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Packing Room By Room
The Kitchen
This room is usually left until last. In order to avoid a huge job just before moving day, pack all the rarely used items ahead of time to get them out of the way.
Glassware:
Glassware, goblets and stemware should be handled with the utmost care and wrapped individually. Liquor boxes with dividers are excellent for this. Add additional crumpled paper to fill each compartment to the top. If you are using regular boxes, place wrapped glassware on top of other packed dishes.
Dishes:
Line the boxes with layers of paper for cushioning. Dishes (plates, saucers, bowls, cups, glasses) can be nested together in small bundles with a layer of paper between each one. Wrap the entire bundle and seal it with tape. Place the bundles on their side in the box since dishes can withstand a greater stress standing on edge. Heavy items should be placed at the bottom while lighter items go on top. Fill spaces with extra paper or use dish towels and potholders.
Pots & Pans:
Pots or pans can be nested inside each other. Use packing paper between each and then wrap the entire bundle and seal it with tape.
Small Kitchen Appliances:
Wrap and place items such as blenders, toasters, can openers, coffee makers and other kitchen appliances in boxes so they will all be together when unpacking. Use paper to fill in the spaces. Pots and pans can be placed on top if there is room.
Large Appliances:
Appliances should be empty, clean, dry and disconnected for moving day. This means defrosting and airing freezers and refrigerators, and contacting the gas company to disconnect any gas appliances. Internal motors must also be secured. Tape the manual to the inside of the appliance. Check with your authorized dealer in case the appliances need to be serviced before and after moving.
Boxed Foods:
Seal all open boxes with tape and place them in plastic bags. Do not pack boxed foods if your shipment is going into storage.
Spices:
Close all cans securely and seal with tape. Wrap glass bottles individually.
Canister Sets:
Contents may be left in canisters and sealed with tape. Wrap each canister with packing paper.
The Dining Room
Crystal, China & Bric-a-Brac:
For extra protection, box up these items before putting them in packing containers. Seal napkins and tablecloths in plastic bags and use them for additional padding. Mark the boxes "Fragile".
Fine Silver:
Make sure it is clean, and don't use rubber bands. If you have a silverware case, fill in the empty spaces with tissue paper, seal shut with wrapping paper and tape and then wrap in toweling. Otherwise, wrap each piece in soft cloth or special silver paper before packing. This will protect it from tarnish and scratches.
The Living Room & Family Room
Books:
Books should be packed in small, strong, securely-tied cartons. Place them cover to cover, alternating bindings to prevent the pages from becoming interlocked and damaged. Wrap valuable books individually. Do not leave them in portable bookshelves or bookcases.
Curtains & Draperies:
Remove curtains from the rods and fold them neatly in drawers or clean, white tissue-lined cartons. Draperies may be placed on hangers and transferred to wardrobe cartons, or they may be folded and placed in cartons. To save handling, they can be sent to the cleaners and delivered directly to your new home.
Glass Tops to Furniture:
For complete safety, these items should be crated. However, for local moving, the mover can pad them safely in the moving van.
Mirrors & Framed Pictures:
These should be packed in special cartons which can be obtained from the moving company. Small framed pictures may be placed between the folds of blankets or pillows that are packed in boxes.
Lamps:
Take lamps apart, remove the bulbs and wrap the shades carefully before boxing. Use the right sized boxes and label them "Fragile". Don't use newspaper for packing because it can cause permanent stains. To avoid denting the shades, use as little paper as possible.
Dried Flower Arrangements:
Treat these the same as lampshades. Label the boxes with "This End Up".
Clocks:
Pendulums on clocks should be removed or secured tightly to the base of the clock. Small clocks may be wrapped and placed in boxes.
Grandfather Clocks:
Remove the chimes, weights and pendulums and secure weight chains tightly against the base of the clock with wire or strong string. If it is being transported a long distance, call a reputable clock man to prepare the works against damages.
Rugs:
It is not necessary to remove rugs from floors but all tacks should be removed from carpeting which is to be moved. They will be rolled to avoid crushing.
Electronic Equipment:
Place in original packing cartons if possible and secure all parts prior to packing. If you are moving in the summer, CD's, records, tapes, DVD's and floppy disks can be damaged by the heat. Consider taking them yourself, or shipping in a way that will reduce travel time.
Air Conditioners:
Consult your authorized dealer on your particular model. Some sealed units should be bolted down.
The Bedroom
Clothing:
Clothing can either be folded and packed or hung in wardrobe cartons which are available from the moving company. Keep seasonal or special occasion clothes together to make unpacking easier.
Dresser Drawers:
Drawers may remain packed with lightweight clothing. Remove all breakable objects and liquids. If handles and knobs are removed, place them in a small sealable plastic bag and tape it to the inside of the drawer.
Beds:
Strip beds completely. The movers will dismantle and reassemble them at your new residence. Empty a water bed the day before moving. There may be an additional charge for dismantling and reassembling canopy or four poster beds.
Jewelry:
Keep all valuable jewelry in your immediate possession.
Toiletries:
Anything flammable or aerosol cannot be moved in the moving van. Throw them out or take them with you. Seal the corks and stoppers of cosmetics and perfume bottles with masking tape before wrapping separately in paper and placing upright in cartons or metal waste containers.
The Attic/Garage/Cellar/Outdoors
Various Articles:
Prior to moving day, you should arrange to dismantle your TV antenna/satellite dish, yard swing set, playhouse and other large items. Clean thoroughly, using soap and water if possible, to avoid transporting insects or disease. Completely drain garden hoses.
Gasoline Powered Equipment:
Lawn mowers, motorcycles, snow blowers and tools must be emptied of all fuel and oil a few days before the move to assure complete evaporation.
Propane Tanks:
These must be purged before loading.
Car:
The car should have less than 1/4 tank of fuel to allow for expansion. In many cases, it can be driven into the moving van.
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