PREVENTING DAMAGE

• most damage in moving comes from one item vibrating against another
• it pays to purchase the right packing materials to protect your valuables
• supplement bubble wrap and paper with blankets and pillows
• even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects
• there should be no empty space in a box
• however don't overpack the box either
• use heavy-duty packing tape (not masking tape) for the boxes

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOX

• a good packing job starts with strong, sturdy boxes
• boxes have a seal on the bottom that gives their strength and capacity
• indicates a weight limit and an "Edge Crush Test" rating
• 32ect is standard for most moving boxes
• 44ect is standard for most wardrobe and larger specialty boxes

PACKING TECHNIQUES

• keep the weight of your boxes reasonable
• put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry
• double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning
• common sense is essential when loading the truck -- heaviest boxes on the bottom

APPLIANCES

• pack small appliances in original container or a box cushioned with packing paper
• do not use shredded paper -- it can clog the appliance
• check with major appliance dealer for any special moving instructions
• remove loose fittings and accessories on large appliances and pack separately
• pad exterior well
• tie down, tape, or wedge all movable parts and doors
• stuff towels between dishwasher or washing machine sides and tub to keep tub from rotating
• defrost and dry interiors of freezers / refrigerators well
• fill interior spaces with lightweight linens, clothing or stuffed toys

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
• protect your mattress and boxspring with a mattress cover or large sheets of plastic

OTHER FURNITURE

• fill bureau and dresser drawers with small breakable items and cushion well with loose clothes
• secure drawers with pad or blanket and tape
• do not overload drawers with heavy items
• wrap chair arms and legs to prevent scratches
• bundle armless chairs in pairs, seat to seat
• place a folded blanket or other padding between and tie seats together
• remove table legs and tie together
• put hardware in small sealed envelope taped to underside of table top
• pad tops, pad and tie spare table leaves
• for small tables, pad top and wrap legs to prevent scratching
• wrap your best furniture in bubble wrap, to protect from scratching
• also keeps dust and dirt off the upholstery
• stretch wrap can help to prevent small scratches and dust from damaging your furniture
• make sure to wrap the item very tight to prevent snags while you are moving

KITCHENWARE

• individually wrap each breakable dish, glass, etc. in packing paper or bubble wrap
• kitchen boxes will fit most kitchenware without making the box too heavy
• place saucers, plates and platters on edge
• DO NOT STACK FLAT
• cups and bowls may be placed inside each other and wrapped 3 or 4 in a bundle
• pots, pans, etc. can be stacked in a box with packing paper between them
• remember not to make the box too heavy -- someone has to carry it

OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

• extra large boxes best for packing light bulky items -- comforters, pillow, etc.
• can pack a few small fragile items in between the pilows for extra protection
• just don't forget they are there!
• put curtain rod hardware in a plastic bag and tape to rod or pack in dresser drawers
• disassemble lamps before packing
• pack small bases in dresser drawers surrounded by loose clothing
• pack large bases in boxes stuffed with packing paper or bubble wrap
• box shades individually in boxes with plenty of packing paper for stuffing
• don't use newspaper because it smudges
• small mirrors can be well wrapped in paper and packed in boxes
• for larger mirrors and large picture frames, frame boxes work best
• mark GLASS on the outside to prevent mishandling
• always pack and store on end
• after vacuuming rugs and pads, sprinkle with moth flakes
• roll up and tape

ELECTRONICS

• box radios and TVs upright and make sure items are well padded on all sides
• for console-size equipment, surround with furniture pads, then move and load upright
• separately pack stereo, CD, and cassette components
• pack in well-padded box marked FRAGILE
• pack CDs upright in their cases in a sturdy box with tape-reinforced bottom
• tie CDs in small bundles before packing, then fill air space with packing paper
• cassettes can be packed in a similar manner, although you can group them in larger bundles

CLOTHES

• dresses, coats, suits -- anything hanging -- travel best in reusable wardrobe boxes
• do not remove from hangers -- simply hang across rod in wardrobe box as is
• these boxes can also be used seasonally as "extra closets" for wardrobe storage
• ther clothes can remain folded in their regular dresser drawers
• large boxes can hold a lot of clothes without making the box too heavy

BOOKS

• they're heavy, so use medium boxes
• don't mix books with other items
• pack books flat, alternating bindings
• fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

• loosen, lower and turn handlebars at right angles on bikes, carriages to save space
• clean and cover chains and pedals to protect other items from being snagged or soiled
• drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers before loading
• remove handle from hand mowers and place blade end in sturdy box
• drain garden hoses, coil and pack in boxes
• fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools, etc.
• combine rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools together with tape
• don't move paint, gas, or flammables!
• the same goes for alcohol, solvents, lighter fluid, ammunition and greasy mops or rags

VALUABLES

• set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box contents
• pack in a small container you can keep with you throughout the move