Helpful Hints for Packing
Create several boxes that are intended to be loaded last and
unloaded first, or provide each family member with an “essentials”
box. These will normally need to contain:
? A change of clothing
? Toiletries, including toilet paper and a bath towel
? Medications
? Favorite toys or electronics
? Copies of keys and necessary information for moving day
? Cleaning supplies
? Tools
? Critical records and documents
When disassembling such items as curtain rods, small furniture
or any thing that uses bolts or screws, it is a good idea to
use packing tape to secure such connectors to the object. If
there is the chance that the tape may leave a mark, secure the
tape to the underside of the item, holding the connectors firmly
in place. Many people use small plastic bags to hold such hardware
and then tape to be absolutely certain that none are lost during
the move.
Keep drawer trays full of their contents, and simply wrap the
tray tightly with bubble wrap. For example, leave all of the
household cutlery in its tray, and wrap the entire collection
in a large piece of bubble wrap. When unpacking the homeowner
will be able to simply unwrap the tray and slide it into its
new home.
Remove light bulbs from all lamps as they can be broken during
transportation, especially if the lamp shade is removed from
the lighting fixture that houses the bulb.
Use packing as an opportunity to launder items that don’t
usually receive a great deal of attention, such as drapes, furniture
covers, area rugs and even heavy bedspreads. Once they are laundered
they can be packed away in the appropriate containers for moving
day, or put into storage until they are needed.
When packing a moving truck or van it is perfectly fine to use
extra blankets or garbage bags full of linens to fill empty
spaces between larger items, in fact this may prevent shifting
or bumping that can occur when moving larger loads of household
goods and possessions.