Plan Ahead
Start packing as soon as you find out you’re moving. Pack items first that
you don’t use often. Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items.
Use generous amounts of paper inside the carton on the top and bottom
to provide good cushion.
Be Organized
List contents and room on the outside of the carton. Clearly mark “Fragile” on the outside of cartons. Use clean newsprint paper. Old newspapers may work, but use them carefully because the ink may rub off onto your items. Clean “newsprint” paper is available from your local agent. Write “Open First” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc. Separate breakables and non-breakables. Pack all cartons tightly.
Quality Supplies
Use professional packing tape and strong boxes to be sure they withstand the move, keeping your belongings safe. Masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully packed cartons.
All Around Movers has all the materials you need to properly pack your belongings; Unprinted newsprint, tufted paper padding, bubble wrap, packing tape and boxes.
Items such as antique furniture, marble and glass top tables, trophies and chandeliers are best transported in custom-made crates. Ask us who we recommend to crate these items when necessary.
Pack Carefully
CHINA
Carefully wrap china in sheets of clean newsprint paper. Place newsprint paper in the bottom of a Dishpak for cushioning. Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of paper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.
SILVER
Silver is nested together and wrapped in silver bags, acid free paper or “Silver paper”.
STEMWARE
Stemware is individually wrapped with protective paper inserted into the goblet and around the stem. Each goblet is cushioned by a thick wrapping and placed stem up in a specially tiered Dishpak.
LAMPSHADES AND BASES
Handle lampshades by their wire frames only and place in a carton lined with paper. Surround the shade with protective paper. Shades can be nested inside each other, as long as they are separated by paper.
STATUARY AND FIGURINES
Wrap statuary and figurines with bubble or foam wrap, then snugly wrap with clean paper. If bubble or foam wrap is not available, use clean paper to wrap the article until it is adequately cushioned.
MIRRORS AND GLASS
Wrap the picture or mirror in a generous cushion of clean paper. Place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton. Carefully tape and seal the carton. Always stand glass, pictures and mirrors on their edge. Do not lay flat. (If moving locally or a short distance, ask us about a safe short cut to save time and money boxing these items.)
SOFT GOODS
Soft goods like pillows and bedding are packed in lined cartons separated by layers of clean paper.
SHOES
Pack nicer shoes in their original shoebox, if possible, and place in a carton. If shoe boxes are not available, individually wrap them to prevent abrasive damage. Old or tennis shoes can be put into the bottom of a wardrobe box along with belts and other miscellaneous items.
CLOTHES
Clothes are left on hangers and hung in special wardrobe cartons. Clothes in dresser drawers can be left in drawers.
ELECTRONICS
If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons. As long as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap, newsprint, foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.), electronics can be safely packed in sturdy boxes.
• Start by padding the bottom of the carton with a generous amount
of packing material.
• Wrap electronic with paper and place in carton.
• Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent damage.
• Firmly seal the carton.
• Label the carton as “Fragile – Top Load.”
Note: When you unpack your electronics, let them reach room temperature before plugging them in.
COMPUTERS
If possible, pack computers in their original cartons. As long as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap, newsprint, foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.), computers can be safely packed in sturdy boxes.
• Start by padding the bottom of the carton with a generous amount
of packing material.
• Wrap computer parts generously with paper and place in carton.
• Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent damage.
• Firmly seal the carton.
• Label the carton as “Fragile – Top Load.”
Be aware of special considerations for the internal workings of the computer. Discuss safe transportation with a computer professional.
BOOKS
Lay books flat in the carton, alternating the spine and open side of the book. Place a piece of paper between books to prevent them sticking together. Because books are heavy, Use a small book carton to make them easier to carry.
BOTTLES
Bottles are taped shut and wrapped in clean newsprint. For extra security, place bottles in a resealable, watertight bag before wrapping and placing in carton.
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.
LAWN AND GARAGE ITEMS
Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other equipment.
Strap long garden tools together into a bundle. Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper
WHEN MOVING LONG DISTANCES
Wax your wood furniture before the move to help protect and prevent scratches.
Have your rugs and draperies cleaned; leave them wrapped when they come back from the cleaners.
Do NOT have cloth furniture cleaned, it may retain moisture and mold or mildew during an extended move.
Safety First
We cannot move Hazardous Materials – items that are flammable, corrosive, poisonous or explosive.
Examples include:
• Sterno • Fire Extinguisher • Household Batteries
• Matches • Aerosols • Chemistry Sets
• Kerosene • Cleaning Solvents • Darkroom Chemicals
• Gasoline • Ammonia • Pool Chemicals
• Nail Polish • Motor Oil • Car Batteries
• Fireworks • Nail Polish Remover • Lamp Oils
• Charcoal • Liquid Bleach • Fertilizer
• Charcoal Lighter • Pesticides • Paint Thinner
• Ammunition • Propane/Propane Tanks
• Paints (latex & oil-based)
• Poisons (such as weed killer)
Notifications
Notify the post office that you are moving. An online Change of Address form is available on the United States Postal Service Web site.
Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms and others who should be notified of your move.
The following checklist will be helpful:
Utilities
Electric
Gas
Water
Telephone
Sewer District
Trash
Cable/Satellite
Fuel (Oil/Propane)
Sewer District
Professional Services
Doctor(s)
Dentist
Accountant
Lawyer
Broker
Insurance Agency
Personal Accounts
Pharmacy
Dry Cleaner
Lawn Service
Bank/Finance Companies
Credit Card Companies
Laundry Service
Auto Finance Company
Health Club
Publications
Newspapers
Magazines
Newsletters
Professional Journals
Government Offices
Department of Motor Vehicles
Social Security Administration
State/Federal Tax Bureaus
City/County Tax Assessor
Veterans Administration