Visit the Avatar Moving site.
They explain useful things, like the difference between Newsprint
and old newspaper. Newsprint is unprinted newspaper
paper and so relatively cheap and good. Old Newspapers have been
printed and the ink will come off and stain the things you're wrapping,
possibly permanently. Don't use old newspaper! You'll also find strong advice against using used boxes,
like those available from some local markets, for packing. Stains
and food residues in these boxes can ruin your goods and attract insects
if you use them for storage.
Packing Hints
Here's a list of packing supplies
that
will come in handy:
Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
Foam peanuts, styrofoam pellets or "popcorn."
Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
Clean newsprint for general use cushioning
Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
Gummed tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) and tape dispenser.
Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
Scissors and/or box knife.
Packing boxes in sizes ranging from book boxes to wardrobes.
Mattress bags
Pack on a room-by-room basis and do one area of the room at a time. It's
best not to mix items from different rooms in one box. The
last area to be packed should usually be the kitchen. Many items here are
used on a daily basis right up to, and including, moving day!
Start packing several cartons each day a few weeks before your move. Be
sure that the items you pack won't be needed before your move, of course.
By pacing yourself, you'll be more organized and the job won't be so overwhelming.
Take an inventory of what you pack. Note where packed boxes are to
go, especially those that need to go to storage.
Use Corrugated Boxes. Use clean
cartons designed for moving. Boxes obtained from grocery or liquor stores
are not always clean, and they may not withstand the weight of the items
that you'll be putting in them. Also, their odd sizes tend to make loading
more difficult. Use a new box large enough to allow room for adequate cushioning
material on all sides of the contents. Choose a box strength which is suitable
for its contents. Never exceed the maximum gross weight of the box. This
is usually defined in the Box Maker's Certificate printed on the bottom
of the box.
Protect it Inside with Cushioning Materials. It's important to properly
cushion the contents of each carton. Wrap each item separately. Fragile
articles need both proper separation from each other and clearance from
the corners and sides of the box. This will prevent against damage and
protect the contents from shock and vibration which can pass from the outside
of the box to the contents. Proper cushioning material, combined
with a strong outer container, will help protect your belongings.
A wide variety of materials can be used for cushioning and protection.
These include:
Air encapsulated plastic (bubble pack)
Expanded polystyrene (peanuts) [Note: may not be suitable
for heavier products that tend to shift toward the bottom of the package
while in transportation.]
Corrugated dividers
Polystyrene dish sleeves
Paper (crumpled Kraft paper or newspaper) [Note: Paper is
only suitable for lighter products. It tends to flatten when used as cushioning
for heavy products.]
Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents cannot move
easily when you shake the box. Several inches of cushioning material all
the way around should do it. Extremely fragile objects require special
packaging for safe shipment.
Close boxes securely using Strong Tape.
Proper closure of your package is as important as adequate cushioning.
To close a box securely, use a strong tape - two inches or more in width
- such as the types described below. Use professional
packing tape, which is a wide, strong, clear or brown tape. Masking tape
is not strong enough to support the weight of a fully packed carton. Tape
all cartons closed on the top and bottom -- don't just fold the end flaps
closed.
Pressure sensitive plastic, clear or tan - the most convenient and widely
used
Water activated paper tape - the least expensive, put can be a bit messy
without a special dispenser
Pressure sensitive reinforced (strapping) tape - strongest, but more expensive
Do not use masking tape or cellophane tape. These tapes do not provide
the strength necessary for secure closures.
Use Proper Labeling. To minimize confucion and to make retriving
items from storage easier, keep these important points in mind:
Mark each box with the name of the room it is going to go into and a brief
description of contents (you'll appreciate this when you're looking for
that important something!). For boxes going to storage, it's a good
idea to put an inventory sheet on the box to find items later.
Avoid marking or labeling over a seam of closure or on top of sealing tape.
Mark fragile boxes to give everyone a clue of which ones they really shouldn't
drop kick around. Identify the "Top" of fragile boxes if the contents
might be damaged by storing the box on the sides or bottom. The "Top"
should be the most stable orientation of the package as it rests on a flat
surface.
Consider buying a pack of colored stickers and color coding the boxes by
room or by type of item (clothes, etc.). Hang a balloon of a corresponding
color outside the room where you want the color-coded boxes to be delivered.
Color coding is especially good for any boxes that you will need to place
into storage (no point in loading them up twice!).
Decide what you are going to need to unpack first and mark a sequence on
the boxes. Do this for the boxes for each room.
Heavy Packages. Don't pack too much into a box. It is better to have
a lot of boxes that you can lift, than fewer boxes and a strained back.When
packing a box that weighs more than 30 pounds, it is important to re-evaluate
your package materials and check that they are adequate for heavier package
contents.
Cartons need to be of stronger construction, preferable with seams that
are stitched or stapled, not glued. Check the box maker's certification
for maximum weight. The higher the weight certification, the better your
box will protect its contents from impact in handling and over-the-road
vibration.
Use new cartons whose strength has not been compromised by humidity or
prior use wear and tear.
Seal with heavy duty tape, preferably reinforced.
Dense cushioning is a must. Peanuts and crumpled paper are not acceptable.
They crush and shift under heavy loads. Customized corrugated or molded
foam "framing" are more suitable and reinforce the rigidity of the outer
carton.
Do not band packages together unless each individual package is in a carton
designed to support the total "package" weight. If you must band
packages, use a minimum of two bands in each direction, and label the individual
boxes. Band together only same sized boxes.
Don't pack too many books into a box. They are remarkably heavy for their
size. Alternate books so that it goes pages/spine/pages/spine as you look
into the box as most hardback books are slightly wider at the binding and
they may get damaged if you put them all the same way around. Individually
wrap fragile books, valuable hard covers and delicate dust jackets before
placing them in the box. Consider boxing them in a sensible sequence for
refilling your shelves (e.g. by type/size and alphabetical).
Small Items. To prevent small items from being lost or mistakenly thrown
out with the packing paper, wrap miniature knickknacks and other small
items in brightly-colored tissue paper before placing them in the box.
Dish ware - most damage to dish ware is due to improper packing.
Use more cushioning than you think you need. Use heavy duty boxes
and tape.
Plates and Flat China - Begin with the larger items and put smaller items
toward the top. Select a medium-sized carton or dish pack boxes and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled newsprint
paper. With clean newsprint paper stacked neatly in place on a work
table, center one plate on the paper. Grasp a corner on several sheets
of newsprint paper and pull the newsprint over the plate until sheets completely
cover the plate. Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a
second corner and pull newsprint sheets over the second plate. Stack
a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two newsprint sheets
of each corner (one at a time) over the plate. Turn your wrapped
stack of plates upside down onto your newsprint paper. Re-wrap the
entire bundle: start with one corner of newsprint paper and pull two sheets
over the bundle; cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner;
and finally, the fourth. Seal the bundle with packing tape.
Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-size box so that the plates are
standing on edge.
Glassware and Crystal - Always wrap each piece individually. Never
put one piece inside of another. Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled
tissue or clean newsprint paper before wrapping. Glassware and crystal
should make up the very top layer of your carton and should be packed rim
down. Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position,
not on its side. Especially fragile items should be packed in a separate
carton and then packed in a larger carton surrounded by cushioning.
Lay on the corner of clean newsprint paper and roll it one or two
full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of the newsprint paper
up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated
paper rolls or dish pack cell kits may
be used for added protection. The cell kits are usually available
in various heights to accommodate short and long stemware.
Bowls - Wrap individually, then nest 2-3 together and wrap as an entire
package. They can be placed on end or flat. Continue to add layers in the
same manner as for plates and china. Fragile mixing bowls may
be packed using the technique edtailed for Glasses and Cups. Don't
forget to use dish pack boxes!
Glasses and Cups - Even though they can be fairly sturdy, it is still important
that each is carefully wrapped. Pack with the rims down. With
clean newsprint in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight
inches from one of the corners. Now pull the near corner of the paper
up and over the cup. Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle
to left (second cup should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the
bottom cups). Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time,
and tuck corners inside the top cup. Hold the bottom and top cup
in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Again, use dish
pack cell kits for maximum protection.
Unpack breakables over the box you're taking them out of; that way, if
you happen to drop an item, it will land on some packing material, thereby
reducing its chance of breakage.
Statuary, figurines, curios. Wrap
generously in bubble pack, wrap in a layer of clean paper and pack in boxes
with plenty of crumpled paper or foam packing "peanuts" in between items.
Objects with delicate appendages, such as candelabras or figurines with
extended arms, should be wrapped with extra bubble pack and surrounded
by extra packing material. Again, unpack breakables over the
box you're taking them out of; that way, if you happen to drop an item,
it will land on some packing material, thereby reducing its chance of breakage.
Mirrors, Glass/Marble Table Tops, Pictures, Paintings, Etc. - The moving
companies recommend purchasing special cartons for all but the smallest
items in this category. Mirror and picture cartons can handle most situations.
Only one article should be packed in each carton. Cross
mirror glass with a series of masking tape "Xs" to help strengthen the
glass, then wrap in a generous cushion of clean paper, and place in a flattened
packing or telescoping carton. Consider professional crating
assistance for oversized or especially heavy items such as table tops.
Clothing - Folded clothing can be left in sturdy dressers or packed in
suitcases, if desired. Other foldable clothing should be packed in medium
sized cartons. Hanging clothing should be packed in wardrobe
cartons and hung from the steel bar included with the wardrobe carton.
If wardrobe cartons are not used, clothes should be removed from the hangers
and packed in lined cartons. Hats should be left in their boxes and repacked
in moving cartons. If there is no hat box, a small carton can be used with
the hat surrounded by clean crushed newsprint and loosely filled with the
same.
Food - Never pack perishable items, aerosol kitchen products or frozen
food. Box dry foods in medium sized cartons after taping any openings or
tops closed. Jars should also be taped shut and wrapped as well as cushioned.
Both cans and jars should be packed in the smaller cartons because of weight.
Lamps - Remove shade, bulb and harp assembly (the loop that supports the
shade, it usually slides off easily). Double wrap the bulb and harp assembly.
Wrap the base and cushion it in a dish pack or similar type box. For lampshades,
select the carton size as close to the shade measurements as possible.
Pack only one shade per container. Don't use crumbled newsprint inside
or around the outside of the shade. Glass lampshades and chandeliers should
be packed in sturdy boxes as you would
any fragile glassware.
Major Appliances - Many appliances require servicing, disconnecting and
preparation. You may be able to perform most of the requirements yourself.
Use particular caution when disconnecting gas appliances as the flexible
gas line connecting most gas appliances is fragile.
Refrigerators & Freezers: should be emptied of all food. Thoroughly
clean and dry all interior surfaces to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Shelves should be either secured in place or detached and wrapped. An open
box of baking soda can help avoid unpleasant odors. The electric
cord should be unplugged and taped to the back. If there is an ice maker,
it should be disconnected from the water line and drained in advance.
Be sure to wedge refrigerator and freezer doors open when placing into
storage.
Washing Machines: should have all hoses disconnected and containerized.
If you elect to place hoses in the tub or drum, be sure to wrap the metal
couplings with cloth or paper to avoid damage to the tub's surface which
could result from bouncing or vibration. The electric cord should be unplugged
and taped to the back. The washer drum should be secured (see the Instruction
Manual for specifics).
Dryers: should have the vent hose removed and containerized. The electric
cord should be taped to the back. Clean the lint trap. Gas
dryers need special care to avoid damaging the flexible gas line.
Be sure to turn off the gas supply before disconnecting the flex line from
the dryer!
Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks -- Wrap grates and briquets separately
in newspaper (or place all briquets into a grocery bag) and place parts
in carton. Pad carton with newsprint to reduce movement of contents. Propane
tanks must be drained before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor
for the safest method.
Small Appliances - Clocks, radios and other smaller appliances should be
individually wrapped and packed along with linens or towels or surrounded
with crushed paper for protection. Tangles in the electrical cords
can be minimized by neatly looping the individual cords and tying them
with 'twisties' from your local market. Rubber bands work well, too.
Tools - Any power tools containing gasoline or oil should be drained before
moving. Never pack or store flammable fluids, like gas or oil! Long
handled tools can be bundled and secured with tape or stretch wrap. Hand
tools should be wrapped and packed according to general packing rules.
Draperies and Curtains - Wardrobe cartons are excellent for hanging curtains
and drapes. If wardrobes aren't used, pack folded curtains and drapes in
cartons that have been lined with clean newsprint.
Bedding - Mattresses must be covered to protect them from soil and damage,
especially when preparing them for storage. Appropriate sized mattress
bags are recommended and are available from good
packing suppliers.
Beds - Lash bed rails together with rope or plastic
tape. As you take beds apart, mark all pieces so you know which goes with
which headboard, etc. Place covers on mattresses to keep clean during moving
and storage.
Flowers and Plants - For short moves, its best to transport your potted
plants in the back of a van or the like. Pack them to prevent tipping
and crushing. If you move them with an open truck, like a 'pickup',
cover them to prevent wind damage. Live plants and potted flowers
will likely not survive a long distance move unless you are able to provide
daily care for them. Many movers will only take them on the condition that
they are marked as "dead" on the inventory. If they survive, then it is
a bonus. Artificial flower arrangements should be carefully wrapped
and packed in individual cartons. If possible, secure the arrangement to
the bottom of the carton. Cushion and label appropriately.
Electronics and Clocks - Original manufacturer's packaging with Styrofoam
inserts provide the best protection for moving electronic goods. If these
are not available, large or medium cartons should be used and the item
well wrapped and cushioned. Larger home electronics such as consoles and
large screen (projection type) televisions should not be packed but should
instead be moved as furniture. Grandfather clocks and other delicate mechanical
devices require special pre move preparation. Its best to consult
a specialist.
Computers - here's the information you need to make sure your computer
doesn't arrive at your new home in bytes and pieces.
Make backup copies of all your files. Store the backup disk with your original
program disks and keep in a secure container. All backup media is
temperature sensitive. High temperatures will damage your backups.
Remove any floppy diskettes, CD's and all other media (ZIP disks, etc.)
from their drives close the drive door.
Most modern hard disks "auto park" the heads when power is removed.
The disk automatically retracts the recording heads from the data area
into a safety zone. To prepare an older hard disk, you'll need to
make sure the recording heads are parked for transport. IBM and most
hard-disk clones include the program SHIPDISK.EXE, which parks the heads.
The hard disk becomes unparked once you turn the computer back on.
Once your hard drive is secure, turn off the system and remove all cables
from the back of the unit. Carefully label them so you know where
to connect them again. Individually loop and tie the leads to prevent tangles.
When possible, you should always pack your computer in the box that it
came in. If you don't have the original box, all equipment should be packed
in sturdy boxes with generous packing. Don't use styrofoam 'peanuts'
as they can generate enough static electricity to damage some components.
Use the original packing or generous amounts of clean crumpled newsprint.
If you have a printer, pack it in its original box. Remove ink cartridges
from ink jet and laser printers. Don't forget to do the same with
a FAX machine. If you are moving a pin printer, insert a piece of
paper in the platen to secure the print head.
Some scanners need to have the scanner bed secured before moving, consult
the manual.
If you are taking a hi-fi / home theater set up apart, ask yourself this
question. Do I know enough to be able to put this together again (if it
was installed for you, possibly not! If this is the case, you'll probably
be hiring an installer to put it together again at your new house, so if
you aren't moving too far, you can get them to take it apart here and put
it together again there, for a reasonable fee. If you are moving far you
may need to pay two different companies. In any case the speaker wiring
etc. may need to be different in each property so it is worthwhile getting
it all set up properly again.) If you feel safe (or lucky) get a roll of
sticky labels and mark up every lead and connection. Check that the colors
of the leads are consistent through the connections. For home theater
set-ups, again labeling everything to start with will make things much
easier. Certain equipment (record decks in particular) may need to
have transit screws replaced/tightened to prevent damage in transit. Remove
the stylus and put it in a padded box (matchbox or similar) and tape that
to some safe part of the deck. Use a twistie or similar to restrain the
arm. Remove the platter (being careful with the rubber belt if it is belt
driven) and pad it safely to stop it coming loose and breaking the rest
of the deck during the move. Remove all cassettes, CDs, laser discs etc.
from their apparatus before securing them for transit. Before reassembling
the equipment, it is a good time to clean all the contacts and the ends
of the leads with an appropriate cleaner (not Pledge/Mr. Sheen!).
Record albums, tapes, CDs. Stack
these items on end so they can absorb shock with less chance of damage.
Pack tightly so they're secure and can't shift.
Some common household items should not be packed, stored or shipped because
they are hazardous materials. Examples of these materials include flammables
such as paint, varnish and thinners, gasoline, kerosene and oil, bottled
gas, aerosol cans, nail polish and remover, ammunition and explosives,
corrosives, and cleaning fluids and detergents. Packing
Flammable Articles can Cause Explosion or Fire. Heat from the sun
can raise temperatures inside a closed van or storage unit to more than
150 degrees. Even in the middle of winter, heat builds up inside. Many
common items, including aerosol hair spray or cleaning products can trigger
an explosion or fire that could destroy your possessions when packed or
stored. For your own safety and the safety of your
belongings, make sure that no member of your family packs these items in
a container to be moved. Replacing a can of hair spray is much easier than
replacing all of your belongings.
Restricted Materials Include:
Bottled gas of any type
Paints, varnishes, solvents, thinners
and oils
Corrosives and explosives
Ammunition
Gasoline, kerosene and any other flammable
liquid
Flammable household items like nail
polish remover and lamp oil
Heating agents like Sterno
Ammonia and bleach
Aerosol cans regardless of the content
Matches and lighters
Aerosol cans of all types
Chemicals and chemistry sets
Cleaning fluids
Cologne
Fertilizers with ammonium nitrate
Fire extinguishers
Fireworks
Flammable goods
Flares
Food of any kind, including pet foods
Furniture polish
Lighter fluid
Perfume
Starter fuel
Tanks of compressed gas
Any other type of combustible.
You should personally transport irreplaceable photos, financial papers
and assets (bank checks, insurance policies, stock certificates, etc.),
legal documents (wills, passports. etc.), valuables, jewelry, coin and
stamp collections, etc.), and medical and family history records. For your
personal protection and security, we recommend that the following not be
packed. These items should be kept with you during your move, or
secured in a safe desposit box or bonded storage area for storage.
Cash
Personal Papers
Documents pertaining to the move
Deeds, wills or other such valuable papers
Evidence of debt
Securities
Jewelry (except for costume jewelry)
Prescriptions
Furs
Stamp or coin collections
Family photographs
Any item that is not replaceable and can be transported by other means
safely
The following tips information will give you an idea of what you can expect
in your office or business move. These comments are presented in
outline format to save time. More details on most of these comments
are available in the other sections on this web page.
LABELING:
Every item to be moved must have a label on it
Place labels on each item of furniture. The labels are color coded.
If an item must be dismantled to be moved, be sure to label all parts.
DISCONNECT ALL WIRING:
Wiring, telephone or any equipment which is fastened to desks, etc.,MUST
be disconnected.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS - CRT'S - KEYBOARDS - DISC DRIVERS - PRINTERS - FAX
MACHINES - TYPEWRITERS ETC.
Unplug all equipment from the power source and from other peripheral equipment.
Place all cables, cords, covers etc. in a moving carton with your other
desk contents, etc.
Make sure each piece of equipment has been properly serviced for moving,
if any servicing is required.
PACKING CARTONS:
Place label on either END of the carton, NOT on top, bottom
or sides
Please do not over pack cartons. Cartons are stacked when they are moved.
"Domed" cartons don't move well.
Our special auto-bottom cartons do not require packaging tape.
DESKS AND CREDENZAS:
Label the desk on the top surface
Place small items such as pens, rubber bands, etc., in an envelope and
put it in one of your moving cartons.
Glass tops on desks - place separate label on lower right hand corner.
Remove all papers from under the glass. Remember to label the desk.
FILE CABINETS:
Vertical (standard) file cabinets can be moved full. It is not necessary
to pack contents. Be sure all pressure plates are moved forward.
Lateral File Cabinets - you may leave the bottom two drawers full. All
drawers
above the bottom two must be packed in cartons.
If you have locks on file cabinets, go ahead and lock them. Be sure to
keep the
key in a safe place.
If you do not have a key, place packing material around the lock so the
lock can no longer be forced into a locking position.
BOOKCASES:
Contents are to be removed and packed into cartons.
COPIERS:
All required servicing MUST be completed prior to moving. Contact
your vendor to arrange this and to make any necessary service after the
move.
NEW SPACE FLOOR PLANS:
Please provide Bekins Northwest with up-to-date furniture space plans.
CLEAN HOUSE:
This is the perfect time to clean house.
EMPLOYEES:
Keep employees informed about the entire move process and what is required
of each of them. This will make the move less stressful and a lot more
enjoyable. Your move consultant will hold informational meetings with your
office.
