Packing Tips

TIP #2
Boxes that are tightly sealed with packing tape will prevent dust from entering.

TIP #5
Furniture & Beds.  Use valuable space inside dresser drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items such as towels, linens and small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

Disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and crosspieces together with rope or tape. Be sure to mark on tape where pieces fit together for reassembly. Use mattress protection bags to keep mattress clean.

Wrap arms and legs to prevent scratches. bundle armless chairs in pairs, seat to seat with a folded blanket or other padding between and tie seats together.

TIP #6
Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither over pack nor under pack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.

• >Dishes - Individually wrap each piece. If you use newspaper, wrap first in plastic bags to save dish washing later. Place saucers, plates and platters on edge - do not stack flat. Cups and bowls may be placed inside each other and wrapped three or four in a bundle.
• Glassware - Wrap each glass separately in paper or bubble wrap. Wrap first in plastic to save dishwashing later! Pack in sturdy carton with dividers. dish packs are perfect for glassware as well as dishes. They may cost a bit more than regular boxes, but it doesn't take many pieces of "saved" glassware to make up for the cost.
• Kitchen ware - Pots, pans, etc. can be stacked in a carton with a sheet of paper between them.
• Curtain/Shower Rods Remove the hardware from the walls and put in small plastic bag. Tape bag around rod and place in dresser drawer.
• Rugs - After vacuuming rugs and pads, sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll up and tie in three places with twine.

• Gas Dryers - Have the gas company disconnect. (most will do this for free.)
• Dishwasher / Washing Machine - Stuff towels between machine sides and tub to keep tub from rotating. Pad exterior well. Disconnect hoses, put in plastic bag, place in tub.
• Freezer / Refrigerator - Defrost and dry interiors well. Fill interior spaces with lightweight linens, clothing and stuffed toys. If you want to lay your refrigerator down for moving, check first with the local dealer to determine if your brand can be moved in this manner. If so, be sure to let the unit stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it back in.

TIP #11
Mowers & Yard Equipment. Drain fuel and oil before loading. Remove handle from hand mowers and place blade end in sturdy carton. Mark properly.

Drain hoses, coil and pack in carton. Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools, etc. Tie rakes, brooms, shovels, and other long-handled tools together with rope. Make sure to drain fuel out of any gas-powered item. Contact the manufacturer / local dealer if you are unsure how to do this.

TIP #14
Mirrors, Paintings & Valuables. Small mirrors can be well wrapped in paper and packed in cartons. For a large mirror, make a cardboard case by cutting pieces of corrugated cardboard about the same size as the mirror. Mark GLASS on the outside in several places to prevent mishandling. If you have other paintings, mirror, framed items that are roughly the same size, you can put all these together in your custom box.

Don't move them, dispose of them properly. the same goes for alcohol, lighter fluid, ammunition, and greasy mops or rags. they can be dangerous items and must be disposed of before your move. The risk that you take when moving them is not worth the few dollars you'll save over buying new when you reach your destination.

Set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box contents to be packed in a small container you can keep with you throughout your journey. Some important papers are:

• Truck rental paperwork
• Car registration certificate
• Car ownership records
• Children's school records
• Insurance policies
• Medical / Dental records
• Irreplaceable photos and snapshots (negatives)
• Tax return records
• Passports
• Traveller's checks
• Contact phone numbers

TIP #15
Plants.

• The general rule when moving plants is to store them in plastic bags with holes punched for air. If possible, they should be placed in cartons.
• Temperature is the most critical factor. Temperatures below 34° F or above 94° F for much over an hour can be fatal to plants. They are susceptible to shock when moving. The distance or time in transit doesn't make the shock greater, it will just take longer for the plant to recover once in its new environment. If possible, try to carry the plants in the cab of the truck with you.
• Plants should be moist when loaded into the truck. Check with your local department of agriculture office regarding what state or federal plant regulations may be in effect throughout your journey that prohibit the transportation of certain plants to your destination or through your route.

TIP #16
Pets. Your pet should always ride up front in the cab of the truck with you and never in the back of the truck!

• Be sure your pet is on a leash, in a kennel or cage when outside your truck and that it is wearing an ID tag with its name, your name and a destination address/date. Include a relative's phone number on the tag in case your pets get lost.
• If your pet becomes overheated while traveling, bring it to an air-conditioned area and place it in a shallow tub of coll water or rut it down with cool towels.
• Check with you vet to see if a mild sedative or travel medication is recommended for your pet during your move. Also be sure that all the vaccinations are up to date in case of any problems.
• You should never leave an animal in an unattended car. If you must leave your pet in the truck, park in the shade, making sure there is enough air, Temperatures in a closed vehicle rise rapidly and can get up to 175° F very quickly! That temperature can cause death in a very short time. Also be sure that your pet is either in a kennel or on a leash so that it cannot get out and run away.