Please take a moment to look over this guide. It explains what items go in what type of box, and items We are Prohibited to transport. If there are any questions please contact us immediately.
Packing many or all of your items can help you save money on the total cost of your move. By reviewing the tips and guidelines contained in this brochure, you can learn how to properly and safely pack your goods. These packing tips are taken directly from suggestions made by experienced packers.
Here are a few things to remember if you choose to pack your own goods:
When selecting packing material for your goods, remember:
Your agent can provide, for a fee, specially made cartons for all your household goods, including mattresses, clothing, and mirrors. The added protection of these cartons may help you avoid damage resulting from poor-quality packing material.
Other packing supplies you may need to include:
After you collect your materials, select a work area that is large enough to handle various sizes of cartons. Also, choose a strong table with a protective cover as your work surface.
Keep your marking pens, tape, and scissors nearby. Spread a neatly stacked, generous amount of packing paper flat on your table.
You’re almost ready. Here are a few more suggestions before getting started:
Use this technique on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantities.
More delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time as well.
As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever there is a gap. All boxes that contain fragile items should be marked “Fragile.”
The remaining section of this brochure suggests how individual household items can be better prepared for moving. Remember that the methods for packing dishware, cups, glassware, and stemware are fundamental and have similar applications to many other household items.
Appliances & Utensils – Wrap and place small appliances and utensils in sturdy cartons with heavier items on the bottom. Have an authorized serviceman prepare all large appliances (refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, etc.) for moving. Be sure to prepare minor appliances (defrost, clean, and dry as needed) before the carrier’s arrival.
Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks – Wrap grates and briquettes separately in newspaper (or place all briquettes in a grocery bag) and place in a carton. Pad the carton with paper to reduce movement of the contents. Propane tanks will not be accepted even if they have been “purged” by an authorized gas grill distributor.
Bedding – Fold and pack all pillowcases, sheets, and towels in clean, medium-sized, 3-cube cartons. Pack blankets, quilts, and comforters in large, 4.5-cube cartons. Most beds will be dismantled by the carrier and set up in your new home. When requested, mattresses will be placed in special-care cartons by the carrier. You can help protect mattresses by covering them with old sheets or mattress covers.
Books – Pack on edge in small, 1.5-cube cartons. Alternate bindings, but don’t overload cartons. (Remember – try to limit individual carton weight to 50 lbs).
Bureau Drawers – Don’t overload. Drawers that are overloaded can cause damage to the bureau during the move. Remove valuables and any items that might break or leak.
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Foods – Pack upright in 1.5-cube cartons with no more than 24 to 30 cans per carton. Do not attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
Cars & Motorcycles – Cars and motorcycles being shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold during the winter months.
China & Glassware – Carriers recommend that you pack your delicate china and glassware in carrier-provided dishpacks. Glassware and china cups should be stuffed with tissue. Do not nest unwrapped glasses. Pack plates, platters, and saucers on edges and layer with padding between each layer as well as on the top and bottom of the carton. Be sure to label these boxes “Fragile.”
Clocks – Remove or secure pendulums in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by an expert serviceman.
Clothing – Place clothes on hangers in wardrobe cartons that are available from your agent. Fold and pack other clothing in clean cartons.
DVD Players, CD Players, and Phonographs – Use original packing materials when available. If original packing materials are not available, refer to the owner’s manuals for further information. Wrap DVD players, CD players, and phonographs with an old blanket and place them upright in the carton. To stabilize the laser on a CD player, replace the transport screws (normally located on the bottom of the unit). For phonographs, stabilize the platter to secure the changer and tone arm by tightening screws located on the top of the turntable. Label boxes “Fragile” and “This side up.”
Drapes & Curtains – Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons or fold and pack in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold, and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.
Lamps & Lampshades – Remove bulbs, harps, and shades and roll up the cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in a clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap the harp and finial with packing paper and tape them to the inside wall of the carton that contains the shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper, and place upright in large, tissue-lined cartons.
Linens – Fold neatly and place in clean cartons or in bureau drawers but be careful not to overload.
DVDs, CDs, Software, Records, and Tapes – Layer the bottom of a small carton with shredded or crushed paper. Pack DVDs, CDs, software discs, and cassettes in their cases and stand them on edge in cartons (do not lay flat). Brace at both ends using a hardcover book to provide a snug fit. Fill with paper as needed. Be sure to mark the box “Fragile.”
Firearms – You are responsible for transporting handguns and ammunition. Other firearms must be unloaded, with legible serial numbers, and registered with your Agency Sales Representative before the move.
Flammables & Combustibles – Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak or even explode. For your own protection, know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you—not your carrier—will be held liable.
Frozen Foods & Plants – Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, carriers are prohibited from accepting these packed items.
Plasma & Big Screen TVs, Entertainment System Components – Agents recommend using a qualified third party to properly prepare plasma and big screen TVs and entertainment system components for transport. It is best to use the original packing when available.
Medicines – Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. Some prescription drugs, such as insulin, lose their potency if exposed to heat. Check with your pharmacist before transporting them with your shipment. It is recommended that you carry all medications with you.
Memory Foam & Extra-Thick Mattresses – Memory foam mattresses should be packed, transported, and stored lying flat. Do not stand them on end for more than a few minutes as that will cause the mattress layers to separate. Special cartons can be purchased from your agent for packing mattresses.
Microwave Ovens – Remove all loose articles inside the oven, such as cookware, glass shelves, and carousels. Wrap loose articles and put them in a separate container. Tape the door shut in an X pattern to protect the glass. Use the original manufacturer’s carton if available.
Mirrors, Paintings & Pictures – Inform your Sales Representative about valuable paintings that require special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames in unprinted newspaper or paper pads and place on edge in cartons or mirror cartons. Never place printed newspaper directly against paintings. The carrier will take down large wall or dresser mirrors and pack them in special cartons.
Personal Computers – Pack computer equipment—PCs, scanners, printers, etc.—in original cartons when available. Otherwise, wrap in protective blankets or padding and put into strong corrugated containers.
Rugs – Leave large rugs to be rolled by the carrier.
Silverware – Wrap each piece in cloth or low-sulfur-content paper to prevent tarnishing. Wrap the silver chest in an old blanket or pad to prevent scratching.
Tools & Lawn Equipment – Drain oil and fuel from power tools such as leaf blowers, trimmers, and chain saws (do not ship flammables under any circumstances). Pack hand tools in small, strong cartons.
Waterbed Mattresses – Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping the internal baffle system with the external vinyl, fold the mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across the individual baffles.
