General Packing Guidelines
Packing Guide - Table of Contents
Introduction
Materials You Will Need
Some Things To Consider
Packing In The Kitchen
Packing Flatware
Packing Cups And Glasses
Goblets And Stemware
Packing Small Kitchen Appliances
Packing Pots And Pans
More Kitchen Packing Tips
Packing Tall Table Lamps
Lamp Shades
Packing Pictures
Miscellaneous Packing Tips
Introduction
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- This document was prepared to give you some valuable
and helpful tips on packing your small articles so that
they can be safely moved on a truck or moving van.
- Small articles such as dishes, table lamps, pictures,
and other fragile bric-a-brac must be thoughtfully and
carefully packed in boxes if they are to arrive at your
destination in as good condition as they were prior to
being packed and moved.
- Packing for moving is an art requiring a certain amount
of expertise and know-how. AllYouNeedMoving.com has
many years of experience at packing behind us. We have
a well trained, and qualified staff to do any part of the
packing you might prefer to leave to us. We have all of
the proper equipment and materials to do the job efficiently
and thoroughly. If you need assistance with your packing
please let us know, we will be happy to help.
- Much of the secret of packing, however, is having the
right materials with which to work, and the application
of some good common sense. If you are going to do your
own packing, the tips contained in this booklet should
help remove some of the mystery.
Materials You Will Need
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- Wrapping Paper: You are going to need plenty of wrapping
paper. Many people save and use their old newspapers. Keep
in mind, however, that the ink on newsprint never thoroughly
dries. Consequently, the goods you wrap in newspapers are
most likely going to be soiled and will require cleaning
after unpacking, and before you put them away. For items
you prefer to keep clean it would be best to purchase some
packing paper from your mover.
- Cartons: You'll need many boxes in assorted sizes. All
boxes should be in good condition, and must have covers
on them in order that they can be closed up and sealed.
- You can purchase cartons from your mover, if you wish.
It must be pointed out, however, that all paper products
are expensive these days, and specially designed movers
cartons are no exception. With the huge investment movers
have in cartons, they cannot afford to give them away.
- You might start collecting cartons from your local grocery
and liquor stores. All too often grocery store cartons
have the tops removed, but if you have a talk with the
store manager he would probably be willing to save you
some cartons with the covers still intact. Liquor cartons
are excellent packing cartons. They are sturdy, and contain
dividers which make them ideal for packing glasses, goblets,
vases, etc.
- Sealing Tape: The best tape for this purpose is plastic
tape. Your rolls of tape should be at least 1.5 to 2 inches
wide.
- Magic Marker: This is for marking your packed boxes with
such information as the contents of the box, "FRAGILE" "THIS
SIDE UP", etc.
Some Things To Consider
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- Start collecting boxes early. An easy way to store cartons
so that they won't require a great deal of storage is to
open both ends of the cartons and flatten them out. You
can open them up again and re-seal the bottoms with your
plastic tape as you are ready to use them.
- Pack on a room-by-room basis. That is, don't pack articles
from the living room in boxes with articles from the kitchen.
This will save much confusion later when it's time to unpack.
- If possible, start packing early. Remember, if you were
to pack only a couple of boxes a day, in thirty days you
would have sixty boxes packed. You could start in areas
where the goods are not in frequent use - such as the cellar,
attic, garage, closet shelves, etc.
- It will probably be necessary to have your mover do some
of your packing for you. At the very least, it may be necessary
to purchase some of his specialized cartons that will be
impossible for you to find elsewhere. This category would
include such cartons as mattress cartons, wardrobe cartons,
containers for large pictures and mirrors, and possibly
some large cartons for tall table lamps.
- Hanging clothing, such as suits, dresses and coats, should
be hung in movers wardrobe cartons. This will save you
the trouble and expense of having your garments cleaned
and pressed later. Hanging clothing cannot be left in garment
bags. Garment bags were not designed to be used as movers
wardrobes, and they will not withstand the stress. Clothing
to be hung is usually taken out of the garment bags, hung
in the wardrobes, and the garment bags folded and placed
in the bottom of the wardrobe.
- Dresser drawers need to be empty. Movers usually do not
move chests of drawers with the contents of drawers left
intact. Too much weight in the drawer could cause damage
to the drawer while your furniture is enroute.
- What size boxes should you use? The rule-of-thumb here
is the small, heavy articles, such as books, records, canned
goods, etc., would go in smaller boxes. Bulkier, but not-so-heavy
articles, such as pots and pans, linens, small kitchen
appliances, etc., would go in somewhat larger boxes. Very
bulky, lightweight articles, such as blankets, pillows,
toys, large lampshades, shoes, etc., would go in the largest
boxes.
- Do not pack for moving on a van any flammables, combustibles,
or explosives. The safety of the shipment is the primary
concern. Movers are not supposed to transport aerosol spray
cans, paint thinner, gasoline, or anything else of a flammable
or explosive nature.
Packing In The Kitchen
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- Packing is much more convenient, and less tiring when
you have a good work area. It is suggested that you clear
the kitchen table and do your packing on the table. Keep
in mind that when you are packing fragile articles you
should plan to pack the heaviest objects toward the bottom
of the carton; more delicate articles should be packed
closer to the top of the carton. The first thing to do
is to lay out flat on the table a sizable stack of packing
paper. Select a sturdy, medium sized carton. Line the bottom
of the carton with several layers of packing paper for
additional cushioning.
Packing Flatware
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- Place one plate in approximately the center of your packing
paper.
- Grasp about two sheets of paper at one corner. Pull over
plate so as to completely cover plate. Stack second plate
on first plate.
- Grasp second corner of your paper. Pull over and cover
stacked plates.
- Stack third plate. Take remaining two corners (one at
a time) and fold each over your stack of plates.
- Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your
packing paper.
- Re-wrap entire bundle. Follow same wrapping procedure
as before, Start with one corner of packing 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 plastic tape.
- Place the bundle of flatware in carton so the plates
are standing on edge.
- For all flatware, saucers, bread and butter dishes, etc.,
follow the same procedure.
Note: Small dishes (saucers, bread and butter dishes)
can be stacked in greater quantity in a bundle. Also you
can omit steps 5 and 6 and seal your bundle without rewrapping.
Packing Cups And Glasses
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- Cups and glasses may be "nested" (one placed
inside another) and three or four wrapped in a bundle.
Tear or cut-up some small sheets of paper. Use at least
a couple of small sheets between each glass or cup as protective
lining.
- Take first glass and line with a couple of sheets
of your cut-up paper.
- Place second glass (or cup) inside the first one.
Line with two more sheets of paper. Insert another
glass (or cup).
- Using your best judgment, nest three or four glasses
(or cups) and lay these on your stack of wrapping
paper in a diagonal manner, off center closer to
your body.
- Grasp corner closest to you of two sheets of wrapping
paper. Wrap around your glasses (or cups).
- Grasp next corner of wrapping paper and wrap around
your glasses.
- Repeat procedure with remaining corners of wrapping
paper. Then roll into a bundle (much the same as
a butcher might wrap a package of hamburger).
- If you have collected some liquor cartons with
dividers, pack glasses, cups and stemware in these
boxes. If your bundle does not fill to the top of
the compartment, stuff additional wadded-up packing
paper in the compartment to fill it up.
- If you don't have liquor cartons then pack your glasses,
cups and stemware in boxes with your other dishes fitting
them in where ever you find some spaces. Be sure these
articles are toward the top of your carton.
Goblets And Stemware
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- Pack goblets and stemware singly. Do not attempt to nest
them as you did with glasses. Follow the same wrapping
procedure as you did with glasses and cups.
Packing Small Kitchen Appliances
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- It's best to pack your small kitchen appliances (blender,
toaster, can opener, coffee maker, etc.) together in one
or two boxes (or more, as necessary) rather than in other
boxes with other goods. Later, when unpacking, you will
find this much more convenient.
- Wrap each appliance individually with two or three sheets
of your packing paper. Place each one in the box you have
selected for appliances. When all appliances have been
packed in a box, or boxes, if there are small spaces that
are empty, wad-up some packing paper and fill in the spaces.
However, if you should have a great amount of space left
over then you should pack some other things in the box
in order to fill it up and not waste the space. For example,
you might get a few pots and pans in the carton, too.
Packing Pots And Pans
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- Approximately three pots or pans can be nested, one inside
the other. Tear or cut up some pieces of your packing paper
(large enough so that they will line the entire interior
of the largest pan). Place two or three sheets of your
lining paper in the larger pan. Place the next small pan
inside the first pan. Again line this pan with two or three
protective pieces of lining paper and insert a smaller
pan.
- Place these pans upside down in the middle of your stack
of packing paper. Use at least three sheets of packing
paper to wrap the pans. Start by grasping one corner of
approximately three sheets of your packing paper, and pulling
over, and covering the pans. Then pull the next corner
of paper over the pans; then the third corner, and finally
the fourth corner. Seal with your plastic tape so that
the bundle will not come apart.
- Pack in a medium sized carton.
- This same procedure can be followed in packing large
bowls, too.
More Kitchen Packing Tips
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- Boxed Foods (cereals, etc.): Seal with your plastic tape
those boxes which have been opened. No need to wrap such
items in packing paper. Note: If your shipment is going
into storage then you should dispose of boxed foods. These
items can attract rodents and insects.
- Spices: Okay to pack and ship. Make sure all cans are
closed and won't leak. If in doubt, seal them with tape.
- Cannister sets: Contents may be left in cannister sets.
Again, it's a good idea to seal them with tape. Each cannister
should be individually wrapped with packing paper.
Packing Tall Table Lamps
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- Your major problem in packing a tall lamp may be acquiring
a carton large enough to accommodate the lamp. If you can't
find such a carton you can purchase dishpack cartons from
your mover in which to pack tall lamps. Dishpack cartons
are tall, extra sturdy cartons originally intended for
packing fragile articles, such as dishes.
- Remove lamp shade and bulb, Wrap cord around base
of lamp.
- Line the bottom of your carton with a considerable
amount of wadded-up packing paper. This will insure
extra cushioning and protection for the lamp.
- Spread out several sheets of packing paper so that
your packing paper is extended longer and wider than
the lamp. Place lamp in the center of your packing
paper.
- Roll packing paper around your lamp.Tuck in the
end ot the paper at base of lamp. Use sealing tape,
it necessary, to prevent end from coming apart.
- Seal the seams where packing paper overlaps around
your bundle with your tape.
- Fold up other end (at the top of lamp) of packing
paper and seal with tape, Place bundle in previously
lined carton.
- If you have several tall table lamps, place them each
in the carton so that the base of one lamp is next to the
top of the next lamp. Alternate them. This will make them
fit better in the carton.
- When all lamps are packed in the carton, fill out the
carton with plenty of wadded-up packing paper. Be generous.
Mark "FRAGILE" and "LAMPS" in large,
clear letters on all sides of the carton.
Lamp Shades
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- Lamp shades, where possible, should be nested so that
you can get two or three in a box. Use CLEAN packing paper
(do not use newspaper) as protective linings between each
shade.
- Do not pack anything with lamp shades.
- Be sure and mark on all sides of the carton in large,
bold letters "FRAGILE", "LAMP SHADES" with
your magic marker.
Packing Pictures
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- Small pictures can be wrapped and stood up in normal
packing boxes with other goods.
- Extremely large pictures, such as the type commonly found
hanging over a sofa or mantle (usually measuring 24" x
36") should be packed by your mover in one of his
specially designed picture or mirror cartons.
- Many pictures, however, that are just a little too large
to fit in regular cartons (16" x 20" or 18" x
24") can be packed in a self-devised picture carton.
- Select a carton that is larger than your picture when open
at both ends.
- Lay your picture, face down, on several sheets of packing
paper which have been spread out so as to be almost twice
as wide as your picture.
- Open the bottom of the carton, and then flatten the
carton. Seal one of the open sides with your tape.
- Wrap the picture in much the same manner as you might
a gift box. Bring one side of the packing paper around
the picture so that it will cover most of the back of
the picture. Then bring the second side of the packing
paper around to cover the back of the picture. Seal with
tape. Fold up both ends of the packing paper and bring
over the back of the picture. Seal with tape. Turn picture
over and seal the areas where the packing paper overlaps.
- Slide picture into unsealed side of your carton and
seal this end with your tape.
Miscellaneous Packing Tips
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- Hat and Shoe Boxes: Small boxes of this type should be
consolidated and packed into large boxes. Fill in small
spaces with wadded packing paper.
- Toys: Do not have to be wrapped in packing paper. Place
them in large cartons and seal them up.
- Loose Shoes: Same as toys.
- Books and Records: Stand on end. Use small cartons.
- Aerosol Containers: Do not pack aerosol or flammable
containers.
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