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A few general things you need to know about packing:
- Most people underestimate the number of cartons and time needed for packing. We strongly recommend that you use good quality cartons and packaging materials and be prepared with extra supplies so that you do not fall short.
- We recommend you use clean moving cartons specifically designed for moving. Second-hand
boxes obtained from grocery and liquor stores are not always clean and may not withstand the
weight of items you'll be putting in them. Their odd sizes also tend to make it awkward.
- Begin packing in advance of your move date to avoid the stress and strain of a last minute rush. Any items that you don't need for your daily living routine should be packed first.
- Make sure you use Moving Essentials sturdy cartons that won't tear or strain - this makes the
packages easier to handle and provides better protection to your belongings. Also use clean unprinted newsprint paper. Do not use old newspapers because the ink may rub off onto your items. Order your
newsprint paper from Moving Essentials.
- Identify the contents of each carton for easier unpacking after the move. Mark cartons that contain
delicate materials as "fragile" - this alerts you and the movers to take special care of these items.
When marking cartons, write the information on the top and side for easy identification.
- Don't over-pack your cartons! Keep cartons to 15 lbs (small), 30 lbs or less. This will make it easier to lift / move after your mover has delivered them to your new address.
- Pack heavy, non-breakable items at the bottom of the cartons. Pack less fragile items on top of these, with light items on top. Fragile items should be boxed individually or with lightweight items only.
- Pack flat breakables: pictures, mirrors, shelves, trays, plates, platters, large serving dishes in an upright position (on their side). Do not pack these items laying flat.
- Don't apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.
- Mark your cartons by room, so you know exactly where everything goes. Color coding or using a number system works great (i.e. red stickers for bedroom or 1 for bathroom.)
- Pack all important documents in one place: Bank statements, legal documents, medical records, school records,
taxes, employment records, mortgage records, veterinarian records, passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates,
stock certificates, insurance papers, receipts and pictures of valuable items, vehicle registration book, etc.
- Important: Pack a box of essentials - toilet paper, a telephone, toothpaste and brushes, snacks, coffee and a coffee pot, soap, a flashlight, a screwdriver, pliers, a can-opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels - so you can get them quickly when you arrive at your new home.
Important Things:
Important items (such as photographs, wills, jewelry, home videos, and any other important documents) should be packed separately so that you can personally carry them with you on moving day. Another alternative you might want to consider is placing these belongings in a safety deposit box until after the move.