Packing Tips
General Tips:
*Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less and keep the heaviest items separate from smaller, more
fragile items.
*Wrap delicate items individually in newspaper and pad the box with bubble wrap.
*Rent furniture pads and blankets to protect the floors while moving heavy pieces and the
furniture from getting scratched.
*Mark the boxes by which room the contents belong in and number them to keep track of
how many there are.
*Clearly label all fragile boxes so that they are treated with extra care.
Big Items:
*Beds-Tie bed frames together with tape or rope and label the pieces so that you can
reassemble them.
*Bureaus-Fill drawers with clothes or well wrapped items. Cover with a blanket and rope
securely.
*Tables-Remove legs, pad the pieces, and tie together. Tape any nuts and bolts in a bag
underneath the table.
*Appliances-Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. Clean the interiors
very well and tape down any movable parts. Pad the appliances and tie down.
Small Items:
*Appliances-Put your microwave, DVD player, etc into boxes and pad them with wadded
paper.
*Clothes-Pack any hanging items and drapes in wardrobe boxes and leave folded clothes in
your bureau.
*Collectibles-Wrap all fragile items with bubble wrap or newspaper and tape closed.
*Kitchenware-Pack pots and pans inside or each other, padded with newspaper. Put the
most used items in a box marked ‘open first’.
*Dishes-Wrap each dish separately with newspaper or bubble wrap. Pack plates and saucers
on their edges with cups and bowls placed around them.
Difficult Items:
*Chairs-Wrap arms and legs with bubble wrap to protect from scratches. Cover with chair
bags if they are upholstered.
*Bicycles-Loosen handlebars and turn sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease
from getting on other items.
*Mirrors/Artwork-Wrap small pieces in newspaper. Cover larger pieces with cardboard, tape
securely and stand them along the inside walls of the moving truck or inside wardrobe
boxes.
*Rugs-Roll up and secure with tape or rope.
*Power and Garden Tools-Wrap any sharp edges and use plenty of protective cushioning. *Tape long handled tools together and put smaller tools in individual boxes.
*Lawn Mowers-Empty the gasoline tank and check to be sure that there are no oil leaks.
*Pets-Keep pets in an appropriate carrier and in the front of the truck with you. Ask your vet
how you can help make their move less stressful.