Great information on how to pack for your move! Consider your responsibility for packing Plan ahead! Arrange a packing area and gather needed materials Now that you’re ready, good packing means… Checklist of the basics Moving day How to pack Consider your responsibility for packing: If you decide to do the packing yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move -- including that of having everything properly packed and ready for loading when the van arrives. All packing must be completed the evening before moving day. Only the things you’ll need that night and the next morning should be left for last-minute packing. [return to top] Plan ahead! Arrange a packing area and gather needed materials: “Pack-it-yourselfers” should allow more time -- several weeks, if possible. Since it’s unlikely you’ll be able to drop everything to devote an entire day to packing, plan to work on it between your other pre-move activities. Preparing a convenient place to work and keeping your packing materials in one location is important in completing the packing job by moving day. If there’s a spare room available, consider setting it up as your packing headquarters. Gather together everything you’ll need: Various sizes of sturdy cartons with lids (flaps) that can be completely closed White paper, tissue paper, paper toweling or newsprint (unprinted newspaper cut into 20” x 30” sheets)—good for all-purpose wrapping and cushioning Newspapers for cushioning or use as outer wrappings only: (NOTE): No matter how old the newspaper, the ink always rubs off and can even become embedded in fine china if used for wrapping Tape for sealing packed cartons Scissors and/or sharp knife (keep out of children’s reach) Felt-tip marker for labeling cartons Cartons (including those for special use such as “Dish-Packs,” and wardrobes, unprinted newsprint, tissue paper, “bubble pack” and tape may be purchased from BOXES ON THE RUN. [return to top] Now that you’re ready, good packing means… Limiting cartons, where possible, to a maximum weight of 50 lbs. to make handling easier. Wrapping items carefully. Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. Using sturdy cartons that close. Making sure of a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward. When possible, do not mix items from different rooms in the same carton. [return to top] Moving day You may find it helpful to reserve a carton for last minute items to be packed on moving day. Include such necessities as: Toilet articles Towels Soap Facial/toilet tissue The same carton can serve as an “Instant Aid Box” if you pack things you might need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as: Screwdriver Plastic knives, forks, spoons light bulbs/trash bags First aid kit Instant coffee/tea Paper plates/cups Powdered milk/creamer Snack packages Sugar Instant soup mixes Small pan or electric coffeepot (for heating water) [return to top]