How to pack
PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY CARTONS:
We can sell you any cartons you might need in addition to other packing material
such as paper and tape. You might save a substantial amount of money, however,
by obtaining cartons from other sources such as friends who have recently moved
and/or stores. Starting to collect cartons a month or two prior to your move
will probably make it possible to obtain enough cartons.
SELECT THE PROPER SIZE AND TYPE OF CARTON:
Heavy items such as books, record albums, canned food, etc. should be put in
smaller cartons. Some items such as large pictures, mirrors, glass tops and
shelves, clocks and mattresses may require special cartons which we can provide.
PACKING OF SOME ITEMS IS OPTIONAL ON LOCAL MOVES:
When you are moving locally some items do not necessarily need to be packed.
Items such as mirrors, large pictures and mattresses can usually be transported
safely for short distances without packing. Generally, these items should be
packed for long distance move and for shipments moving into storage. Lamps and
lampshades should always be packed.
PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME:
Packing can appear to be an insurmountable task when viewed from the perspective
of the entire house. Packing one room at a time (and staying with that room
until it is fully packed) has the effect of dividing the overall task into
several smaller and more manageable tasks. This approach also makes it possible
to set realistic goals, i.e. pack the dining room today, the kitchen tomorrow,
etc.
TAPE THE BOTTOM OF CARTONS:
Taping the bottom of cartons before filling them prevents the contents from
spilling out the bottom during the move.
HEAVY ITEMS ON THE BOTTOM/LIGHT ITEMS ON TOP:
In each carton the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter
items on top to prevent damage.
USE A LOT OF PAPER:
All breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Paper should be
used to cushion the bottom, sides and top of cartons.
PLACE BREAKABLES CORRECTLY IN CARTON:
Plates should be stacked vertically as if in a dish drain; glasses and stemware
should be placed in an upright position; again, use plenty of paper on all
fragile and breakable items.
CORRECTLY FILL CARTONS:
Fill all cartons to the top without overfilling. Cartons with items sticking
over the top cannot be properly closed or stacked; cartons that are under filled
tend to crush when stacked. Always make sure each carton is filled totally to
the top before closing. A small space at the top can be filled with paper, a
towel, a blanket or other similar items.
CLOSE CARTON AND SEAL SHUT WITH TAPE:
Cartons should be closed-top and sealed with tape to prevent damage and make
stacking easier.
LABEL EACH CARTON:
Use a felt pen to clearly label each carton as to its general contents and the
room it is to be placed in at destination. Label on the side of each carton
rather than on the top so that cartons in stacks can be identified. If a carton
is packed in a manner that requires it to be always kept in an upright position,
draw arrows on each side indicating which end must always be kept up. Any
cartons containing particularly fragile items should be labeled as such.
STACK CARTONS:
Time will be saved on your move if you arrange cartons in stacks of similar
sized cartons four to five feet high. This enables the cartons to be easily
dollied from the house to the truck.
It is common knowledge that most people do not enjoy
packing, particularly if the house being packed up is large. Nobody however
likes ones household goods to be damaged on route due to poor packing. It is
critical to the success of the move that the contents of your home be packed
correctly and protected whilst in transit. Good packing will reduce the chance
of your household goods from being damaged.
If your budget does not allow you the privilege of a packing service, doing your
own packing can save you a considerable amount of money. If you wish to pack up
the contents of your home yourself you will need to know what materials you will
need and also how to pack up each item safely and securely to prevent damage.
This guide contains useful tips and information on what to pack, what not to
pack and how to pack up many different items. For example, how you pack up your
pots and pans will be very different from how you pack up your heirloom china.
Keep in mind that you can purchase all moving supplies from any movers or moving
supply company.
If you do not have the time to devote to packing and can afford a packing
service, your movers will be able to pack your household goods along with your
furniture. It is critical to book this service in advance and not on moving day.
The movers will provide the packers and the packing materials and the content of
your home will be professionally packed up usually on the day of moving or the
day before. Remember, this is what these people do for a living and they have
enormous knowledge of packing and know all the best techniques to protect your
household contents.
You may also request that the movers do partial packing. Consider having your
movers pack delicate items such as dishes, crystal, and other fragile pieces.
You can reduce the risk of damage by letting the agent do the packing for these
items while reducing your costs by doing the bulk of the packing job yourself.
