Packing Tips

Packing Tips

Ready, set, pack! Good packing means…


Limiting cartons, when possible, to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier. Wrapping items carefully. Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. Using sturdy cartons that close. Making sure cartons are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward. Not mixing items from different rooms in the same carton, when possible.


Packing checklist: the basics


Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the things you’ll need until moving day.


  • 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.
  • Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans, for example.
  • 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.
  • Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.
  • Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good outer wrapping.
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