Begin packing a couple of weeks before you move. Careful packing pays by preventing breakage and loss of small and fragile items. Another thing, you'll want plenty of sturdy corrugated cartons, packing paper, packing tape and a magic marker-type pen. Then, if you'll follow these simple packing tips they will save you trouble, help you avoid damage to your goods and make maximum use of the space in your storage unit and moving truck.
Tape all appliance doors shut when moving. Wedge doors open in storage. Secure all movable parts with paper or wedge. Wrap paper around each item for protection. Freezer or refrigerator, washer and dryer make excellent packing containers for bedding, towels and clothing.
Lash bed rails together with rope or plastic tape. As you take beds apart, mark all pieces so you know which goes with which headboard, etc. Place covers on mattresses to keep clean during moving and storage.
Books get heavy in bunches. Pack them in small cartons, holding weight to under 30 pounds for easy lifting. Line all book cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
Make your bureau drawers earn their passage as extra packing boxes. Fill with small and fragile items. Sweaters, blankets and towels make excellent padding.
Go easy on your back. Hold weight of all packing cartons under 30 pounds. With marking pen, list contents of each carton on the side. For load sizing multiply length x width x height of each carton if that information is not already on the carton.
Protect all chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic covers.
Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.
Take your time when packing dishes. Wrap each one with packing paper and cushion them in the carton with crumpled packing paper. Keep dish pack cartons under 30 pounds for easy handling and safe riding.
Pack glasses carefully. Wrap with foam or bubble pack and pad with crumpled packing paper just like dishes.
Such as old paint, cleaning fluids, gasonline, ect. Make certain all fuel is drained out of gasonline powered equipment. Throw away anything that could possibly cause fire. Do not store food in open containers or any item which could attract rodents or pests. Why risk your possessions just to keep a few cents' worth of leftovers?