"HOW-TO Guides" provided by Turnkey Relocation Services
PACKING TIPS

Whether you choose to pack yourself or hire a team of professionals, it is important for you to be familiar with packing techniques and supplies so that your treasured possessions arrive safely. Keep in mind the following general guidelines for good packing:
Picture
  • Limit the weight of each box to 50 pounds, if possible. This will make for much easier handling.
  • Use sturdy boxes, or plastic tubs, that close.
  • Wrap items carefully and use plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. The more fragile the item, the more protection it needs.
  • Make sure boxes or tubs are packed firmly with no rattling, bulging out bending inward.
Techniques
  • Begin packing your out-of-season items and things you use infrequently.
  • Allow yourself more time than you think you will need. Often times this process takes longer than anticipated.
  • Keep an inventory as you pack. This can be done in a small notebook or directly on the sides of the boxes. You may also want to code of number them for your unpacking information. Put your name on the side of each box along with the destination room name at your new home. It will help expedite the unloading of the truck if you place a sign with the name of each room on the door.
  • Use a special mark or sticker on boxes you want to unpack immediately.
  • Clearly label boxes that are not going on the truck, and store them in a spare room or closet. Post a sign that these items are not to be loaded on the moving truck. Find a secure, accessible spot to keep items you will need daily or to finalize the move, for example, medicines, car keys, closing papers, plane tickets, destination information.
  • Use two to three inches of padding in the bottoms of boxes and tubs. Crumpled paper works well for this.
  • Pack boxes in layers with the heaviest items in the bottoms and lighter items in the tops. Level the surfaces between layers with crumpled paper or cardboard dividers.
  • Pack similar items together, and avoid mixing fragile pieces with unbreakables.
  • Towels, sheets, and lightweight blankets can be used for packing.
  • Keep sets together in the same container. Place hardware and pieces in a small plastic bag and tape them to the items they match, for example, mirror screws, bed frame hardware, etc.
  • Empty the furniture drawers of all breakables, spillables, and items that cannot be safely shipped. (If your furniture is being stored you will need to remove all the items from the drawers.) You may leave sweaters, blankets, towels and other soft, lightweight items to travel in the drawers – that many fewer boxes to pack! Lock file cabinets and take the keys with you.
  • Pack small fragile items in their own small boxes, and insert into bigger boxes. This is great idea for safe transport of those very special treasures.
  • Use tissue paper or unprinted newspaper for layer next to the item. (Bright colored tissue paper draws attention to small items as you unpack.) This way no ink will rub off onto the item. Recycle those old newspapers and use them for extra layers and filling empty spots in the boxes.
  • Wind and fasten all electrical cords behind appliances to prevent tangling and damage.
  • Securely close the boxes or tubs using recommended packing tape. Check with your mover before closing any boxes declared as “high value” items.
  • Keep one or two empty boxes aside for any last minute items.
  • Remember to pack “Essentials Boxes” for the children and grown-ups including:
  • Snacks and food that do not need to be cooked
  • Paper plates, plastic ware, napkins
  • Coffee maker, coffee, powdered creamer, sugar, etc. (can also be used to heat water)
  • First aid kit
  • Trash bags
  • Basic tool kit with hammer, screwdriver, nails, and screws
  • Light bulbs
  • Toiletries and soap, shower curtain, towels, toilet paper, toothbrushes. One less thing you have to run right out and do when you arrive!
  • Clearly label boxes that are not going on the truck, and store them in a spare room or closet. Post a sign that these items are not to be loaded on the moving truck. Find a secure, accessible spot to keep items you will need daily or to finalize the move, for example, medicines, car keys, closing papers, plane tickets, destination information.
Special Items

Some items do require extra care when packing. Here are helpful hints for securing safe passage for these.
  • Dishware
There are specially constructed “dish pack” cartons available for purchase from the moving company and other shipping supply vendors. These are double-walled corrugated with dividers, and worth the investment. Ask about gently used boxes, as well. Wrap each piece individually, and place cushioning between each one. Stand plates, platters, and shallow bowls on edge. Place the heaviest items in the bottoms, and lighter ones on top. Use plenty of crumpled paper in the spaces around the dishes. Nest deep bowls together with plenty of layering between them. Wrap lidded dishes, such as sugar bowls, individually with the lid upside down in the base. Then wrap them together as a set. Prominently label boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” with an arrow.
  • Glassware
There are special constructed “cell pack” cartons for glassware. These are of sturdy construction with sectional inserts for placing individual items. Wrap glasses individually and place them upside down in the box or tub. To protect the handles on cups and mugs, wrap handles with an extra layer, pack them in rows upside down, and turn the handles all the same direction. Prominently label boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” with an arrow.
  • Silver
Serving dishes should be wrapped and packed as carefully and in the same manner as fine china. This includes bowls, platters, tea services, and decorative items. Silver will tarnish in the air. Wrapping in plastic will slow the process. Silverware utensils can be wrapped individually or in sets. If you have a silver chest, be sure fill the empty spaces with crumpled tissue paper or soft clothes and wrap the outside in a large towel to prevent scratching.
  • Lamps
Remove the bulb and harp from the base wrapping each separately. Fill empty space in the box or tub (which is great for packing lamps) with lots of crumpled paper. Do not use newsprint to wrap shades – the ink can smear. Do not pack other items with the shades. Several can go in a tub as long as they do not touch. Silk shades should be packed one per box. Mark the boxes or tubs “FRAGILE – LAMPS”. It is best to have high value lamps and chandeliers professionally packed.
  • Other Fragile Items
Use professional packing services to pack your precious and valuable items. If you are packing, it is best to use the item’s original box. If you do not have it then first wrap the item in tissue paper, then bubble wrap. Nest it in the center of the box with lots of cushioning material around all edges. Packing peanuts work best for these items. Keep in mind that large items are easily damaged and professional services would be the best option for custom crating and handling. You can also have custom-made crates built for those special and large items if you wish to pack them yourself.
  • Photos
Carry your irreplaceable family photos with you on the journey. Those you must pack should be put in boxes by themselves. Do not mix photos, slides, negatives, or videos with other items. Framed photos should be wrapped individually and stood upright in the box with cushioning between each one.
  • Books
Before packing, individually wrap all sentimental and valuable books. Choose small containers, books are cumulatively quite heavy. When packing, either stand them upright in the box as they would be on your bookshelf or lay them flat in the bottom. Do not pack books with the spine up because this can damage the binding. Pack books of similar size together. Fill empty spaces in the box with crumpled paper to prevent shifting.
  • Multimedia
Remember to remove all CDs, DVDs, VHS, tapes and records from equipment and storage units. Pack them standing on edge, not flat, in a cushioned container. If records do not have sleeves, they will need paper between them to prevent scratching. Mark this box “FRAGILE” as well.
  • Appliances and Electronics
It is your responsibility to disconnect all electrical appliances prior to the arrival of the movers. Be sure to wrap and secure all cords.
Wrap small appliances and box them separately. Wrap and tie the cords. Remove all batteries from all items; they cannot be shipped on the truck (See Non-Allowables). Empty the water from steam irons prior to packing.
Large appliances require servicing preparation by a professional to make safe for transport. Make an appointment for a service technician to handle this in advance.
If possible, pack computers and stereos in their original boxes. These items require special handling to avoid damage and data loss. Be sure to backup your computer before packing, and carry the storage device with you. (There are two types of folks – Those who backup, and those who wish they had!) The best recommendation is to have these items packed by the professionals. Let electronics reach room temperature before plugging them in.
  • Tools
Use small boxes or tubs due to the weight of these items. Hand tools may be left in toolboxes with crumpled paper filling the empty spaces inside. Power tools should have the attachments removed, bagged and taped onto the tool with the cords wrapped and tied. Long handled tools, including brooms and mops, should be bundled in small sets.
  • Clothing
The simplest transport for hanging clothes is a “wardrobe carton.” These hold two feet of compressed hanging clothes directly from your closet, and are available from your moving company. Ask for gently used ones, as well. Do not pack items in the bottoms of the cartons.
If a wardrobe carton is not used, remove all clothing from the hangers, fold, and place in suitcases, trunks, boxes or tubs. Lightweight clothing can be left (and placed) inside dresser drawers for transport.
Pack hats in hatboxes, and do not pack with any other items. Pack shoes in shoeboxes. Place extra cushioning around heels and ornaments, and do not place heavy items on top of shoes.
  • Bedding and Linens
Pack all linens – bedspreads, sheets, towels, quilts, tablecloths, blankets, etc. – in plastic then place them in a clean box or plastic tub. These items are also great to use as packing support for breakables. Speak with your mover about using “mattress cartons”, and pack pillows in drawers.
Curtains and drapes travel well in “wardrobe cartons” folded and placed on padded hangers.
  • Rugs
Generally, the policy for rugs is the simplest – leave them on the floor! If they have been cleaned and rolled up, leave them as they are. Otherwise, do not do anything – the movers will handle this.
  • Food
Do not pack perishable foods. Also, if the non-perishable will not travel well do not pack it, e.g. canned foods that might freeze.
Open boxes of dry goods – cereal, pasta, powdered items – should be closed tightly, securely taped, and packed in a container. Seal small items such as salt, pepper and other spices with tape over the openings, bundle in a plastic bag, and pack in a box.
Remember, canned goods are heavy so use small boxes.
If you use professional movers, they will pack these items for you as well.
It is also a great opportunity to make food pantry donations.
  • Outdoor Equipment
Drain gas and oil from any lawn equipment prior to the move. Properly dispose of the fluids (See Green Move).
Dismantle all swing sets, garden sheds, patio furniture, etc. that you will take with you. Bundle the large pieces together. Bag the hardware, label it and tape it to the item it matches – later you’ll be glad you did this!  

Supplies
It is important to give thought and planning to the actual materials you will use to pack. If you are packing yourself, the correct boxes and packing supplies will help insure save transit for your possessions. If the movers are providing professional packing services, they will use these items. See the following suggestions for guiding this process.

Boxes
  • Small – (1.5 cu. ft., 18”x12”x12”) → Books, CDs, DVDs, records, tools, files
  • Medium – (3.0 cu. ft., 18”x18”x16”) → Small appliances, pots and pans, non-perishable food, shoes, purses, toys
  • Large – (4.5 cu. ft., 18”x18”x24”) → Lamp shades, towels, blankets, quilts
  • Extra Large – (23”x23”x20”)  → Comforters, drapes, other odd sized but lightweight items
  • Dish Pack – (18”x18”x28”) → Heavy-duty box with dividers for china, glassware, figurines, dishes, etc. Prominently label boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” with an arrow.
  • Cell Pack – (various sizes) → Sturdy construction with sectional inserts specifically for glasses, cups, mugs, stemware, barware, etc. Prominently label boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” with an arrow.
  • Wardrobe – (24”x21”x46”) → Portable closets with a bar to hang clothes directly from the closet.
  • Mirror/Picture – (various sizes) → Specially designed 4 piece telescoping boxes with reinforced corners for pictures, mirrors, glass tabletops. These should always be standing on end; do not lay them flat. Prominently label boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” with an arrow.
  • Mattress Carton – (sizes range from crib to king) These keep mattresses clean, protect them from tears, and support the shape.
Supplies
  • Packing Paper → Usually unprinted newsprint for wrapping items, crumpled for filling empty spaces and cushioning inside boxes or tubs. Recycled newspaper can be used, but keep in mind the ink can smear.
  • Bubble Wrap → Invaluable item for all the fragile and special items.
  • Packing Tape → Do not use masking tape; it will not secure your boxes.
  • Permanent Markers → Choose several different colors for different rooms or different unpacking priorities.
  • Remember to purchase → Fun craft items for the kids to decorate their boxes (See Moving with Children ).
If you are packing yourself, the following are suggested guides on the number of boxes you may require for the task. Your total number will be affected by how heavily decorated and furnished your home is.

Contact us for arranging an Estate Auction, Estate Sale or Buyout to lessen the volume of items you are moving. This is a great opportunity to “downsize.”