Packing Tips

A. Small heavy articles such as books records canned goods etc. should go in smaller boxes. Bulkier but not so heavy items such as pots and pans, linens, small kitchen appliances etc. would go in larger boxes. Very bulky light-weight items such as pillows, blankets or lampshades would go in the largest boxes.

A. Small boxes should be used to pack books. Stand books on end and make sure the box is filled to the top to prevent crushing of the box.

A. A wardrobe on average can hold two feet of hanging cloths in your closet.

A. Large boxes can be used to pack folded cloths.

A. A dish-box is usually recommended for packing china and fragile items. Line the bottom of the box with crushed paper, this will provide the first layer of protection for your fragile items.

• Working from a stack of wrapping paper, place a plate in the center of your sheet. Grasp about two sheets of the paper at one corner. Pull over the plate so as to completely cover plate. Stack second plate on first plate.
• Grasp second corner of your paper. Pull over and cover stacked plates.
• Stack third plate. Take remaining two corners (one at a time) and fold each over your stack of plates.
• Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
• Re-wrap entire bundle. Follow same wrapping procedure as before. Start with one corner of packing paper, and pull two sheets over the bundle; over bundle with next corner, and finally, the fourth.
• Place the bundle of flatware in carton so the plates are standing on edge.

A. Ink on newspapers never thoroughly dries so using this paper would leave marks and ink stains on your packed items and would require cleaning after unpacking so it is better to purchase packing paper to save yourself work after the unpack.

A. Again, a dish-box or other sturdy box should be used for packing all fragile items. Cups and glasses may be ‘nested’ (one placed inside another) and three or four wrapped in a bundle. Tear or cut-up some small sheets of paper. Use at least a couple of small sheets between each glass or cup as protective lining.

• Take first glass and line with a couple of sheets of your paper.
• Place second glass (or cup) inside the first one. Line with two more sheets of paper. Insert another glass (or cup).
• Using your best judgment, nest three or four glasses (or cups) and lay these on your stack of wrapping paper in a diagonal manner, off center closer to your body.
• Grasp corner closest to you of two sheets of wrapping paper. Wrap around your glasses (or cups).
• Grasp next corner of wrapping paper and wrap around your glasses.
• Repeat procedure with remaining corners of wrapping paper. Then roll into a bundle (much the same as a butcher might wrap a package of hamburger).
• If you have collected in liquor cartons with dividers, pack glasses, cups and stemware in these boxes. If your bundle does not fill to the top of the compartment, stuff additional wadded-up packing paper in the compartment to fill it up.

If you don’t have liquor cartons then pack your glasses, cups and stemware in boxes with your dishes fitting them in where ever you find some spaces. Be sure these articles are toward the top of your carton.

A. Most importantly, pack wine glasses singly. Do not attempt to nest them as you did the glasses. Otherwise follow the same wrapping procedure as you did with your cups and glasses.

A. Sturdy cartons such as dish-packs should be used. Line the bottom of the box with crushed paper, this will provide the first layer of protection for your fragile items.

• Remove lamp shade and bulb and wrap cord around base of lamp.
• Spread out several sheets of packing paper so that your paper is wider and longer than the lamp. Place lamp in center of your packing paper.
• Roll packing paper around your lamp. Tuck in the end of the paper at base of lamp. User sealing tape, if necessary, to prevent end from coming apart.
• Seal the seams where packing paper overlaps around your bundle with your tape.
• Fold up other end (at the top of lamp) of packing paper and seal with tape. Place bundle in previously lined carton.

When all lamps are packed in the carton, fill out the carton with plenty of wadded-up packing paper. Be generous. Finally, mark “FRAGILE” and “LAMPS” in large, clear letters on all sides of the carton.

LAMP SHADES
Lamp shades, where possible, should be nested so that you can get two or three in a box, Use CLEAN packing paper (do not use newspaper) as protective linings between each shade. DO NOT pack anything with lamp shades.

Be sure and mark on all sides of the carton in large, bold letters “FRAGILE”, “LAMP SHADES” with your magic marker.

A. Using a sturdy box, there are special cartons available for electronics. Line the bottom of the box with crushed paper, this will provide the first layer of protection for your fragile items.

Make sure all cords are disconnected.
Place one of the electronic items in the box, cover with considerable amount of crumpled paper.
Continue to fill box in this manner. When box is almost full place considerable amount of crumpled paper at top of box for protection. This will also prevent any movement in the box.

A. You should not pack the following items:

• Aerosol cans and other flammable items
• It is recommended that paint should not be packed as when in route there is a risk of it opening.

Always remember the importance of marking the boxes. Labeling the boxes can save everyone time and difficulty once you get to your new place. Information such as “FRAGILIE” and “THIS SIDE UP” is also useful in assuring proper handling.