Packing Tips
Smart Moves offers packing services at a great rate and can pack your whole house or just a room or two, but should you decide to pack yourself we have compiled a few tips and guidelines for you to go by!
1. Start 6 weeks to 1 month before your move so you have plenty of time. A lot of times customers underestimate the amount of things that they have. Give yourself enough time so you don't get stressed out at the end trying to get it all done.
2. Be sure to order your packing supplies from your moving company. They will usually have recommendations as far as how many types and sizes of boxes you need for your specific move.
3. Start saving newspapers.
4. Plan your packing. Start with the items you rarely use.
5. It's a great time to get rid of things you don't need anymore! Discard them, donate them, or have a garage sale.
6. Be sure to keep a master inventory list detailing what is in each box and the box number so if you need something you know where it is.
7. Label the contents and what room is goes in on the outside of the box.
8. Label "Open first" on the boxes you are going to need to get into quickly after your move.
9. Label boxes that you want to move in your car and not to on the moving truck.
10. Mark "fragile" and "this is up" on boxes that have breakables.
11. Use professional packing tape, masking tape isn't strong enough to hold fully packed boxes.
12. Pack cds, records, and tapes on edge and tightly so they don't shift.
13. Tie brooms, mop handles, and curtain rods in bundles.
14. For disassembled furniture, be sure to put the bolts, fasteners, and assembly instructions in a plastic bag and tapes to one of the pieces.
15. Fill the washing machine with blankets or stuffed animals to keep it secure during transport.
16. Secure drawers inside the refrigerator so they don't come loose. Don't tape bureau drawers such because it could damage the finish.
17. Tape any sharp edges such as scissors or tools to prevent injury.
18. Don't pack hazardous materials.
19. All boxes should weight less than 50 lbs.
20. Don't over or under-fill boxes because this heightens the risk of damage. Tape tops shut.
21. Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Cushion every carton with crushed paper on the bottom, between layers, and at the top. Pack small articles in small boxes and nest them into larger boxes.
22. Wrap all items separately to protect surfaces.
23. Wrap small items in colored paper so they won't be lost and discarded with the paper.
24. If you must ship liquids, fasten and tape lids, seal in a plastic bag, and place upright in box.
25. Tape small pieces and screws to where they belong or put them in a box labeled "set-up box" for easy access.
26. Place items from desks and drawers in small labeled boxes. Clothing may remain in the dresser drawers.
27. Assign a place for suitcases and all items not going in the moving truck.
CHINA
- Wrap dishes in clean paper, not newspaper, to avoid ink stains.
- Pack china dishes on their edges.
- Wrap each one individually, then wrap up to 3 together with a double layer of paper.
- Surround each bundle with paper.
- Dividers can help keep layers level.
- Dishpacks are made specifically for dishware, so try to use these.
STEMWARE
- Individually wrap with protective paper around the stem and inside the goblet.
- Place stem-up in a dishpack.
- Surround each goblet with an extra layer of paper.
SOFT GOODS/LINENS
- Pack soft goods like pillows in boxes with a layer of paper between each one.
SHOES
- Try to pack shoes in their original box, and then in a moving box. If this isn't possible, individually wrap them to prevent damage.
CLOTHES
- Use wardrobe boxes for clothing. They have built it rods to hang the clothes and keep them safe.
LAMPS
- Handle lampshades by their wire frames only.
- Place in a box lined with, and surround each shade with paper.
- They can be nested inside each other, if they have a layer of paper between them.
ELECTRONICS
- Try to pack electronics in the boxes they came in.
- Roll and tie cords so they don't get tangled.
- Use plenty of paper and bubble wrap for electronics.
- Pad bottom of box with plenty of paper.
- Wrap electronic with paper and place in carton.
- Pack padding around and on top.
- Seal the carton.
- Make sure to put "top load" on box so its not stacked under other items.
BOOKS
- Pack books on their edges.
- Remember not to pack too many in one box or it may be too heavy to lift.
- Place paper between each one to prevent them from sticking together.
STATUES/FIGURINES
- Wrap in bubble wrap, then in clean paper.
BOTTLES
- Tape shut.
- Wrap in clean newsprint.
- Place bottles in watertight bags before wrapping.
MIRRORS/GLASS
- Wrap several layers of paper around the item, and place in a flat box.
- Tape and seal.
- Stand on edge to prevent damage.
- There are boxes specially made for mirrors, glass, and paintings that you can buy from your moving company.
Any unique items such as chandeliers, marble, antique furniture, etc, should be moved in custom made crates. Contact your moving company about these options.
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