Moving Guide – Packing Guide

Getting Started:

What to pack first - Once you know you are moving, start packing any items that you know you will not need to use before your move. Holiday decorations, household furnishings, pictures, and seasonal items like clothes.
Use the right supplies - check out the Movers 101 Topic- What supplies do I need to move and why?
Pack smart - Make sure you try and keep things together that belong to the same room so unloading will go easier.
Let older children pack some of their own boxes -this will get them more excited for the move and keep them occupied. Give them some arts and crafts supplies and let them decorate the boxes.
Always pack your boxes full - If you have a space at the top and the box is already heavy, add some light weight filler, like bubble wrap, packing peanuts or crumpled paper. If you leave empty space at the top, stacking on top will cause the box to crush and tilt.
Labeling - Label your boxes with the room it will go into and what the contents of the box are. Mark the boxes on several sides and on the top so you are able to see the label when the boxes are stacked. Always remember to label fragile boxes so you and others are more cautious with the boxes during loading and unloading.
Don’t pack the boxes too heavy - if other people are helping you you want to make sure they can help carry it. Using the proper size box for the job will help. Small boxes are great for books while large boxes are great for light weight bulky items like jackets and bedding.
If you are taking apart furniture use sealable plastic bags and label them accordingly - Either tape the parts to the item or keep a box aside for all hardware items and make sure you know where the box is when you move in.
If you are temporarily storing boxes in a garage or a basement with a concrete floor, make sure to put something underneath to keep them from sitting on the bare floor - Concrete tends to wick moisture in basements and garages which will ruin the boxes and even the contents.
Be aware of temperature sensitive items -Trucks are not heated or cooled in the cargo areas so if freezing or hot temperatures will damage something find an alternate way of transporting them.
Make sure that you do not pack any prohibited items - Prohibited use of the truck includes to store, treat, transport, or dispose of any regulated, toxic, or hazardous substance or waste, such as corrosive, poisonous, flammable, (like gasoline, propane, kerosene, petroleum based solvents or oil), explosive, accelerant or radioactive material. This includes propane tanks, power tools or motorized equipment with oil and gas. Oil and gas should be drained from equipment before transporting.
Keep valuable items with you - Sometimes things do get lost or damaged during moves, even when using professional movers, so carry your valuable items in your car or with your luggage. Important documents should also be readily available in case there is a need for them during or after your move. You never know when you might get a last minute request from a mortgage company at closing?
Pack the items you might need on your first day or night and keep them easily accessible - Some items may be a change of clothes, toiletries, towels, bedding, prescription medications, disposable tableware, paper towels, cleaning supplies, trash bags, flashlight, a first aid kit, tools, snacks and beverages.

Packing China and Glassware - When wrapping china and glassware always wrap the pieces individually. Place a layer of bubble wrap on the bottom of the box before starting. Heavier items should go on the bottom of the box. Place plates and bowls on edge never lay them flat. Bowls and cups may be placed inside one another when they are sufficiently padded. Glassware should be placed in the box standing up and make sure you have layer of bubble wrap on the top of the box before closing. Make sure you mark you boxes fragile.

Picture Frames and Mirrors - Try and purchase and use mirror and frame boxes made specifically for this purpose. These are heavy duty boxes that are usually adjustable to fit many sizes. If these are not available, use sheets of cardboard to cover the frames and then wrap with bubble wrap and secure. If you are transporting items by car this might be one of the items you do not place in your truck. If possible it it best to transport these items on edge, do not place them flat.

Lamps - If your lamp has a shade, remove the shade and pack separately. Remove the bulbs and the harp (the metal frame that holds the shade on). Use lamp boxes if available, but before boxing always wrap the lamp with bubble wrap to avoid any damage. Try and keep the bulb, harp, and any other pieces together in the box if possible.

Electronics - If you have the original boxes use them if available. If not make sure you use a strong box and wrap all the components generously in bubble wrap. Do not use packing peanuts or any shredded materials as these may get into the appliance and could do potential damage. Try and keep accessories like remote controls, cords and wires with the device so you know what they belong to.

For large televisions you need to be very careful. Many newer TVs need to be transported standing up or they could be damaged. If you have to move the TV in your truck make sure you protect the screen with bubble wrap and/or cardboard and either wrap the TV in moving blankets or try and box the TV with some cardboard. When loading, make sure you place the screen against a flat surface and secure the TV from flipping over. If the TV is boxed label it with the correct side up.

Large Appliances - Always make sure you check your owners manuals for special instructions for transporting. Make sure you will be able to shut off and disconnect water, electricity, or gas from appliances before moving and packing. Where necessary get professional help from a plumber or electrician.

Refrigerator - First disconnect the water line if you have one and then unplug the unit. If you are doing a same day move empty the refrigerator and secure (tape) or remove any loose shelves or items that could become damaged during your move. Empty the drain pan underneath the fridge if there is one. Make sure you secure the doors closed (shrink wrap is good for this) and wrap a blanket around the fridge to protect it during the move. If you have a multi-day move shut the fridge down at least 24 hours before and keep the doors open to allow it to dry out. Tape flow through baking soda boxes in the both the fridge and freezer and then follow the steps outlined above. Just as a note, if you have to transport the fridge laying down check the manufacturer's recommendations before doing so. You may also need to wait before restarting the fridge. Most recommend 8-10 hours.
Range - If moving a gas range make sure you get someone qualified in to disconnect the gas line and cap it. Unplug the unit, both electric ranges and gas ranges have a plug. Remove any loose pieces (burners, broiler pans, racks) and pack them. You might want to either remove any knobs or tape them in place. Clean the unit if necessary and wrap a blanket around the range and secure before loading.
Washing Machines - Disconnect the power and then the water lines. Try to get as much water out of the waterlines and the washer, tilting it slightly may help. Have some old towels or mop ready to soak up any water. Put the water lines and the discharge hose (if detachable) inside of the tub. You want to try and immobilize the tub so it does not swing freely and become damaged during the move. Check your manufacturer's recommendation for transporting your specific model. Secure the doors or lid and power cord before moving and wrap with a blanket to keep from getting damaged. Secure the blanket with tape, shrink wrap or rope.
Dryers - If moving a gas dryer make sure you get someone qualified in to disconnect the gas line and cap it. Unplug the dryer and disconnect the vent. Vacuum the vent and place it inside the dryer. Secure the door and the power cord and wrap with a blanket to protect it. Secure the blanket with tape, shrink wrap or rope.

« Return to Moving Guide