Ready, set, pack! Good packing means...
Limiting
cartons, when possible, to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling
easier.
Wrapping
items carefully.
Providing
plenty of cushioning to absorb shock.
Using
sturdy cartons that close.
Making
sure cartons are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward.
Not
mixing items from different rooms in the same carton, when possible.
Start
with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last
the
things you'll need until moving day.
Empty
drawers of breakables, spillables, items not recommended for inclusion in your
shipment and anything that would puncture or damage other items. However,
blankets,
sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft, lightweight goods may be
left in
drawers.
Pack
similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton
with cast-iron frying pans, for example.
Keep
all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror
bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic or cloth
bags
(which can be purchased from the moving company) and taped or tied securely
to the
article to which they belong.
Wind
electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.
Wrap
items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial
tissue
for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention
to very
small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good outer wrapping.
Place
a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a carton for
cushioning.
Build
up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and
lightest on
top.
As
each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add
more
crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets or
cardboard cut
from cartons as dividers.
Cushion
well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets also may be used for
padding and cushioning. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning
needed. Be sure
no sharp points, edges or rims are lift uncovered.
Pack
small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small
boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper.
Place
small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.
Avoid
overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from
shifting;
the cover should close easily without force, but should not bend inward.
Seal
cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items listed on United's
High-Value Inventory form. These must be left open for the van operator's
inspection.
As
you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for
easy viewing
while cartons are stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to
number and/or
code the cartons as well.
Indicate
your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination.
Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the
carton labels
so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly.
Put
a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination.
China, glassware & silverware
Moving
company packers use a dish pack -- an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of
double- wall construction — for china, glassware and other fragile items
less than 18 inches
in size. Unless cartons of similar strength and construction are valuable,
you might want to
purchase several dish packs from the moving company.
Wrap
all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several
sheets
of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously
tucking in overlapping
edges. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A
generous amount
of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware.
Label cartons,
"FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP."
Flat china & glassware
Larger
china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the
lowest layer
in a dish pack.
Place
cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually then
wrap up
to three in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled
items in the carton
in a row on edge.
Surround
each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add
two
or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and
make a level base
for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping
layers level.
Smaller
plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in
the same way as larger items.
Bowls & odd-shaped items
Depending
on their weight, these might be used either as the bottom or middle layers. Wrap
the same way as flat plates.
Stand
shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as
mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their rims.
Wrap
sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down on top of the bowl. Then,
wrap
both together in clean paper, followed by an outer double layer of
newspaper. Wrap
cream pitchers in clean paper and then a double outer wrapping. Place sugar
bowls,
cream pitchers, sauce containers and similar pieces upright in the carton.
Complete
the layer as for plates.
Cups
Even
when using a dish pack and mini-cells for china, wrap cups individually,
protecting
handles with an extra layer of paper. Then, pack cups upside down.
If
not using a dish pack or cells, wrap cups as previously described in a double
layer of
paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all
handles
facing the same direction. Complete the layer as for plates.
Silver
Because
air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely
in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Holloware — including bowls, tea sets
and serving dishes — should be wrapped carefully as fragile items and packed
like china.
Loose
flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, and in clear plastic or
tissue.
If
silverware is in a chest, you still might want to wrap the pieces individually
and reposition
them in the chest. Or, fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue
paper or paper
towels. Wrap the chest with a large bath towel.
Figurines & other delicate items
Wrap
first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in
newsprint
that has been crushed and flattened out. Be sure the items are
well-protected with plenty
of cushioning.
Small
mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A
bath
towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for
glass. Place
items on edge in a carton.
Fragile items
Many
moving companies use a material called bubble pack (plastic with bubbles) for
exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely valuable as well as
delicate,
it might be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials might be
needed for
maximum protection.
Artificial flowers
An
arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own carton. Wrap
carefully in
plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of
the floral
piece to the bottom of the carton. Label the carton "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE
UP."
For
instructions on moving live plants, ask your agent for a "Moving With House
Plants"
brochure.
Lamp bases
After
removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately
in
newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.) Place them together in a
carton, filling
spaces with crushed paper. More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed
in a
carton.
Lamp shades
Never
wrap lamp shades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets
of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
To
allow for movement, use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger all around
than
the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the
lamp shade
to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A small shade can be
nested
inside a large one, if you are sure they will not touch. Only one silk shade
should
be placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk.
Do
not pack other items with shades. Label cartons "LAMP SHADES — FRAGILE."
It
is best to have the moving company crate large Tiffany-type or other glass lamp
shades
or chandeliers.
Glass table tops, marble slabs, large mirrors, paintings,
statues & large vases
All
are easily damaged. Glass might shatter, and marble slabs can crack at veins.
Paper
never should be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.
It's
best to consult with your moving company about custom-made cartons and crates
for
items of this kind.
Books
Pack
them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not
pack with
spine facing up, as glue can break away from the binder. Pack books of the
same general
size together.
Expensively
bound volumes or those of special sentimental value should be individually
wrapped before packing.
Because
books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons.
Photographs
Family
photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons
rather than being combined with other household items.
Protect
framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton.
Label cartons clearly for easy identification.
If
possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to destination.
Compact discs, tapes & records
Remove
these items from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind records are heavy
and should be packed in small cartons.
If
records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to
protect them from being scratched.
Stand
compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper.
Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of
cardboard
cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on
the
outside of the box and mark "FRAGILE."
Cassette
tapes should be placed in the protective plastic box in which they came, if
possible, and then wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual
tapes either vertically or horizontally on a couple of layers of crushed
paper.
Clothing
Clothing
left on hangers and placed in wardrobe cartons used by moving companies will
arrive at destination wrinkle-free. You might want to purchase several of
these special
cartons from your moving company. One will hold about two feet of compressed
clothing
on hangers.
If
wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed from its hanger,
folded
and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some
lightweight clothing —
such as lingerie and sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers.
Hats
may be left in hatboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, stuff the crown of
each
hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the outside and
place in a
carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats on the bottom. Don't
pack anything
else with hats. Label the carton "FRAGILE."
Footwear
may be left in shoeboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, wrap each shoe
individually and then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage
to heels
or ornaments. Don't pack heavy items on top of shoes.
It
is recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having them moved on
the van.
Linens & bedding
Blankets,
sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a
large plastic bag and packed in a carton that has been lined with clean
paper.
Wrap
your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for
cushioning
or padding many types of items.
Special
mattress cartons in various sizes are available from your moving company for a
nominal charge. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in
cartons.
Draperies & curtains
Clothing
wardrobes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies. Fold them lengthwise,
place over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe.
Draperies
and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper
or plastic wrap.
Rugs
Leave
rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they've just been
returned from
the cleaners, leave them rolled.
Major appliances
Pre-move
preparation is required for many major appliances. Set an appointment with a
service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment -- or have
your
agent send someone out who is authorized to perform this service.
Small appliances
Items
such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped
individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper.
Small
clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed in the same carton
with
linens or as extra items with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as
not to
scratch or otherwise damage items.
Steam
irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom
of a box.
Remove
all batteries from small appliances before packing.
Tools
Long-handled
garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together
securely. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed
separately.
Hand
tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or
they may
be packed according to general packing rules. Always use small cartons
because tools
usually are heavy.
Outdoor equipment
Before
moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds.
Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a
cloth bag
and securely attach to corresponding equipment.
Prepare
lawn mower by draining gasoline prior to the day of loading.
Food
Take
only food items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable.
In the
winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing.
Open
boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be
sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon
cubes,
gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before
packing
in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape.
Since
canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited.
A word about special household items
The popularity of home electronic items has added a new dimension for the
do-it-yourself packer. Home computers, microwave ovens and stereo systems
require special care to ensure they arrive at destination safely.
If you saved the original cartons and packing materials in which these items
arrived, it is best to repack using those materials. Should you not have these
materials, you might want to contact a store selling your particular item and
ask if discarded packing materials are available.
Your United agent is familiar with current techniques for properly packing
electronic items and can assist you with advice or pack the items for you. It is
your responsibility to disconnect electronic items prior to packers' arrival.