How to Pack

Before you start packing, read the following advices...

Before placing items in moving boxes, make sure they are adequately wrapped in newsprint
Place a cushion layer of crumpled paper at the bottom of the carton
Always pack heavier items at the bottom of the carton
As you pack, layer your goods, packing the same or similar-sized items in one layer
Pack moving boxes as tightly as possible to minimize movement
Do not pack higher than the top of the carton, as it must be closed and sealed
Pack no more than 50 pounds in a carton
Identify your moving boxes by content and by room at the new house
Be sure to identify fragile moving boxes
Secure all box seams with at least 4" overlap of sealing tape
Attach covers to pots
Tape the bottom of all boxes to prevent accidental spillage
Not only wrap your fragile items with bubble wrap or foam, line the boxes with bubble wrap to provide additional protection. Remember, if the contents are shaking, chances are they'll be breaking
Marker pen for labelling contents of packed boxes
Label boxes containing special, high value items with a secret marking to make it easy to identify at delivery. Leave nothing to memory. Save time and energy by labelling the sides of boxes with name, contents and it' destination location
For marking pens, depress the point into box several times to bring ink to the tip of the marker If you hire a moving company don’t pack valuables, such as jewellery, furs, coins and stamps should be moved by you personally

Gas Cans

If you hire a moving company don’t pack any hazardous items, including paints, aerosol cans, explosives, corrosives, propane tanks, firearms, and ammunition.

Liquids should not be packed as they may freeze or leak out during the move. If an item is questionable, it should probably not be shipped.

Fuels / oils
Paints / varnishes
Insecticides
Liquid bleach
Matches / candles
Perishable goods
Live plants
Propane
Paint thinners
Aerosol cans
Cleaning chemicals
Firearms or ammunition
Food in glass jars
Pets
Alcohols camphor oil disinfectants
Liquid cleaners (i.e., spot clothing cleaners, office machine liquid cleaners, etc.)
Acids photographic type etching acid iron/steel rust preventions
Meiotic acid nitric acid sulphuric acid
Black powder cigarette loads dynamite (plastics, etc.)
Explosive arms fireworks any ammunition primers
Smokeless powder explosive war mementoes trick matches
Spear guns w/charged heads propellant or smoke devices
Adhesives (glue, cement) ammonia charcoal briquettes
Cleaning fluids denatured alcohol enamels lacquer
Leather dressing or bleach lighter fluids (stove, torch)
Liquors, matches, oil, stains, paint (flammable)
Paint / varnish remover petroleum products (kerosene, gasoline, oil)
Flashbulbs, polishes (liquid type) non-purges propane tanks
Propane, gas, shellac, liquid shoe polish, solvents
Stains, turpentine, varnish, windshield solvents, wines
Wood filler,
Engine starting fluids, fire extinguishers, welding gases,
Scuba diving tanks
Rags soaked in flammables
Aerosol cans
Flammable gas (liquid) toxic or corrosive substances
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Hand signal flares

The "Setup" Box

Create a "setup" box to hold TV remote & telephones. Label this box "set-up" so it's easy to locate at your new home. Store screws, nuts & bolts from disassembled furniture in zip-lock bags. Label each bag and pack into your "set-up" box.

Furniture

Should be dealt as follow:

Wrap with blankets, bubble wrap or foam. 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. (Makes the furniture slippery so not too much!)
Send out any furniture that needs repair or refinishing and have it delivered to your new address.
All waterbeds must be completely drained of water. Failure to due so can ruin the mattress.

It is not necessary to remove clothing from dresser drawers. These can normally be moved with the contents intact. Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking and secure drawers from opening during transit. You can also place sofa cushions and pillows in bags to use as pads or fillers in the trailer. Remember to secure all furniture drawers.

Rugs or Drapes

Send out rugs and draperies for cleaning, and have them delivered to your new address.
Attach curtains to rods

Electronics

Whenever possible use original shipping boxes for computers, printers and other electronic items. You might even consider double boxing and 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 or foam.
C.D.s and software do not survive high temperatures. If you are shipping your goods during the warmer seasons, consider keeping these items with you.

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 or Glasses

Wrap breakables in tissue paper and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in boxes.
Pack plates on their edges. Consider using potholders and dishtowels 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.
Wrap all pieces individually with enough newspaper, bubble wrap or foam to create a cushion effect.
Do the same for decorative pieces or bric-a-brac.

Lamps

Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps.
Pack in sturdy moving boxes labelled "fragile".
Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap or foam, blankets, or towels.
Pack flat items on their edges.
For large mirrors or pictures, cover both sides with bubble wrap or foam and heavy cardboard, and then bind with tape.

Books

Lay your books flat in our medium boxes and alternate the bindings from front to back to prevent spine damage.

Piano

If you are moving a piano, consider hiring a specialist to pack and load it or sell it and buy a new one.

Plant

Check with your local Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one area to another. Many areas have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.
When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.

A Couple of Weeks Before You Move

Prune plants to facilitate packing.
Consult a florist or a plant book for instructions.

A Week Before You Move

Place your plants in a black plastic bag, along with a bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder. Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight to kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.

The Day Before You Move

Place the plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. If you must leave your plants behind, then take cuttings. Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.

On the Day of You Move

Set the boxes aside and mark "do not load" so they won't be taken on the moving van. Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car.

When Moving

Park your car in a shaded area in the summer and a sunny spot in the winter.

Upon Arrival

Unpack the plants as soon as possible after arrival. Remove plants through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems. Do not expose the plants to much sunlight at first. Let them get gradually accustomed to more light.

Lawn or Garage Tool

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.

Children and Pets

Don’t pack the kids and pets in the same box ;o)

Resist the urge to pack the kids in boxes! Get your children involved and keep them occupied by giving them each a large box to pack their toys in. Toys are usually pretty tough so you don’t have to worry too much about how well the toys are packed.

In addition to the room and contents, have children write their names and new address on the moving boxes from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new address before they get to their new home.

Cats and dogs can be taken in your car. If so, remember to take along the following items:

Food
Water
Leash for letting your pet out of the car
Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean

Animals can get carsick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.

To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary.

If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need the following items:

Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
Pet container. The airline might have a special container available or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport.
Your scent. Having a piece of cloth with your scent on it can comfort your pet.

Hamsters, birds and other small animals can easily be transported in your car. To help keep the animals calm and quiet, cover cages with a cloth. Also, make sure they have food and water available. It can be very impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your local pet store for recommendations on moving your specific type of fish.

For more information on our products, please contact us by email or phone (800) 388-0834 (toll free) or (905) 206-0550.

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