Moving: Packing Tips for Large, Small, and Uncomfortable Items

Most people who move are so happy to finally get to their new home that they can overlook chipped dishes or a scratch on the dining room table. But there is no reason for your household items to become victims of the move. With a little care and planning, your household items will arrive in perfect condition.

The following are packing tips to keep in mind when packing large items, packing small items, and packing awkward items.

Large Item Packing:

• Tie the bed frames together with ribbon or string, and then label the pieces so they are easy to put back together.
• Fill drawers with clothing or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover them with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.
• Remove the table legs, pad and tie them together. Put the nuts and bolts in a bag and stick them under the table.
• Empty, defrost and empty the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean interiors and bag accessories. Place towels between the sides of the washer to prevent it from spinning and tape down any moving parts. Cover with blankets and tie up.
• Use the original packaging for computers, TVs, and electronics, or purchase specific boxes for electronics.

Small Items Packing:

• Put your microwave, VCR and other small appliances in boxes and pad with crumpled paper.
• Pack books flat in small boxes, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 pounds.
• Pack hanging items, such as clothing and curtains, in closet boxes. Keep small items in drawers.
• Wrap breakable collectibles in bubble wrap and tape down.
• Pack the CD’s upright and bundle them with newspapers.
• Stack pots and pans and pad paper with them.
• Put all the kitchen items you’ll need right away in a separate box and label them properly so you know which to unpack first.
• Wrap plates individually in bubble wrap and never stack flat. Place plates on saucers at the edges and place cups and bowls around them.

Uncomfortable item packaging:

• Wrap the arms and legs of the chair with bubble wrap. Put covers on chairs or buy chair bags to protect them.
• Loosen the handlebars on the bikes and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off other items.
• Wrap small items, like mirrors and artwork, in newspaper and pack them in mirror boxes. Cover the larger pieces with cardboard, tape them together, and place them along the sides of the truck or inside cabinet boxes.
• Dismantle heavy patio furniture. Put the nuts and bolts in a bag and tie them up.
• Roll up rugs and secure with rope or tape.
• Put the plants in plastic bags with air holes and then in boxes. Water them before you go.
• Wrap around sharp edges of tools and wear enough protection to prevent injury. Tape down long-handled tools and box smaller ones.
• Drain gasoline from all lawnmower and edger tanks and check for oil leaks.
• Use medium-sized boxes for garage and attic items like spray paints, brushes, and car polishes. Throw away oily rags or anything combustible.
• Keep pets in a pet carrier up front with you. Ask your vet for suggestions on how to make his movement less traumatic.

Use these packing tips to pack large items, pack small items, and pack awkward items.