Packing Essentials

You will need:

Strong packing boxes

Bubble wrap for packing fragile items

Tissue and ink-free packing paper

Scissors

Knife for opening boxes

Several broad-tip markers to label boxes

Rolls of packing tape

Packing Tips

Get more boxes than you think you will need.

Get smaller boxes for books. Use bigger boxes for lighter items.

Pack room-by-room, keeping similar items together.

Reinforce the bottom of boxes with at least one strip of packing tape.

Pack boxes firmly to prevent the contents from shifting during your move.

Use crumpled paper for padding. Seal boxes tightly with wide packing tape.

Pack records and CDs vertically in boxes. Don't stack them flat.

Place heavier items in the bottom of the box and lighter items on top.

Separate items with paper to prevent scratches caused by rubbing.

Remove lids from jars and ceramics. Wrap each separately.

Seal any opened boxes and bottles before packing them to avoid spills and leakage.

Use towels, linens, curtains, etc. to pad boxes of fragile items. Clearly mark these boxes "FRAGILE."

Use a jumbo box for lampshades and cushion them well.

When disassembling furniture, beds, lamps, etc. put the hardware into a plastic bag along with any assembly tips and tape it onto the item itself.

If possible ask your mover if you can leave clothes in dresser drawers. Find out from your movers how they want hanging clothes packed.

Make a master list of all household items and your belongings.

Number boxes when they are packed and sealed. Clearly indicate on the box its room destination. Write on the master list the contents of the numbered boxes.

Make a box of essentials and label it "Open Me First." Put this box to the side to be loaded last (so it is unloaded first) or move it yourself. Your box should include: Basic tools such as flashlights, pocket knife, hammer, screwdrivers, nails, masking tape, tape measure, and light bulbs. Bathroom essentials such as hand towel, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, and shower curtains. Kitchen goodies such as paper towels, coffeemaker and filters, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, dish detergent, a sponge, pet foods, dishes, and trash bags.

Pack rugs last so they can be the first items unloaded and placed at your new location.

Packing Guides