Unsure of where to begin? We can help make your task of packing much easier. Below you find information on Packing Tips, Loading Tips, and Illegal / Dangerous Items Not To Pack.
❑ Create an inventory of your home.
❑ Make a list or video tape of your possessions.
❑ Separate valuables that will not be loaded on the truck, such as jewelry and documents.
❑ Dispose of items you no longer want: make a donation or have a garage sale.
❑ Purchase or Gather boxes, tape, packing paper, markers and other packing supplies.
❑ Don’t underestimate how much you really own - start packing several weeks before your planned move date.
❑ Pack items that you don’t use often 1st.
❑ Number and Label each box where it will go in your new home.
❑ Keep a list of boxes by number, so you’ll know right away if any are missing.
❑ Professional packing tape should be used. Duct Tape and Masking Tape breaks easily.
❑ Pad tops and bottoms of boxes with plenty of paper, tissue or cloth.
❑ Use Clean paper when needed. Old newspaper is fine for some items, but can rub off on others.
❑ Print "FRAGILE" on boxes with breakable items.
❑ Pack boxes tightly. If it rattles or makes noise, the contents could be damaged while in transit.
❑ Blankets and other soft items can be used to fill these gaps to ensure a safely packed box.
❑ Never pack flammable items, such as fuel, aerosols or cleaning supplies.
Beds – Take apart bed frames and bundle together with tape or rope. Cover mattresses and box springs with plastic or blankets to keep clean.
Bikes – Lower and turn handlebars to save space. Clean wheels, chains, and pedals to avoid soiling other items.
Books - Use small boxes, and alternate spine and open sides laying flat in the box. You may also choose to use paper to fill empty gaps.
Bottles - Tape bottles shut and wrap in paper to prevent damage. Bottles can be placed in plastic bags for extra protection.
Dressers and Chest / Drawers - If you plan to leave items inside, make sure to pad the inside well so that things do not rattle around or make noise. Then cover with blankets and tape or rope to secure the drawers.
Chairs - Wrap the arms and legs with padding to prevent scratching. Chairs without arms can be secured together with tape or rope in pairs, seat to seat.
China - Wrap china in clean packing paper and place in boxes sectioned off with specially designed dish packs.
Clothing - The quickest and easiest way to move hanging clothes are in wardrobe containers or in clean sheets or blankets(burrito wrap).
Small Appliance and Electronics - Use original carton and foam packing whenever possible. This includes stereos, computers, etc. Bubblewrap, paper, blankets may also be used if packing in new carton.
Heavy Items - When necessary, individually wrap tools, canned goods and other small heavy items before placing in boxes.
Lamp Shades - Always place in padded cartons separated with paper to avoid getting dirty and damaged.
Washer and Dishwashers - Remove hoses and place padding between tub and sides to avoid movement while in transit.
Refrigerators - Defrost and air dry before loading. Allow 24-hours settling time before plugging in at destination.
Gas Appliances - Contact your local gas company for disconnection and capping.
Lawnmowers / Snowblowers - Remove all gas and oil completely before loading onto truck.
Mirrors and Glass - X the tape crisscrossed both sides when possible to absorb vibration while in transit to prevent breakage. Pad generously before placing in cartons. Always stand on end and never lay them flat.
Rugs - Roll them up and secure with shrinkwrap or rope.
Soft Goods - Pack soft goods in pillows, towels, or blankets separated by layers to cushion them.
Statues and Figurines - Wrap in bubble wrap or paper.
Stemware - Individually wrap. Cushion inside and out and place in a dish pack carton.
Tables - Remove legs and tie them together, if possible. Store hardware in a bag and tape to the underside of the table.
Lifting – Consider using a dolly or two when moving heavy items. Appliance dollies and 4-wheel dollies can greatly reduce the strain on your back. When picking up boxes and furniture, remember to lift with your legs and not your back. Don’t hesitate to ask for help on heavier items. The idea is to have everything reach the destination in good condition, including you and or your fellow moving partners.
Carton Capacity – We have found that the following box sizes are safe for the indicated capacities listed below:
| Box Size | Weight Capacity | Ideal Items |
| 1.5 Cu. Ft. | 50 - 70 lbs. | (books, records, cd’s) |
| 3.0 Cu. Ft. | 35 - 50 lbs. | (linens, clothing, etc.) |
| 4.5 Cu. Ft. | 10 - 25 lbs. | (pillows, games) |
| 5.2 Cu. Ft. | 75 - 100 lbs | (breakables, dishes, lamps) dishpacks |
| 6.0 Cu. Ft. | 10 - 15 lbs. | (pillows, comforters, etc.) |
When loading your truck or trailer your primary goals are to maximize your space and minimize shifting within the vehicle while in transit. Plan on building a series of walls and tiers within your truck or trailer. As you build inside, keep the following in mind:
❑ Heavy Items belong on the bottom of each tier, while light items or fragile boxes belong on the top.
❑ Load furniture in the beginning of the loading process, and place tables and sofas on end instead of upright.
❑ Fill all spaces in each tier with smaller items such as boxes, toys and chairs.
❑ Use Padding: Be generous when padding fragile items. Remember, do not use tape on finished surfaces because you can ruin the finish.
❑ Aerosol Cans
❑ Ammunition
❑ Cleaning Supplies
❑ Gasoline
❑ Oil
❑ Insecticides
❑ Bleach
❑ Live Plants
❑ Loaded Firearms
❑ Matches / Candles
❑ Paint Thinners / Solvents
❑ Perishable Goods
❑ Propane Tanks
❑ Pets