Packing Tips for a Smooth Move!

General things you need to know about packing: Get rid of items you don't need or haven't used in a year. Always use new boxes designed for moving. Boxes obtained from grocery stores are not always clean and they may not withstand the weight of the items that you'll be packing in them. Also, their odd sizes tend to make loading more difficult. Make sure moving boxes are securely closed at top. Keep boxes packed to 50 lbs or less. Put heavy items in medium boxes and light items in large boxes. Pack non-breakables items tightly in medium boxes, so they're not too heavy. Buy packing paper to wrap items, and bubble wrap for padding. Pack breakables loosely in medium size boxes with lots of bubble wrap. Buy or rent furniture blankets. Mark your boxes by room, so you know exactly where everything goes. Color coding or using a number system works great! Write "FRAGILE" on boxes with breakables and load these boxes on top.

Packing the large furniture:

Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Then label the so they're easy to reassemble.
Chests: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a furniture blanket and rope securely.
Tables: Remove legs, blanket and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.
Large appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. Clean interiors and put accessories in bags. Cover with blanket and tie.
Computers, TVs, & Electronics: Use original packaging, or buy electronic-specific boxes.

Packing the small items:

Small appliances: Put your microwave, VCR, etc. into boxes, and cushion with packing paper.
Books: Pack them flat in small cartons. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs.
Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes etc. in wardrobe boxes. Leave small accessories in drawers.
Collectibles: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely.
CDs: Pack upright and cushion with packing paper.
Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans, and cushion with packing paper.
Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with cups & bowls placed around them.

Packing the miscellaneous items:

Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with stretch wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection.
Bicycles: Cover the chain and pedals to keep grease off other items.
Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap small pieces in packing paper and pack in frame boxes. Cover larger pieces with cardboard, tape securely and stand them along the truck's sides or inside wardrobe boxes.
Lawn furniture: If heavy or bulky, disassemble. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tie together.
Rugs: Roll up and secure with rope or tape.
Plants: Put in plastic bags with air holes, then in boxes. Water before you leave.
Power and garden tools: Wrap all sharp edges and use plenty of cushioning to prevent injury. Tape long-handled tools together and place small ones in boxes.
Lawn mowers/yard edger's: Empty gasoline from tanks, and check for oil leaks.
Garage & attic stuff: Use medium size boxes for car waxes, etc. Properly dispose of oily rags or anything combustible. (Examples include paint, varnish and thinners, gasoline, kerosene and oil, bottled gas, aerosol cans, nail polish and remover, ammunition and fireworks, corrosives, cleaning fluids and detergents just to name a few.)