How Do I Pack? With a little care and planning, you and your items will both arrive in mint condition at delivery. Most damage comes from vibration, items packed incorrectly or fragile items being packed with heavy items. Think of a stack of dishes in a box on the bed of a bouncing truck. No matter how well the sides are padded, a firm up-and-down jolt could crack the entire stack. On the other hand, dishes packed on edge and surrounded by butcher's paper or bubble wrap have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed. Same goes for china or glassware, always packed upright. There should be no empty space in a box, however don't over pack or under pack the box either. For everyone: plastic utensils, paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, toilet paper, toiletries, trash bags, a flashlight, first aid kit including pain relievers, pencil and paper, snacks, beverages, and re-closable plastic bags. Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing essential items in a separate bag and carrying it with you. You may even want to prepare a simple meal that you can heat and serve on your first night.
What Materials Should I Use? In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy Double Corrugated Cardboard Boxes, Packing Tape, Butcher's Paper and Bubble Wrap are well worth the money. A Tape Dispenser may help you move along quicker. A Box Cutter can also be used to "cut the tape" and will also be very handy when unpacking. Or a reliable pair of scissors will suffice. Supplement this with copious amounts of blankets and pillows; even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Use heavy-duty packing tape (not masking tape) for the boxes as well as for taping things together (like broom handles and garden tools).
Packing techniques Pack one room at a time, labelling each box with a description of its contents and its destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Please remember to write on the tape and not on the box as this helps to keep the carton in recyclable condition. Be as specific as you can; it will make moving and unpacking that much easier. Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. (You might want to move some of them yourself). If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry. Don't apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface. Use double corrugated cardboard boxes for fragile items and add plenty of cushioning. Pack small appliances in original containers or boxes cushioned with packing paper. (Do not use shredded paper - it can clog the appliance). With major appliances, check with the appliance dealer for any special moving instructions. Beds - Disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and cross-pieces together with packing tape. Be sure to mark on tape to show where pieces fit together for reassembly. You can protect your mattress and base with a mattress cover or large sheets of plastic. Books - They're heavy, so use small boxes. Don't mix books with fragile items. Pack books flat, alternating bindings, and fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap. Clothes - Dresses, coats, suits - anything hanging in closets - travel best in Porta Robes.
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For everyone: plastic utensils, paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, toilet paper, toiletries, trash bags, a flashlight, first aid kit including pain relievers, pencil and paper, snacks, beverages, and re-closable plastic bags. Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing essential items in a separate bag and carrying it with you. You may even want to prepare a simple meal that you can heat and serve on your first night.
A Box Cutter can also be used to "cut the tape" and will also be very handy when unpacking. Or a reliable pair of scissors will suffice. Supplement this with copious amounts of blankets and pillows; even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Use heavy-duty packing tape (not masking tape) for the boxes as well as for taping things together (like broom handles and garden tools).
If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry. Don't apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface. Use double corrugated cardboard boxes for fragile items and add plenty of cushioning. Pack small appliances in original containers or boxes cushioned with packing paper. (Do not use shredded paper - it can clog the appliance). With major appliances, check with the appliance dealer for any special moving instructions. Beds - Disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and cross-pieces together with packing tape. Be sure to mark on tape to show where pieces fit together for reassembly. You can protect your mattress and base with a mattress cover or large sheets of plastic. Books - They're heavy, so use small boxes. Don't mix books with fragile items. Pack books flat, alternating bindings, and fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap. Clothes - Dresses, coats, suits - anything hanging in closets - travel best in Porta Robes.
