When faced with an upcoming move, to pack your goods or hire professionals to do it becomes a key question. Many people opt for a combination approach, packing some items themselves and letting the pros pack breakables and specialty pieces. Remember that moving companies often will not cover damages on fragile items they did not pack. Here are some helpful packing tips for those who want to do it themselves.
Packing Tips
- China Dishes – Always use boxes or dish barrels designed for china. Other boxes may not be strong enough to protect fragile items. Use packing paper, not newspaper to wrap dishes. Newsprint can rub off on the dishes. Cups and bowls should be wrapped individually and nestled inside each other. Pack plates vertically so they are less likely to break. Crumpled packing paper can be used as padding below, above, and in empty spaces around dishes to protect them. Tape boxes well and label as fragile.
- Electronics – If possible, pack TVs, computer monitors, and stereo equipment in their original boxes, where they will be better protected. If the original packaging is not available, wrap items well with blankets, quilts, bubble wrap, and tape.
- Small Kitchen Appliances – Wrap mixers, blenders, toasters, and other small appliances separately, securing the electrical cords with tie wraps. Several small appliances can be packed in the same box with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or kitchen towels filling the empty spaces in between.
- Clothing – Wardrobe boxes are great for packing clothes on hangers. Clothing on hangers can also be bundled together and placed in large garbage bags with the ends tied and then transported in the car. This method is fast for packing and unpacking, although clothes may wrinkle more. Items like tee shirts and socks can be rolled up and used to fill gaps in boxes. Clothing in dresser drawers can be left inside the drawers for the move. Sweaters and bulky items can be vacuum sealed in special bags to take up less space. Essential clothing that will be needed during and immediately after the move should be packed in suitcases or overnight bags.
- Hardware and Tiny Items – Zip lock bags are handy for keeping together small items when disassembling furniture and electronics. Screws, nuts, bolts, connectors, cords, casters, and similar items should be sealed in bags and labeled. The bag can be taped underneath the furniture it goes with or packed in the box with the item. Everything will be easily located when it is time to reassemble or reconnect items in the new home
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