Packaging tips

A few general things you need to know about packing:

• Keep boxes to 50 lbs or less. Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.
• Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes, so they're not too heavy.
• Buy clean newsprint to wrap items, and bubble wrap for padding.
• Pack breakables loosely in plastic storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.
• Rent furniture pads.
• Mark your boxes 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.)
  Write "FRAGILE" on all boxes with breakables and stack these boxes on top.
  
  
  Packing the big things :
  
• Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Then label the pieces so they're easy to reassemble.
• Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.
• Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.
• Big appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags.
• Stuff towels between washer sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie.
• Computers, TVs, & Electronics: Use original packaging, or buy electronic-specific boxes.
  
  Packing the small (but still important) things
  
• Small appliances: Put your microwave, VCR, etc. into boxes, and cushion with wadded paper.
• Books: Pack them flat in small cartons, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs.
• Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers.
• Collectibles: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely.
• CDs: Pack upright and cushion with newspaper.
• Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans, and cushion with paper. Put a few of these items in the "open first" box.
• Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with cups & bowls placed around them.
  
  
  Packing the awkward things
  
• Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection.
• Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars and turn them sideways.
• Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off other items.
• Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap small pieces in newsprint and pack in mirror 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 all tanks, and check for oil leaks.
• Garage & attic stuff: Use medium-sized boxes for spray paints, brushes, car waxes, etc. Throw away oily rags or anything combustible.
• Pets: Always keep them in a pet carrier up front with you. Ask your vet how to make their, and your, move less traumatic.