Packing/Moving Tips

Put together packing supplies before you start this will make it much easier to pack and go. There's nothing more frustrating, then having to stop half-way through a packing session in order to get more supplies.

• Packed boxes should weigh less than 50 pounds.
• Pack heavier items on the bottom.
• Instead of using bubble wrap around your furniture/pictures try using paper pads, they are a triple layered paper that professional movers use to protect your most precious items.
• Close boxes should properly and be sealed so the tops are flat. If you over-pack a box, you risk damage to the contents.
• Pack small items in small boxes and place them into a large box. Label all boxes, large or small.
• Small, loose items should be boxed or bagged and sealed securely before placing into a larger box.
• If moving liquids, either transfer them into a sealable container or make sure the lid is secured by taping it down, then put it into a waterproof bag, seal the bag then place it upright into a box. Clearly mark the box with arrows and "This End Up". Also, check which items should not be packed - items that your mover will not move.
• Keep an inventory list of each box and its contents. This will be necessary if a box goes missing and you need to make a claim.
• Keep clothing in dresser drawers.
• Keep a box labeled "Load last, unload first" for the essentials you'll need when you arrive. Go here to read more about what to include in your essentials box.
• Keep important records with you. Do not move them with the rest of your household goods. If you cannot take them with you in the car, then send them on ahead with a secure courier company.
• Tape down anything that moves!
• Fill free spots with lighter linens. This can be done with your washer and dryer, and the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator.
• As much as possible, keep items in their proper places. For example, when packing the silverware/flatware, keep it in its' tray then tape bubble wrap around it to secure the contents. This is easier than sorting out all those pieces after your move.
• Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to underside of furniture. Make sure you bag them first.
• Keep tools you'll need to reassemble furniture in a separate box that is clearly marked. I usually keep an all-purpose screwdriver in the glove compartment of our car for just such purposes. There's nothing worse than arriving at your new home late at night, wanting to put the bed together and not knowing where the screwdriver is.
• Do not use standard garbage bags! They rip and tear too easily. If you're going to pack linens and clothing in garbage bags, purchase the thicker, heavy ones to ensure they don't burst during the move. Or double up. Some moving companies don't like you using garbage bags, so do so minimally. The great thing about garbage bags full of clothing is that they can be squished into nooks and holes that exist on the truck, thereby protecting furniture and using less space. Just limit how many you use.
• Keep items from the same room together as much as possible. This will make it easier to sort the contents after you move.
• Get everyone involved by making a task list, then dividing out the jobs that each person can do. Organizing your household will not only save you time and energy, but will make your whole family feel like part of this adventure.

• School records
• Home purchase/sale papers
• Marriage/divorce papers
• Pet documents
• Financial records
• Stock certificates
• Social security cards
• Birth certificates
• Passports

• If you can, start packing early. Begin with the least-used items, and try to complete a few boxes per day.
• Pack on a room-by-room basis. Keeping items from each room separate will simplify unloading the boxes.
• Keep an inventory as you pack. Number the boxes per room and make a list of the major contents of each box.

• Hang ironed or dry-cleaned clothes in wardrobe cartons to avoid the hassle of pressing them after the move.
• Empty the drawers in a piece of furniture before moving the piece itself.
• When you are packing fragile articles, place heavy objects toward the bottom of the carton and more delicate articles near the top.
• Cups and glasses may be stacked and wrapped three or four to a bundle. Place small pieces of paper between each item for added protection.
• Pack your kitchen breakables in liquor cartons if possible, or place them near the top of boxes that hold your other dishes.
• Pack tall table lamps in sturdy dish pack cartons. Wrap the base of the lamp well and fill in the box with wadded-up packing paper. Pack the lampshade by itself, if possible.
• Small pictures can be wrapped and stood up in normal packing boxes with other goods.
• Extremely large pictures should be packed in specially designed picture or mirror cartons.
• Toys and loose shoes do not have to be wrapped in packing paper. Place them in large cartons and seal them up.
• Books and records should be stood on end and packed in small cartons.

• Hang ironed or dry-cleaned clothes in wardrobe cartons to avoid the hassle of pressing them after the move.
• Empty the drawers in a piece of furniture before moving the piece itself.
• When you are packing fragile articles, place heavy objects toward the bottom of the carton and more delicate articles near the top.
• Cups and glasses may be stacked and wrapped three or four to a bundle. Place small pieces of paper between each item for added protection.
• Pack your kitchen breakables in liquor cartons if possible, or place them near the top of boxes that hold your other dishes.
• Pack tall table lamps in sturdy dish pack cartons. Wrap the base of the lamp well and fill in the box with wadded-up packing paper. Pack the lampshade by itself, if possible.
• Small pictures can be wrapped and stood up in normal packing boxes with other goods.
• Extremely large pictures should be packed in specially designed picture or mirror cartons.
• Toys and loose shoes do not have to be wrapped in packing paper. Place them in large cartons and seal them up.
• Books and records should be stood on end and packed in small cartons.
• Make sure when moving you are using Moving Boxes, they are generally stronger than boxes used for other things. A strong box will keep your contents from damage.