons with other kitchen utensils.

Lamps

Remove ornamental tops and put in a safe place. Small lamps may be wrapped and placed in cartons for safe moving.

Lampshades

Wrap in white, clean tissue paper only, place in cartons, and mark "Fragile." Do not use newspaper because of the possibility of ink smudges. They may be nested, but do not pack them so as to tear lining or puncture parchment shades.

Linens

Table and bed linens should be put into strong cartons or trunks. They should be lined with tissue or clean white or brown paper to protect from dust. Do not use newsprint as a liner because the ink may soil the fabric.

Mattresses

Do not try to roll or handle as this may result in damaged springs or fabrics. You may protect them with a sheet or mattress cover if you like.

Medicine

Seal bottles and jar stoppers. Wrap individually and place them upright in small cartons or metal waste containers.

Mirrors

For long distance moving, they must be crated for safe handling.

Mowers and Gasoline Powered Tools

Gas tanks should be drained and oil reserves emptied. No flammable mixtures or articles may be transported on public carriers.

Paintings

Small pictures can be safely placed between the folds of blankets or pillows in drawers or cartons. Large and valuable pictures and paintings must be padded, wrapped and crated for moving. See artwork for different information.

Records, Tapes, CD's

Pack records on end, side by side, to provide the greatest resistance to weight pressure. Use small cartons only.

Plants

These should be handled personally by you or given to your florist to send to your destination. Moving companies will not assume responsibility for living plants.

Refrigerators

Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All pans, trays, crispers, shelves, or removable parts should be removed and wrapped separately. Have your refrigerator serviced. The motor may have to be bolted down before moving. Do not plug it in at the new home until it has been unbolted.

Rugs

It is not necessary to remove rugs from floors. It is suggested that you have them cleaned before the move. Tacks should be removed from carpeting before movers arrive. Rugs should be rolled and tied securely with rope.

Sewing Machines

These do not need special servicing for local moving. For long distance, stuff paper in and around the machine and place paper between the lid and base to prevent rubbing.

Silverware

Leave in original containers or wrap in cloth or low sulfur-content paper, or tissue and pack in boxes. Place padding in silver chests to prevent moving and scratching.

Stoves

These items must be disconnected prior to pickup. Be sure gas lines are shut off tight and capped, if possible. For electric ranges, if the coils are loose, they must be removed together with griddles, deep fryers and removable parts, then packed separately.

Television Sets

Some sets require that they be checked before moving. Some color TV's must be serviced before and after moving. Television antennas should be removed from rooftops and disassembled. Wrap similar to a computer.

Toilet Articles

Seal the corks and stoppers of cosmetics, medicines, and perfume bottles before wrapping separately in paper and placing upright in cartons or metal waste containers.

Tools

If they are valuable, wrap separately. Tools, as a rule, can be put into small cartons without wrapping individually.

Valuables

You should handle legal documents, jewels, and currency personally. It is suggested that you keep them in you immediate possession.

Washers

An authorized service provider must service automatic washers. Motors should be checked and secured and tumbler action should be protected and fastened in place.