Packing Tips

The most effective way to tape a box: Put one strip down the middle seam, adding a strip along left and right of the middle strip, slightly overlapping.

A packed and taped box should be clearly marked on at least two adjoining sides with the contents of the box and the room where they need to be placed at destination. Mark the contents of a box on the sides rather than on top. This makes it easier to identify the contents for each box at the new residence.

Packing paper is crucial to successful packing. The first thing in every box should be 2- 4 inches of crumpled packing paper called “bumpers”. Make a ball or submarine-shaped rolls until bottom of box is filled with padding. A layer of padding should be used before the box is closed as well.

Individually wrap all glassware in towels or packing paper. First, wrap each piece loosely in a sheet of packing paper. Then, wrap the item more tightly in a second sheet. Glasses and stemware should always be stood on end (never sideways) in the dish pack box. Remember that the stem tends to be the most breakable part and don’t hold back on the packing paper! You can also use dish cells, towels, or paper towels to provide additional support. Plates, platters and other flat items should always be packed vertically on end to prevent breakage in the event a box is dropped or jarred. The first, or bottom, tier of the dish box should be for heavier items such as large plates and platters. The second tier can include bread plates, saucers and soup bowls. The top tier should be reserved for glasses, cups or stemware. Padding should be used below and above each tier.

• Keep careful track of remote controls to any electronic devices, as these items are often misplaced during a move. In some cases, the cable television remote and the cable box must be returned to the local cable company. They should not be packed or moved.
• Tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc. should be removed from electronic equipment before being prepped or packed.
• Flat screen televisions are our specialty. Remove the television from the wall or its stand (whichever is applicable), and detach all cables, wires, etc. If original packing materials are unavailable, your flat screen television must be wrapped and crated for maximum protection and always placed in an upright position to avoid damaging. Flat screen televisions must never be laid flat. There is a high likelihood of damage if an upright position is not maintained.

• Never pack a lamp and its shade in the same moving box. A lampshade should be removed from its lamp and packed in a box using plenty of cushioning material on the top, bottom and sides. For cushioning use crumpled packing paper to protect the shade. Do not over pack the box with cushioning material that could potentially damage the lampshade. Always box lampshades. All fabric and delicate lampshades must be boxed individually. Silk lampshades should be packed by a professional (special protection should be used).
• Before packing the lamp, remove its harp and light bulb. Pack these parts together using white packing paper. The lamp itself should be wrapped in brown paper pads (security pads) or bubble wrap. The lamp and its parts can be packed either in a lamp box, dish pack or other suitable moving box.
• Multiple lamps may be packed together. When packing fragile lamps or other items together, always place cushioning materials around all the items to protect against shifting in the box. Remember to use rolls of crumpled white packing paper to make a base of cushioning two to four inches thick at the bottom of the moving box. Finish off a packed lamp box with crumpled white packing paper if the lamp(s) requires it. When loading the truck, load lamp boxes in an upright position when possible.

• Each picture or mirror must be individually wrapped and protected. Never put unprotected items into any moving box.
• When packing pictures and mirrors, keep the glass face-to-face, with the backs against the outside of the boxes. A piece of cardboard can be placed between the glass for added protection. Use an appropriately sized box.
• After setting up the box, begin once again with crumpled packing paper or bumpers on the bottom of the box to act as a cushion. After the item is placed in the packing box, add additional packing paper along the sides and top to prevent any shifting. A properly packed box will have no movement inside.
• Label the packing box with its contents and room destination.