Packing Advice

COMMON NEEDS

• 1.5 Small Boxes: Books, China, heavy items
• 3.0 Medium Boxes: Shoes, clothing, medium weight items
• 4.5 Large Boxes: Linens, lamps, lightweight items
• Dishpacks: Dishes, China, glassware
• Mirror Boxes: Pictures and mirrors
• Wardrobe Boxes: Hanging clothes
• 2’’ Packing Tape (Not Masking Tape)Magic Markers
• Packing Paper/ Newsprint/ Bubble wrap

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Pack books, encyclopedias, and the heaviest items in small boxes.
2. Pack china, glassware, and fragile items in boxes marked “fragile” and “Top Load Only”
3. DO NOT pack aerosol cans, unsealed liquids, chemicals, cleaning supplies, bleach, or flammables in boxes to be packed in the trucks. They could leak out and damage other items during transit. We will not be responsible for damage resulting from such items.
4. In preparing boxes, seal them with proper tape, using two or more layers for containers with heavier contents. BOXES MUST BE CLOSED
5. Keep a master list of each box, its contents, and moving location.
6. Remember, boxes packed by the customer are NOT INSURED!

DISHES AND GLASSWARE

1. Use plenty of crumpled paper in the bottom and around the sides of the box before you start putting in the dishes.
2. Place dishes on the edge and glasses standing up in the box. Bowls can be placed flat if necessary.
3. Use plenty of paper! Never worry about using too much paper. Paper is cheap, China is not! When in doubt, use another piece of paper.
4. Use layers of crumpled paper or bubble wrap in between levels or layers of dishes in the box.
5. When packing plates and saucers, line the bottom of the boxes with a generous quantity of crumpled paper. Also used rolled up paper to make “bumpers” all around the sides of the box. Place plates in the center of a roughly square piece of paper with enough overhang on each side to fold halfway over the plate. (Use the same method as wrapping Christmas presents.) When both sides have been folded over, fold the third and fourth sides toward the center so that the plate is tightly wrapped. Repeat this process with the set, stacking plate upon the plate, to create a tightly-wrapped, sealed stack. Place the stack in the box vertically (on the edge instead of flat) if possible. Fragile items are stronger when positioned this way.
6. When packing very fragile china, dishes, and other breakables, use two or three layers of packing paper and extra paper between items or bubble wrap.
7. Generally, when you are very concerned about a certain possession, the customer should transport it before moving day in their own vehicle.
8. When preparing glasses and mugs: Glass or mug should be placed on its side at one end of a large (roughly 12” x 18”) rectangle of paper. Rolling tightly from one end to the other, at about halfway point, fold the paper into the glass on the open side and in front of the glass on the bottom side. Continue rolling until at the end; fold excess paper into the top. Repeat if very fragile. Place them in the box standing up, never flat laying down.
9. When preparing bowls, Pyrex pieces, and pitchers: Using a piece of paper at least twice the size of the item, fold all sides tightly in. Casserole dishes should follow the same procedure, using a second or third wrapping layer, depending on the delicate nature of the piece.
10. When packing long stem wine glasses, roll up a piece of packing paper first. Put one end of the paper down inside the glass filling it with the paper. Next, carefully take the remaining paper, twist it, and wrap around and around the stem of the glass all the way down to the base for support of the stem. Finally, use an additional piece of paper to wrap the entire glass a second time. Always pack vertically (as if you were setting it on a table) with plenty of extra paper in between each glass and in the bottom of the box.
11. Once packed, give the box a gentle shake. It should not make any noise other than rustling paper. If you hear any kind of ‘clink” or “ding” whatsoever, you need to add more crumpled paper between the items.
12. Always fill the box up completely so that it doesn’t crumple, fold down or become unstable when packed in the truck.
13. When completely full, seal boxes with sealing tape and label the room destination in the upper left corner of the box. (Example: kitchen, dining room, bedroom.) Also, mark contents for easier unpacking and designate FRAGILE on boxes to which it applies.