Begin packing a couple of weeks before you move. Careful packing pays by preventing breakage and loss of small and fragile items. Moving time is a great time to weed out old, unwanted or unneeded possessions. They only take up storage space.Another thing, you'll want plenty of sturdy corrugated cartons, packing paper, sealing tape and a magic marker-type pen. Then, if you'll follow these simple packing tips they will save you trouble, help you avoid damage to your goods and make maximum use of the space in your storage locker and moving truck.
Appliances
Tape all appliance doors shut when moving. Wedge doors open in storage. Secure all movable parts with paper or wedge. Wrap a paper mataround each item for protection. Freezer or refrigerator, washer and dryer make excellent packing cartons for bedding, towels and clothing.
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.
Books
Books get heavy in bunches. Pack them in small cartons, holding weight to under 30 pounds for easy lifting. Line all book cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
Bureaus
Make your bureau drawers earn their passage as extra packing boxes. Fill with small and fragile items. Sweaters, blankets and towels make excellent padding.
Cartons
Go easy on your back. Hold weight of all packing cartons under 30 pounds. With marking pen, list contents of each carton on the side. For load sizing multiply length x width x height of each carton if that information is not already on the carton.
Chairs
Protect all chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic covers.
Clothing
Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.
Dishes
Take your time when packing dishes. Wrap each one with packing paper and cushion them in the carton with crumpled packing paper. Keep dish pack cartons under 30 pounds for easy handling and safe riding.
Glasses
Pack glasses carefully. Wrap with foam or bubble pack and pad with crumpled packing paper just like dishes.