Packing Tips
A FEW PACKING TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED
Most things need to go in a box and the box should close flat. The trick is to fill it so that the box does not sink in at the top or curve over, so that the boxes may be stacked. The most common sizes needed are 2 cube (small) and 3 cube (medium). Ensure the box in taped adequately on the bottom.
Please use packing tape, not duct tape or masking tape as these will “unstick.” We usually label the boxes by the room they came from with one
or two key words. (For example: KITCHEN, COFFEEPOT/MUGS.)
KITCHENS: Dishes can be heavy and are typically packed into smaller boxes. If there is a large set of heavy dishes, it is wise to separate the
plates into two boxes and then add lighter dishes to each box to minimize the weight. Most dishes can be wrapped and cushioned with packing
paper, but sometimes bubble wrap or foam sheets can be handy to protect delicate items, especially those with unique shapes like teapots, pitchers or Grandma’s precious china.
Medium boxes work well for larger items like cookie sheets and pots and pans. These metal items can be nestled against one another with
minimal packing paper between them. Try to put one heavy thing in a box and then augment it with lighter items. For example, a heavy kitchen mixer and coffee cups, or two small appliances in a medium box with light plastic storage containers.
Dish cloths and tea towels are perfect for last minute cushioning and can help fill up a box so the top is flat. Bigger things like microwaves,
toaster ovens, or other square shaped countertop appliances don’t need to be boxed. They can be nestled in the truck between other items.
If you have a small chest freezer and you are not moving far, it can be left full and the guys will plug it in on the other end. Try to pack your pantry
in small boxes. Those bottles olive oil and tins of beans can really add up to a heavy box.
WASHROOMS, LAUNDRY ROOMS:
These tend to have many liquids and
cleaners. If you have plastic totes, save them for these items. That way, if something leaks, it will be contained inside the tote. Try to pack the liquids in an upright position and use cleaning rags or towels to stuff between the bottles to keep them standing straight. Label the box “liquid, this side up”.
LAMPS, DECOR, AND ARTWORK: These require a bit of special care.
If you have very tall lamps, they can be stabilized in a lamp boxes but not closed.
Our team will find a spot for them without stacking something on top. Sometimes you can also slide long, slender items such as walking sticks,
canes, and umbrellas in a tall lamp box. All lamps should have their lightbulbs removed and placed in a separate box. That way, if a bulb
breaks, the glass is contained. Lamp shades typically need their own box and should only be nested together if their shape allows them to be stacked without causing damage. Soft bedding and towels are very handy to wrap around delicate things like vases or lamp bases.
Protect smaller art and photos of similar size with either paper or bubble wrap and box them together. Larger canvas artwork should be
boxed individually. Large glass-framed art can be bubble wrapped individually There are specific picture boxes that come in four pieces and
can be accommodate valuable artwork of various sizes.
CLOTHING: Hanging garments can be packed in special wardrobe boxes, but these are quite large and costly. A fast and effective alternative is to leave the clothes on the hanger, fold them over once, and pack them in a medium-sized box. If you have large dressers, they should be emptied so that there isn’t extra weight in the drawers.
Light, fluffy things like duvets, pillows, comforters, and big winter coats can be bagged instead of boxed. It is handy cushioning in the truck
and can be tucked into odd shaped spaces. We prefer to use heavy duty clear bags so items in the bag can be identified.
Long, awkward items like brooms, mops, and garden tools are best left loose unless you have a big sturdy barrel they can go in. Taping these
items together makes them harder to handle. Other odd-shaped things can simply be fit into the truck. Our crews always travel with blankets and
straps to secure just about anything. Large televisions will be removed from the wall by our staff and wrapped in blankets for transport. When in doubt, let one of our team look at an item to decide what is the best packing solution. They are wizards at loading the trucks safely and effectively.
We hope these tips are helpful. U-tube has several videos on “how to pack boxes for moving”. We also offer professional packing services and have a complete range of packing materials. Just ask about these services when you book your move and leave the packing to us.
Did you know that poor packing is the most common reason for broken items during a move? Professionalism keeps your things safe. Don’t take chances: leave the packing to us. We have the packing supplies all the required equipment for our professional packers to pack everything properly and do the job properly including:
- Boxes
- Dish padding
- Bubble wrap
- Wardrobe boxes
- ‘Fragile’ labels
- Packing tape
...along with tons of experience with packing items of all types, shapes and sizes.
We only ever use new boxes and supplies, for quality assurance and cleanliness.
Our team is attentive and meticulous, and will consult you along the way to ensure your belongings are packed to your satisfaction.
