Before you start packing your boxes, give A Sharp Moving Company a call to get a packing estimate. We provide packing, moving, and storage services. You may decide to let professional movers pack your boxes for your move and save time. Packing a box does require some preparation. For example, what type of box to use, how to wrap each item, how to tape the box so it doesn’t open, how to label the box, etc. If you do decide to pack your own boxes, here are some helpful packing tips.
Packing Boxes & Supplies
There are various sizes of moving boxes. Typically, people use small, medium, large, dish packs, picture, and wardrobe boxes. Small boxes should be used for small delicate items, books, records, and heavier items. Mediums usually for items that are heavier and won’t fit in a small box. Pots and pans are an example of things you might put in a medium box. Large box should be used for lighter weight or bulkier items.
When packing your boxes for moving day, you will also need packing paper, bubble wrap, tape gun, markers or labels. I use more packing paper than bubble wrap. However, bubble wrap is good to use on extremely delicate items. Tape guns make it easier for taping boxes. However, you can also use scissors to cut the tape. Label your boxes with a marker or buy printed labels.
Places like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart have boxes and supples in store or online. Amazon also sells boxes and supplies online and delivers.
General Packing Tips
Packing your boxes is a good time to dispose or donate items you know longer use. Check your local area for donation centers that will pick up donated goods. Churches, Goodwill, Lakeway Resale Barn, or the Salvation Army are always good places to contact.
Packing room by room is really the best way. Of course, there will be last minute items you will not want to pack until the day of the move. You may want to leave out items such as: toiletries, make up, a few dishes, bedding, etc. Just tape up a few empty boxes to put your last minute items in on the day of your move..
In general, individually wrap small and fragile items. Place heavier items in smaller sized boxes and lighter weight items in large boxes. Pack every box to the top without over packing to prevent the box from being crushed. Stuff top, bottom and sides of boxes with paper when packing fragile items. Bathroom towels may also be used. Do not pack money, securities, prescription medicine, valuable papers or jewelry—keep these items with you. Do not pack flammable or perishable items: aerosol cans, paints, gasoline, frozen foods, produce, plants, etc.
Taping & Labeling a packing box
When taping a box for packing, find the seal on the box and that is suppose to be the bottom of the box. This is important because you don’t want the box to be moved upside down. Once you fold the box, tape a strip down the middle opening and then tape a strip across the box. The strips of tape will be in a cross pattern. If you are placing heavy items in the box place two strips of tape in each direction. Once the box is full of items, tape the top of the box in the same cross pattern.
Labeling the box you have packed is very important. I usually label the box on the top, short side, and long side. I do this so customers do not have to turn the box to find the label. Label the box with the appropriate room name and a description of contents. If the box contains fragile items, place the word “FRAGILE” on it. If the box contains something light and fragile, write “TOP LOAD ONLY” on the box. A good example of a top load only item would be a lamp shade.
How to pack Specific Items
Packing Pictures & Artwork
When packing larger wall pictures, you can use a picture box. There are different types of picture boxes. Some are four-piece and some are two-piece. To protect the corners of the picture, place packing paper in each corner. Alot of times you can fit two picture in one of the two-piece picture boxes. If the picture has a glass front, I usually crumple up paper and put in several spots to protect the front.
Larger wall pictures can also be stood upright in a large box with protection between each picture. I try and put pictures of the same size back to back and face to face with packing paper between each picture.
If you don’t have a picture box and it will not fit in a large, you can also place them in a wardrobe box. First, place the pictures along the sides of the wardrobe. Then hang your clothes in the box. Be sure to place the glass front of the pictures facing the inside of the box so the clothes can act as protection. Also, make certain the box is full with clothes so the pictures can not move. Use your best judgement to ensure the pictures do not touch corners.
Packing Lamps & Bedding
Before packing a box with lamps, remove the shades and light bulbs. I always wrap the lamp base in paper and if the lamps are of glass I will use a pillow or blanket in between the lamps. Stand the lamp upright in the box. If you have to lay it on its side make sure it is surrounded with plenty of protection. Wrap the light bulb in packing paper and place bulb and shades in a box. Label the box “TOP LOAD ONLY”. You can place more than one lamp shade in the box by stacking them inside each other. You might want to protect each shade with paper before stacking.
Large boxes or trash bags are good to use when packing bedding. Your bedding is also good to use to wrap lamp bases in before placing in a box.
How to Pack Clothing, Purses, & Shoes
Do you have a lot of Clothes you have dry cleaned? If so, I would suggest using wardrobe boxes to hang your clothes in when moving. They are more expensive but you can place shoes and purses in the bottom of the box. Remember, you can also place large wall pics in the box and protect it with hanging clothes.
If want to save money on boxes, use large boxes instead of wardrobes. Leave your clothes on the hangers and grab 5 to 10 hangers at a time. Then fold clothes in half and place in the box. Rotate each handful of clothes until the box is full. In other words, do not place the clothes in the same direction or one side will be higher.
You can use medium or large sized boxes when packing purses and shoes. I like to put a layer of shoes in the box and separate each layer with paper. You may even want to wrap each shoe or purse individually in paper. The weight of the box is what you want to consider when choosing the size of the box to pack.
Some moving companies, such as A “Sharp” Moving Company, will allow you to leave your clothing in your dressers and/or chest of drawers. Of course, if you are putting your furniture in storage, you may want to go ahead and pack those clothes in boxes.
How to pack Books & Record boxes
Books and records should be packed in small boxes. Whether you lay the books down or stand them up always face the pages to the outside of the box to prevent damage to the pages. When packing box of records, always stand them upright.
Packing Electronics
When packing a box of electronics, place them in the appropriate size box and place crumpled packing paper or towels in the bottom and top of the box. If stacking or placing pieces side-by-side always use protection between each piece. It is always best if you can use the original box the item came in.
For packing computers make sure to use protection on all four sides of the box. Also, moving your computer yourself is always a good idea. Be sure to label the box appropriately.
If possible, place your tv’s in their original box. If you don’t have the original carton, A Sharp Moving will prepare your tv for a safe move.
how to Pack a Kitchen
How to pack boxes of Dishes & China
The kitchen dishes and china usually take the longest time to pack in boxes because each dish needs to be individually wrapped. First, place crumpled packing paper or towel in the bottom of the box. Then wrap each plate individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. You may need more than one piece of paper but use your best judgement. When placing the plates in the packing box, always stand the plates upright in the same direction, Finally, when the box is full, place crumpled paper or a towel in the top of the box. Now you are ready to tape the box closed and label the box. “China” or “dishes” would be an appropriate way to label the box. You can also add the word “Fragile”; however, most movers know when they see the word, “dishes” or “china”, that the contents are fragile.
To pack a box of glasses or mugs prepare the box just like you would for plates. The glasses probably won’t be as tall as the box, so you may want to double stack them. First, wrap each glass individually. Then place a single layer of glass standing upright (do not lay on side). Alternate each glass as you place it in the box. Meaning, one glass would be upright and the next glass you place beside it would be placed upside down. Once you have finished filling the box with the first layer, place a towel or crumpled up packing paper and then start the second tier. Make sure to place plenty of protection between layers.
In my next blog I will give more in depth details on packing about how to pack a kitchen and china.
How to pack Food & Liquids
Canned goods should be packed in small boxes due to the weight. Wrap glass items from your pantry in packing paper. If you are moving locally, place items from your refrigerator and freezer in ice chest.
When packing a box of liquids, place them in a small or medium box. Always make sure the tops are closed on all liquids. For sprays without a lid, place them where nothing will cause them to spray during transport or dispose of them. To protect against leakage, I suggest to use a trash bag for a box liner. Remember to use your own judgment on the weight of the box.
Conclusion
Packing boxes for your moving day is time-consuming and difficult. These packing tips can help you get started with preparing for your move. However, if you decide you just don’t want to take on the task of packing your own boxes, please contact A Sharp Moving Company for a free packing and/or moving estimate. For tips on how to get a good moving estimate, please visit my blog page.
