Tape the bottom of every box; tape the top closed tightly
when full. Run two strips of tape along the side and one
strip down the center. (If the box is still not strong enough,
apply more tape on the sides.)
Use small boxes for heavier items; larger boxes for light
weight, bulky items.
Stay under fifty pounds per carton and tape securely.
If the carton is too heavy, the bottom can fall out and
damage the contents.
Don’t use masking tape.
Wrap small and/or fragile items individually.
Stuff top, bottom and sides of boxes with paper. This
helps prevent shifting, rubbing and possible breakage.
Pack books and records on end in a small carton. Valued
books should be wrapped in paper or tissue first.
Nest lampshades separately in lightly crushed paper.
Prepare a first day carton with snacks, soap, towels,
etc.
Stack boxes to the top to prevent them from being crushed.
But don't pack fragile items too tightly. Stuff with paper.
Label the contents of every box and the room where it
belongs. Group boxes together that belong in the same room.
Label any boxes/items "STORAGE" that will be stored
for you.
Don't Pack These Items
Money, securities, valuable papers or jewelry. Keep them
with you.
Flammable items: aerosol cans, paints, gasoline, etc.
Perishable times: frozen foods, produce, plants, etc.
Soaps, polishes or medicines with foods.
Kitchenware or other heavy items in boxes with dishware.
Dishware and Glasses
Use double corrugated boxes.
Cushion the bottom with rolled up paper.
Wrap each piece individually.
Bundle flatware in groups of three and wrap the bundle.
Don't place one layer of dishware directly on top of another;
separate with a layer of stuffed paper.
Cushion the top and sides with paper to prevent shifting.
The steadier the contents, the less chance of damages.
Clothing
Put hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes.
Place shoes in medium size boxes. Use paper to protect
and keep pairs seperated.
Place other clothes in medium size/linen size boxes.
Pictures
Use a picture box.
Line bottom of box with paper.
Place picture in box, then stuff front, back and along
the top with paper.
It is sometime possible to pack more than one picture
in a box.
Packing of pictures is always required for long distance
moves or moves into storage.
On a local move there is no need to pack your pictures.
The movers will deal with them on the day of the move.
Lamps
Remove lightbulbs.
Put lampshade in separate box. Mark "FRAGILE."
Electronics
If possible, pack in original cartons. If not, pack each
item in ample amounts of bubble wrap and/or white paper.
Code wiring with tape for easy reinstallation.
Stereo: fasten down the tone arm and dustcover.
Compact disk: check instructions to secure the laser.
Personal computer: backup all important diskettes; "park"
the hard disk (program often included on diagnostics diskette).
For floppy disk drive, insert an old or blank disk.
