Moving
& Packing Tips |
Pre-Packing Checklist
• Create an inventory of your home.
• Make a list or video tape of your possessions
• Separate valuables that will not be loaded on the
truck, such as jewelry and documents.
• Dispose of items you no longer want: make a donation
or have a garage sale.
• Purchase or Gather boxes, tape, packing paper, markers
and other packing supplies.
Packing Tips
• Don't underestimate how much you really own ¬
start packing several weeks before your planned move date.
• Pack items that you don't use often 1st.
• Number & Label each box where it will go in your
new home.
• Keep a list of boxes by number, so you'll know right
away if any are missing..
• Professional packing tape should be used. Duct Tape
& Masking Tape breaks easily.
• Pad tops & bottoms of boxes with plenty of paper,
tissue or cloth.
• Use Clean paper when needed. Old newspaper is fine
for some items, but can rub off on others.
• Print "FRAGILE" on boxes with breakable
items.
• Pack boxes tightly. If it rattles or makes noise,
the contents could be damaged while in transit.
• Blankets and other soft items can be used to fill
these gaps to ensure a safely packed box.
• Never pack flammable items, such as fuel, aerosols
or cleaning supplies.
Furniture
Beds: Take apart bed frames and bundle together
with tape or rope. Cover mattresses & box springs with
plastic or blankets to keep clean.
Bikes: Lower and turn handlebars to save
space. Clean wheels, chains, and pedals to avoid soiling other
items.
Books: Use small boxes, and alternate spine
and open sides laying flat in the box. You may also choose
to use paper to fill empty gaps.
Bottles: Tape bottles shut and wrap in paper
to prevent damage. Bottles can be placed in plastic bags for
extra protection..
Dressers & Chest/Drawers: If you plan
to leave items inside, make sure to pad the inside well so
that things do not rattle around or make noise. Then cover
with blankets & tape or rope to secure the drawers.
Chairs: Wrap the arms and legs with padding
to prevent scratching. Chairs without arms can be secured
together with tape or rope in pairs, seat to seat.
China: Wrap china in clean packing paper
and place in boxes sectioned off with specially designed dish
packs.
Clothing: The quickest and easiest way to
move hanging clothes are in wardrobe containers or in clean
sheets or blankets (burrito wrap).
Small Appliance & Electronics: Use original
carton and foam packing whenever possible. This includes stereos,
computers, etc... Bubble wrap, paper, blankets may also be
used if packing in new carton.
Heavy Items: When necessary, individually
wrap tools, canned goods and other small heavy items before
placing in boxes.
Lamp Shades: Always place in padded cartons
separated with paper to avoid getting dirty & damaged.
Washer & Dishwashers: Remove hoses and
place padding between tub and sides to avoid movement while
in transit.
Refrigerators: Defrost and air dry before
loading. Allow 24-hours settling time before plugging in at
destination.
Gas Appliances: Contact your local gas company
for disconnection and capping.
Lawnmowers/Snow blowers: Remove all gas and
oil completely before loading onto truck.
Mirrors & Glass: X the tape crisscrossed
both sides when possible to absorb vibration while in transit
to prevent breakage. Pad generously before placing in cartons.
Always stand on end and never lay them flat.
Rugs: Roll them up and secure with shrink
wrap or rope.
Soft Goods: Pack soft goods in pillows, towels,
or blankets separated by layers to cushion them.
Statues & Figurines: Wrap in bubble wrap
or paper.
Stemware: Individually wrap. Cushion inside
and out and place in a dish pack carton.
Tables: Remove legs and tie them together,
if possible. Store hardware in a bag and tape to the underside
of the table.
Items Prohibited from Loading:
• Aerosol Cans
• Ammunition
• Cleaning Supplies
• Gasoline
• Oil
• Insecticides
• Bleach
• Live Plants
• Loaded Firearms
• Matches/Candles
• Paint Thinners/Solvents
• Perishable Goods
• Propane Tanks |
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