Common Sense Tips for Packing

Moving is never fun, and it’s often incredibly stressful. As a result, many people forget to utilize many common sense packing practices. Procrastination sets in and last minute packing leads to poorly packed boxes, more complications and possible damage to your belongings. For your next move, use Empire Relocation’s packing tips checklist to make your move less stressful.

General Packing Guidelines to Follow:

1. Start well in advance. When you feel prepared, there is less stress, and it will inevitably save you time later. Download our moving timeline.
2. Before you start packing, create a simple record-keeping system like a notebook or folder.
3. When you pack boxes, don’t just write things like “kitchen stuff” make separate sheets with the large items listed in that box.
4. Pack what you do not need first, and leave your necessities until last. Some examples of what you could pack first include the majority of your DVDs, videos, and CDs, files and folders for paperwork and documents, photo albums, pictures, knickknacks, books and magazines, extra bedding, extra dishes, out-of-season clothing, and any non-perishable canned and packaged goods you will not consume before your move.
5. Items to keep on hand until the end include a few changes of clothes for each family member, necessary toiletries, medicine, first-aid kit, a few cleaning supplies, paper plates/cups, perishable foods, and moving supplies.
6. Consider creating personal boxes for each family member to fill with the items they will want immediately after the move, before unpacking anything else. Make sure these personal boxes are saved until the end for packing.
7. Make sure boxes are not too heavy to lift. For example, pack books in smaller, multiple boxes.
8. Use color coordinating techniques with markers and labels of the same color for each room of the house so the movers know just where to place boxes.
9. Use wardrobe boxes for clothing and closet items.
10. Keep similar items together in the same box.
11. Use luggage to fill with items rather than packing your empty luggage into boxes.
12. Keep your most important valuables and documents and papers with you.
13. Limiting boxes, when possible, to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier.
14. Wrapping items carefully – see how with our packing videos.
15. Using sturdy boxes that have lids and close.
16. Make sure boxes are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward.
17. Don’t mix items from different rooms in the same box, if possible.
18. Start packing seasonal items first
19. Next, pack things used infrequently.
20. Make a list of, and leave all the things you'll need until moving day for last.
21. Empty drawers of fragile items, items that could spill, and anything that would puncture or damage other items.
22. Pack similar items together. Do not pack fragile items with heavy solid items, for example.
23. Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts, etc. should be placed in bags and taped to their companion items.
24. Wind or tie electrical cords on appliances.
25. Wrap items individually in paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or dish towels for china, crystal and delicate items.
26. Place towels in the bottom of a box for cushioning.
27. Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top.
28. As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets/towels as dividers.
29. Don’t skimp on padding for fragile items
30. Pack small, fragile, or individually wrapped items separately or a few together in smaller boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper.
31. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.
32. Avoid overloading boxes, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting.
33. Boxes should close easily without crushing, but should be able to crush either.
34. Seal boxes with packing tape, never leave box lids loose
35. As you finish packing each box, list the contents on the side (not on the top!) so boxes can be easily read when they are stacked.
36. Consider a numbering or color coded system for your boxes.
37. Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the box labels.
38. Put a special mark on boxes that need to be unpacked first, like kitchen items.

Packing China, glassware & silverware:

• Professional movers use a dish pack -- a sturdy corrugated box of double- wall construction — for china, glassware and other fragile items.
• Moving companies specialize in carrying the right box for the right item.
• Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in paper -- Using several sheets
      of paper. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping.
• Label boxes "FRAGILE"
• Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer
  in a dish pack.
• Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in
  the same way as larger items.

Bowls & odd-shaped items:

• Depending on weight, these might be used in the bottom or middle layers. Wrap the same way as flat plates.
• Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the box and deeper bowls nested two or three together, upside down on their rims.
• Wrap cups individually, protecting handles with an extra layer of paper. Then, pack cups upside down.
• Wrap cups as described in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. 

Silver

• All silver pieces should be wrapped in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap.
• Bowls, tea sets and serving dishes should be wrapped carefully as fragile items and packed like china.
• Wrap loose flatware either individually or in sets, and in clear plastic or tissue.
• If silverware is in a chest, fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper towels. Wrap the chest with a large bath towel.

Other delicate items

• Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in newsprint that has been crushed and flattened out. Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning.
• Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place items on edge in a box.
• Bubble pack is best for exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might be prudent to have it packed for you. Special materials might be needed for
  maximum protection.

Artificial flowers & House plants

• Arrangements of artificial flowers should be packed in their own box. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the box. Label the box "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP."

Lamp bases

• Remove the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in
  newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.)
• Place them together in a box, filling spaces with crushed paper. More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a box.

Lamp shades

• Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper.
• Wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
• To allow for movement, use a sturdy box at least two inches larger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade  to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A small shade can be nested inside a large one, if you are sure they will not touch. Only one silk shade should be placed in a box to avoid stretching the silk.
• Do not pack other items with shades. Label boxes "LAMP SHADES — FRAGILE."
• Large chandeliers or glass lamp shades, glass table tops, marble slabs, large mirrors, paintings, statues and large vases are best left to the moving professionals. Consult with your moving company about custom-made boxes and crates for items of this kind.

Books

• Pack books either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the box. Do not pack with spine facing up, as glue can break away from the binder. Because books are heavy, be sure to use small boxes, even if you are having a moving company move you.

Photographs

• Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate boxes rather than being combined with other household items.
• Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a box. Label boxes clearly for easy identification.
• If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to your destination.

Compact discs, tapes & records

• Remove these items from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind records are heavy and should be packed in small boxes.
• If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect them from being scratched.
• Stand compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and mark "FRAGILE."

Clothing

• Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobe boxes used by moving companies will arrive unwrinkled. You might want to purchase several of these special boxes from your moving company. One box will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers.
• If wardrobe boxes are not used, each garment should be removed from its hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a box lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing — such as tee-shirts and sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers.
• Hats should be left in hatboxes and placed in a large box. Or stuff the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the outside and place in a box lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats on the bottom. Don't pack anything else with hats. Label the box "FRAGILE."
• Footwear may be left in shoeboxes and placed in a large box. Or, wrap each shoe individually and then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage to heels or ornaments. Don't pack heavy items on top of shoes or pack shoes tightly in a box.
• It is recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having them moved on the van.

Linens & bedding

• Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a box that has been lined with clean paper.
• Wrap your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of items.
• Special mattress boxes in various sizes are available from your moving company. Pillows can be placed in bureau drawers or packed in boxes.

Draperies & curtains

• Clothing wardrobe boxes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies. Fold them lengthwise,   place over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe.
• Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in boxes lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

Rugs

• Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they've just been cleaned, leave them rolled.

Major appliances

• Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment -- or have your agent send someone out who is authorized to perform this service.

Small appliances

• Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a box cushioned with crushed paper.
• Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed in the same box with linens or as extra items with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or otherwise damage items.
• Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box.
• Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.

Tools

• Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together securely. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately.
• Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing rules. Always use small boxes because tools are heavy.

Outdoor equipment

• Before moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds. Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a cloth bag and securely attach to corresponding equipment.
• Prepare lawn mower by draining gasoline prior to the day of moving it.

Food

• Do not take anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing and bursting.
• Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, spices, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a large box. Seal holes of shaker-type containers with tape.
• Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one box should be limited.

Household electronics

• Home electronics, such as home computers, microwave ovens and stereo systems, require extra padding, or to be placed back in the boxes in which you purchased them if you kept them. Should you not have these materials, you might want to contact a store selling your particular item and ask if discarded packing materials are available.
• It is your responsibility to disconnect electronic items prior to the movers' arrival.

Your Empire Relocation Concierge is familiar with techniques for properly packing any special items and can assist you with advice or pack the items for you.