Tips for Packing

  • Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle. Moving provides you with an opportunity to start fresh, so ask yourself if you use the item regularly-enough to get rid of it.
  • Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. Bathroom items can go in one box.
  • Decide what you plan to move yourself. Precious items, such as family photos, valuable breakables, medications or must-haves during the move, should stay with you.
  • Decide what you will need first. If there are some items you will need within a day of arrival, mark those boxes with a bright sticker and keep them together.
  • Use the right box for the item. Loose items encourage breakage. Go small for breakable items.
  • Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep weight under 50 lbs if possible.
  • Don’t over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.
  • Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
  • Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
  • Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
  • Keep your moving documents together,including phone numbers, driver’s name, and van number. Also keep your address book handy.
  • Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
  • Remember, most movers won’t take plants.
  • Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.