Tips
Our friendly warehouse staff can pack your items for you for an additional
fee. However, if you wish to pack your items yourself, here are some
helpful tips.
Packing Tips: Recommended Supplies
- various size boxes
- cardboard
- plastic sheets/tarp
- blankets
- padding/bubble wrap
- newspaper/wrapping paper
- box/shipping tape
- scissors/pocket knife
- small tool kit
- sandwich bags (to hold appliance/furniture hardware)
General Packing
Pack as much as you can into boxes. This will provide greater protection
for your belongings and will make loading your trailer much easier.
Unusually shaped items take up more space and make loading more difficult.
Packing and padding your items are keys to having a successful move.
Don’t skimp on packing supplies. They are far cheaper than broken or
damaged belongings.
Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape. Fill each box to its capacity,
using paper or fillers to eliminate empty spaces. The top and sides of each
box shouldn’t bulge, nor should they cave in when closed.
Pack heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. Keep the weight of each
box down to a manageable level.
Furniture
Wrap with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to furniture. Do not use
tape directly on wood or painted surfaces.
Remove legs from furniture if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in
envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture.
Coat fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches.
Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking. Secure drawers
from opening during transit.
Electronics
Whenever possible use original shipping boxes for computers, printers and
other electronic items. You might even consider double boxing. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions for moving when available.
Immobilize moving parts and remove all detachable cables and wires. Color
code or label wiring for easier reinstallation. Tape electrical cords to
back of appliance to prevent plug damage and wrap each piece with bubble
wrap.
CDs and software do not survive high temperatures. If you are shipping
your goods during the warmer seasons, consider keeping these items with you.
Major Appliances
Clean and dry all appliances at least 24 hours before your move date.
Consider using empty space in your appliances to move lightweight or
crushable items.
Remove broiler pan and racks from your oven. Tape burners or coil elements
to the top of your stove and tape down all knobs.
Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses and store them inside the
machine. Immobilize the tub with a brace or by placing towels between the
tub and sidewall.
Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed.
Dishes and Glassware
Wrap breakables in tissue paper and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in boxes.
Pack plates on their edges. Consider using pot holders and dish towels to
cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes.
For greater protection, consider purchasing “dish packs” sold by
packaging stores.
Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper.
Lamps and Decor
Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps. Pack in sturdy cartons labeled “fragile”.
Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels.
Pack flat items on their edges.
For large mirrors or pictures, cover both sides with bubble wrap and heavy
cardboard, then bind with tape.
Lawn and Garage Items
Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and
other equipment. Disconnect all batteries.
Empty propane tanks from barbecue grill and properly purge hose. Secure lid
and immobilize moving parts.
Strap long garden tools together into a bundle. Pack heavy power tools into
small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper.
Poisonous, flammable and corrosive items cannot be shipped.
Do Not Ship Items
Your shipment should not include anything that is poisonous, flammable,
corrosive or perishable.
Such items include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fuels / Oils
- Paints / Varnishes
- Insecticides
- Liquid Bleach
- Matches / Candles
- Perishable Goods
- Live Plants
- Propane
- Paint Thinners
- Aerosol Cans
- Cleaning Chemicals
- Fire Arms or Ammunition
- Food in Glass Jars
- Pets