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Good packing is essential for a good move.
If you choose to do some or all of your own packing in preparation for your relocation, it's especially important that you are familiar with the techniques and boxes that will best protect your possessions. |
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Checklist of the Basics |
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Glass Table Tops |
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A Word About Special Household Items |
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Lamp Bases |
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How to Pack... |
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Lamp Shades |
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Appliances/Major |
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Linens & Bedding |
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Appliances/Small |
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Marble Slabs |
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Artificial Flowers |
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Mirrors/Large |
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Books |
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Outdoor Equipment |
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Bowls & Odd-Shaped Items |
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Paintings |
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China, Glassware & Silverware |
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Photographs |
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China, Glassware that is Flat |
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Rugs |
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Clothing |
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Silver |
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Compact Discs, Tapes & Records |
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Statues |
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Cups |
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Tools |
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Draperies & Curtains |
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Vases/Large |
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Figurines & Other Delicate Items |
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Food |
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Fragile Items |
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| Good packing is essential for a good move. If you choose to
do some or all of your own packing in preparation for your relocation, it's
especially important that you be familiar with the techniques and materials
that will best protect your possessions. |
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Limiting cartons, when possible, to a maximum weight
of 50 pounds to make handling easier. |
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Wrapping items carefully. |
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Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. |
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Using sturdy cartons that close. |
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Making sure cartons are firmly packed and do not rattle,
bulge outward or bend inward. |
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Not mixing items from different rooms in the same carton,
when possible. |
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Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used
infrequently. Leave until last the things you'll need until moving
day. |
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Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, items not recommended for
inclusion in your shipment and anything that would puncture or damage
other items. However, blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and
similar soft, lightweight goods may be left in drawers. |
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Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine
in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans, for example. |
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Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain
rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be
placed in plastic or cloth bags (which can be purchased from the moving
company) and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong. |
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Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle. |
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Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper,
paper towels for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping
draws attention to very small things. Use a double layer of newspaper
for good outer wrapping. |
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Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom
of a carton for cushioning. |
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Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight
next and lightest on top. |
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As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed
paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next
layer, or use sheets or cardboard cut from cartons as dividers. |
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Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets
also may be used for padding and cushioning. The more fragile the
item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure no sharp points, edges or
rims are lift uncovered. |
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Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a
few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. |
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Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with
crushed paper. |
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Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will
prevent items from shifting; the cover should close easily without
force, but should not bend inward. |
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Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items
listed on United's High-Value Inventory form. These must be left open
for the van operator's inspection. |
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As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of
the carton (for easy viewing while cartons are stacked) and in a special
notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well. |
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Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered
at destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination
corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the cartons into
the proper rooms quickly. |
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Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination. |
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The popularity of home electronic items has added a new
dimension for the do-it-yourself packer. Home computers, televisions,
microwave ovens and stereo systems require special care to ensure
they arrive at destination safely. |
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If you saved the original cartons and packing materials in which
these items arrived, it is best to repack using those materials. Should
you not have these materials, you might want to contact a store selling
your particular item and ask if discarded packing materials are available. |
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Your United agent is familiar with current techniques for properly
packing electronic items and can assist you with advice or pack the
items for you. It is your responsibility to disconnect electronic
items prior to packers' arrival. |
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Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. Set
an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances
for shipment -- or have your agent send someone out who is authorized
to perform this service. |
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Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should
be wrapped individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed
paper. |
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Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed
in the same carton with linens or as extra items with lamp bases.
Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or otherwise damage
items. |
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Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in
the cushioned bottom of a box. |
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Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing. |
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An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own
carton. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper
towels. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom
of the carton. Label the carton "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP." |
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For instructions on moving live plants, ask your agent for a "Moving
With House Plants" brochure. |
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Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the
carton. Do not pack with spine facing up, as glue can break away from
the binder. Pack books of the same general size together. |
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Expensively bound volumes or those of special sentimental value
should be individually wrapped before packing. |
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Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons. |
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Depending on their weight, these might be used either as the bottom
or middle layers. Wrap the same way as flat plates. |
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Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and
deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside
down on their rims. |
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Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down on top
of the bowl. Then, wrap both together in clean paper, followed by
an outer double layer of newspaper. Wrap cream pitchers in clean paper
and then a double outer wrapping. Place sugar bowls, cream pitchers,
sauce containers and similar pieces upright in the carton. Complete
the layer as for plates. |
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Moving company packers use a dish pack -- an exceptionally sturdy
corrugated carton of double- wall construction — for china,
glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches in size. Unless
cartons of similar strength and construction are valuable, you might
want to purchase several dish packs from the moving company. |
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Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper.
Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally
and continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newspaper
serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper padding
and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Label cartons,"FRAGILE
— THIS SIDE UP." |
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Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are
excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack. |
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Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece
individually then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer
of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on
edge. |
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Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave
no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top
of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier.
Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. |
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Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer.
Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items. |
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Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobe cartons used by
moving companies will arrive at destination wrinkle-free. You might
want to purchase several of these special cartons from your moving
company. One will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers. |
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If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed
from its hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined
with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing — such as lingerie
and sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers. |
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Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, stuff
the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely
around the outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with
the heavier hats on the bottom. Don't pack anything else with hats.
Label the carton "FRAGILE." |
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Footwear may be left in shoeboxes and placed in a large carton.
Or, wrap each shoe individually and then in pairs. Footwear should
be cushioned to avoid damage to heels or ornaments. Don't pack heavy
items on top of shoes. |
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It is recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having
them moved on the van. |
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Remove these items from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind
records are heavy and should be packed in small cartons. If records
are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap
to protect them from being scratched. |
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Stand compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer
of crushed paper. Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book
or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer
of crushed paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and
mark "FRAGILE." |
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Cassette tapes should be placed in the protective plastic box in
which they came, if possible, and then wrapped individually in crumpled
paper. Place individual tapes either vertically or horizontally on
a couple of layers of crushed paper. |
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Even when using a dish pack and dividers for china, wrap
cups individually, protecting handles with an extra layer of paper.
Then, pack cups upside down. |
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If not using a dish pack or cells, wrap cups as previously described
in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a
row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction.
Complete the layer as for plates. |
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Clothing wardrobes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies.
Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hanger, pin securely and
hang in the wardrobe. |
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Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons
lined with clean paper or plastic wrap. |
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Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then,
wrap carefully in newsprint that has been crushed and flattened out.
Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning. |
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Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually
in tissue paper. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent
outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place items on edge in a carton. |
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Take only food items you are sure will travel well. Do not take
anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything subject
to freezing. |
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Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and
cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and
spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should
be placed together in a small box before packing in a large carton.
Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape. |
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Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should
be limited. |
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Many moving companies use a material called bubble pack (plastic
with bubbles) for exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely
valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for
you. Special materials might be needed for maximum protection. |
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All are easily damaged. Glass might shatter, and marble slabs can
crack at veins. Paper never should be permitted to touch the surface
of an oil painting. |
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It's best to consult with your moving company about custom-made
cartons and crates for items of this kind. |
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After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp
and bulb separately in newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.)
Place them together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper.
More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a carton. |
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Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in
three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight
towel. |
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To allow for movement, use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger
all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using
crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but
not around the shade. A small shade can be nested inside a large one,
if you are sure they will not touch. Only one silk shade should be
placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk. |
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Do not pack other items with shades. Label cartons "LAMP SHADES
— FRAGILE." |
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It is best to have the moving company crate large Tiffany-type or
other glass lamp shades or chandeliers. |
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Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens
may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton that
has been lined with clean paper. |
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Wrap your most prized linens in packing paper. Also,
linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of
items. |
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Special mattress cartons in various sizes are available from your
moving company for a nominal charge. Pillows may be placed in
bureau drawers or packed in cartons. |
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Before moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV antennas
and garden sheds. |
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Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware
in a cloth bag and securely attach to corresponding equipment. |
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Prepare lawn mower by draining gasoline prior to the day of loading. |
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Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed
in separate cartons rather than being combined with other household
items. |
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Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them
on edge in a carton. Label cartons clearly for easy identification. |
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If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to destination. |
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Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they've
just been returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled. |
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Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be
enclosed completely in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Holloware
— including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes — should
be wrapped carefully as fragile items and packed like china. |
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Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, and
in clear plastic or tissue. |
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If silverware is in a chest, you still might want to wrap the pieces
individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill in all empty
spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper towels. Wrap the chest
with a large bath towel. |
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Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be
bundled together securely. Attachments should be removed from power
tools and packed separately. |
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Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with
crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing
rules. Always use small cartons because tools usually are heavy. |
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