General Guidelines
- Start packing well in advance of the move. Proper packing is the most important thing that you, the shipper, can do to save time, money, and aggravation!
- Gather quality packing materials: sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels.
- If using repurposed or second hand boxes, remove any staples from boxes to protect surfaces such as wood floors, countertops, and furniture.
- Do NOT interlock box flaps together — always tape bottoms and tops with at least three strips of tape, and at least 6 inches up or down the sides of the box, for strength. Remember that taping reinforces the strength of the box, and can be easily cut with a blade later when unpacking.
- Label boxes with contents and destination rooms for easy unpacking. Keep an inventory of your belongings in your moving folder. Assign each box a visible number that matches your inventory sheet, displayed on multiple sides of the box.
- Take apart items that require disassembly and save any hardware involved (sometimes lost hardware is virtually impossible to replace). Put hardware in a baggie. If it goes with a desk or dresser, tape it inside the drawer where it can be seen. If it goes with a bed, secure the baggie to the bed rails.
- Pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing paper to prevent items from shifting.
- Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like bedding.
- Wardrobe boxes are great for packing clothing or jackets on hangers, but they can serve many other purposes too! Consider using them for items like throw pillows and small sofa cushions, large (but light-weight) children's toys or playsets, or unboxed attic items like Christmas decor.
- Dust and clean items during the packing process — especially electronics like TV/stereo equipment and cables. No need to take the dust with you to your new home!
- Mirrors and pictures with glass should be individually wrapped in blankets or bubble wrap and packed in picture cartons. Lamps and lamp shades should each be placed in separate boxes. Only one lamp shade to a box, wrapped in clean white paper or plastic. Do not use newspaper with print or it will permanently mark the shades.
- Pack essential items separately for easy access upon arrival. This includes your tool box and check book, which you may need on moving day!
Stuff to Set Aside
Some items are best kept in your possession! Some examples:
- Car keys
- Cash
- Computer backup drives
- Checkbooks
- Deeds & car titles
- Financial documents
- Jewelry
- Medical records
- Prescription medications
- Remotes for TVs and cable boxes
- School records
- Wedding and family photo albums
Packing the Kitchen
- Wrap dishes and glassware individually with packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Use dish boxes with dividers for fragile items like stemware and china to minimize breakage during transit.
- Plates should be individually wrapped and then stood on their side in the box with a cloud of soft material underneath (such as towels or bubble wrap). To reduce the chance of breakage, NEVER lay and stack plates flat!
- Use dish towels, oven mitts, or even clothing to cushion fragile items.
- Take special care with small items to avoid losing them in packing materials. Using tape to secure the wrapping can help distinguish small items, such as the top of a sugar bowl, from bunched up pieces of paper (consider using brightly colored tape if possible). Additionally, tape several small packages together to keep them organized.
- Secure silverware, utensils, and other similar items together using rubber bands or packing tape.
- Ensure all appliances are thoroughly cleaned, dried, and emptied of any food residue to prevent mold or unpleasant odors during transit.
- Pack spices and small kitchen gadgets in sealed plastic bags.
- Keep sharp knives protected with cardboard or knife guards.
Packing Bedrooms
- Use wardrobe boxes to transport hanging clothes directly from the closet.
- Use mattress covers to protect mattresses from dirt and damage. Your movers can easily handle this task on the day of the move, so just make sure to let them know that you have bags available!
- Pack pillows in large garbage bags for easy transport.
- Utilize under-bed storage containers for lightweight items like shoes or seasonal clothing.
- When moving locally it is typically safe to leave clothing in dresser drawers. Check with your movers to be sure. But always remove breakable and valuable items.
Packing the Office
- Back up important digital files before disconnecting electronics, and pack electronics in their original boxes when possible.
- Label cables and cords for easy reassembly, using cable organizers or zip ties to keep cords tidy.
- Wrap monitors and screens with bubble wrap and secure with tape. When possible, box these items.
Packing the Garage
- Set your coolers aside for moving day. You may need to transport perishables and other refrigerated items yourself.
- Wrap sharp or pointed tools with bubble wrap or cardboard.
- Pack small hardware in labeled containers or ziplock bags.
- Use toolboxes or tackle boxes for small hand tools, and secure long-handled tools together with packing tape or zip ties.
- Store garden hoses and cables neatly coiled to save space (and make sure hoses have been drained).
- Breaking down garage shelving units in advance will save your movers a lot of time. Secure the parts together using tape or shrink wrap, along with any hardware.
- It might seem like a good idea to store packed boxes from the home in the garage during the packing process. Just remember, garage floors tend to collect dirt, oil, and grease — all of which can end up on the bottom of your boxes (and subsequently the clean, pristine floors of your new home).
Items Not Allowed
While packing for your move, it's crucial to remember that certain items are hazardous or prohibited from transportation for safety reasons. Avoid packing the following items:
Hazardous Materials:
- Paints, varnishes, and paint thinners
- Aerosol cans
- Motor oil and gasoline
- Propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Cleaning solvents and chemicals
- Batteries (especially car batteries)
- Pool chemicals
- Ammunition
- Liquid bleach
- Matches
- Fireworks
- Charcoal
Perishable Foods:
- Produce
- Frozen/refrigerated foods
- Open food containers
- Plants
For local moves that do not require overnight storage, perishable items that are properly packed may be transported by your movers (always best to ask in advance).