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REMEMBER, HOW MUCH CAN YOU FIT IN A STORAGE UNIT DEPENDS ON HOW WELL
YOU PACK!
1.
Leave a center aisle for easy access.
2. Place valuables toward the rear of your space.
3. Keep refrigerator doors slightly ajar and use the space
inside for extra dry storage.
4. Drain gas from power equipment.
5. Store couches on end to maximize space.
6. Store most-needed items in the front.
7. Label boxes an several sides for easy identification.
8. Disassemble tables legs, store table on its side, bundle or wrap
legs together and mark.
9. Protect your mattress by putting them in a large plastic bag and
cover the furniture with sheets or blankets so you can stack other items
on them.
HOW TO PACK
With a
little care and planning, you and your stuff will both arrive in mint
condition. Most damage comes from vibration. Think of a stack of dishes
in a moving box on the bed of a bouncing truck. No matter how well the
sides are padded, a firm up-and-down jolt could crack the entire stack.
On the other hand, dishes packed on edge and surrounded by bubble wrap
have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed.
In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy
moving boxes,
Packing Tape,
Bubble Wrap,
and
Packing Paper
are worth the money. A
Tape
Dispenser may help you move
along quicker. Supplement with copious amounts of blankets and pillows;
even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. There
should be no empty space in a box, however don't over pack the moving
box either.
Use the right moving box. A good packing job starts with strong, sturdy
moving boxes. Moving boxes have a seal on the bottom that gives their
strength and capacity. That seal will indicate a weight limit and an
"Edge Crush Test" rating. 32ect is standard for most moving boxes. 44ect
is standard for most wardrobe boxes and larger specialty boxes.
Use heavy-duty packing tape (not masking tape) for the boxes as well as
for taping things together (like broom handles).
Packing Techniques
Pack one room at a time, labeling each moving box with a description of
its contents and its destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as
specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier. Keep the
weight of your moving boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in
small moving boxes to make them easier to carry. Don't apply tape
directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could
ruin the surface. Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.
When everything is packed and ready to load, make sure the items you
need least are loaded first. Common sense is essential when loading the
truck. Place the moving box containing your best china on top of the box
of encyclopedias and not vice versa.
Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing essential items
in a separate bag and carrying it with you. You may even want to prepare
a simple meal that you can heat and serve on your first night.
For each person in the household: a change of clothes, a towel,
prescription drugs, a toothbrush, and other personal items.
For everyone: plastic utensils, paper plates, paper towels, plastic
cups, toilet paper, toiletries, trash bags, a flashlight, first aid kit
including pain relievers, pencil and paper, snacks, beverages, and
re-closable plastic bags. Small tool kit for re-assembling items that
couldn't be moved whole.
Appliances
Pack small appliances in original container or a moving box cushioned
with
Packing Paper.
(Do not use shredded paper - it can clog the appliance!)
With major appliances, check with the appliance dealer for any special
moving instructions. For all large appliances, remove loose fittings and
accessories and pack separately. Tie down, tape or wedge all movable
parts and doors.
Gas Dryer - Have gas company disconnect.
Dishwasher/Washing Machine - Stuff towels between machine sides and tub
to keep tub from rotating. Pad exterior well. Disconnect hoses, put in
plastic bag, place in tub.
Freezer/Refrigerator - Defrost and dry interiors well. Fill interior
spaces with lightweight linens, clothing or stuffed toys. If you want to
lay your refrigerator down for moving, check first with the local dealer
to determine if your brand can be moved like this. If so, make sure
refrigerator stands upright for at least 24 hours before plugging in.
Household Items
Beds - Disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and cross-pieces together
with packing tape. Be sure to mark on tape to show where pieces fit
together for reassembly. You can protect your mattress and box spring
with a Mattress Cover or large sheets of
plastic. You may want to cover them just before you walk out the door -
the plastic may make it difficult to move downstairs or around awkward
corners in your home.
Bicycles, Tricycles, Baby Carriages - Loosen, lower and turn handlebars
at right angles to save space. Clean and cover chains and pedals to
protect other items from being snagged or soiled.
Books - They're heavy, so use
Medium Moving Boxes. Don't
mix books with other items. Pack books flat, alternating bindings, and
fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Bureaus, Dressers - Fill drawers with small breakable items and cushion
well with loose clothes. Secure drawers with pad or blanket and tape. Do
not overload drawers with heavy items.
Chairs - Wrap arms and legs to prevent scratches. Bundle armless chairs
in pairs, seat to seat, with a folded blanket or other padding between
and tie seats together.
Clothes - Dresses, coats, suits - anything hanging in closets - travel
best in reusable
Wardrobe Moving Boxes,
which can be used seasonally as "extra closets" for wardrobe storage.
Other clothes can remain folded in their regular dresser drawers. Also,
Large Moving Boxes
can hold a lot of clothes without making the box too heavy.
Comforters, Pillows, Large/Light Items -
Extra Large Moving Boxes
will be best for packing light bulky items. If you have small fragile
items, you can pack a few in between the pillows for extra protection -
just don't forget they are there!
Curtain Rod Hardware - Put the hardware in a plastic bag and tape to rod
or pack in dresser drawers.
Dishes - Individually wrap each piece.
Kitchen Moving Boxes will
fit most kitchenware without making the box too heavy. Place saucers,
plates and platters on edge - DO NOT STACK FLAT. Cups and bowls may be
placed inside each other and wrapped three or four in a bundle.
Kitchenware - Pots, pans, etc. can be stacked in a box with packing
paper between them. Remember not to make the box too heavy - someone has
to carry it!
Glasses - Wrap each glass separately in packing paper or bubble wrap
(you can wrap first in a plastic bag to save washing later).
Fine Furniture - You may want to wrap your best furniture in bubble
wrap, not only to protect it from scratching, but to keep dust and dirt
off the upholstery.
Stretch Wrap can also help
to prevent small scratches and dust from damaging your furniture. Make
sure to wrap the item very tight to prevent snags while you are moving.
Lamps - After disassembling lamps, pack small bases in dresser drawers
surrounded by loose clothing, and large bases in boxes stuffed with
packing paper or bubble wrap. Box shades individually in boxes with
plenty of packing paper for stuffing. Don't use newspaper because it
smudges.
Lawn Mowers - Drain fuel and oil before loading. Remove handle from hand
mowers and place blade end in sturdy box. Mark properly.
Mirrors, Paintings, Prints - Small mirrors can be well wrapped in paper
and packed in boxes. For a larger mirrors and large picture frames,
Frame Moving Boxes work best. Mark GLASS on the
outside to prevent mishandling. Always pack and store on end.
Paint and Flammables - Don't move! The same goes for other flammables
such as alcohol, solvents, lighter fluid, ammunition and greasy mops or
rags.
Radios, TVs - Box upright and make sure items are well padded on all
sides. For console-size equipment, surround with furniture pads, and
then move and load upright. Rugs and Pads - After vacuuming rugs and
pads, sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll up and tape.
Stereos, Compact Discs and Cassettes - Separately pack components and
pack in well-padded box marked FRAGILE. Pack CDs upright in their cases
in a sturdy box with tape-reinforced bottom. Tie CDs in small bundles
before packing, then fill air space with packing paper. Mark FRAGILE.
Cassettes can be packed in a similar manner, although you can group them
in larger bundles.
Tables - For large tables, remove legs and tie together. Put hardware in
small sealed envelope taped to underside of table top. Pad tops. Pad and
tie spare table leaves. For smaller tables, pad top and wrap legs to
prevent scratching.
Tools and Gardening Equipment - Drain hoses, coil and pack in boxes.
Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools, etc.
Combine rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools together with tape.
Valuables - Set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box
contents to be packed in a small container you can keep with you
throughout the move.
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