How to Pack a Box Properly

How to Pack Boxes

PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY BOXES: We can sell you any boxes you might need in addition to other packing material such as paper and tape. You might save a substantial amount of money, however, by obtaining boxes from other sources such as friends who have recently moved and/or stores. Starting to collect boxes a month or two prior to your move will help you obtain enough.

SELECT THE PROPER SIZE AND TYPE OF BOX:

Heavy items such as books, record albums, canned food, etc. should be put in smaller boxes. Some items such as large pictures, mirrors, glass tops and shelves, clocks and mattresses may require special boxes which we can provide.

PACKING OF SOME ITEMS IS OPTIONAL ON LOCAL MOVES:

When you are moving locally some items do not necessarily need to be packed. Items such as mirrors, large pictures and mattresses can usually be transported safely for short distances without packing. Generally, these items should be packed for long distance move and for shipments moving into storage. Lamps and lampshades should always be packed.

PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME:

Packing can appear to be an insurmountable task when viewed from the perspective of the entire house. Packing one room at a time (and staying with that room until it is fully packed) has the effect of dividing the overall task into several smaller and more manageable tasks. This approach also makes it possible to set realistic goals, i.e. pack the dining room today, the kitchen tomorrow, etc.

TAPE THE BOTTOM OF BOXES:

Taping the bottom of boxess before filling them prevents the contents from spilling out the bottom during the move.

HEAVY ITEMS ON THE BOTTOM/LIGHT ITEMS ON TOP:

In each box, the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter items on top to prevent damage.

USE A LOT OF PAPER:

All breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Paper should be used to cushion the bottom, sides and top of boxes.

PLACE BREAKABLES CORRECTLY IN BOX:

Plates should be stacked vertically as if in a dish drain; glasses and stemware should be placed in an upright position; again, use plenty of paper on all fragile and breakable items.

CORRECTLY FILL BOXES:

Fill all boxes to the top without overfilling. Boxes with items sticking over the top cannot be properly closed or stacked; boxes that are underfilled tend to crush when stacked. Always make sure each box is filled totally to the top before closing. A small space at the top can be filled with paper, a towel, a blanket or other similar items.

CLOSE BOX AND SEAL SHUT WITH TAPE:

Boxes should be closed-top and sealed with tape to prevent damage and make stacking easier.

LABEL EACH BOX:

Use a felt pen to clearly label each box as to its general contents and the room it is to be placed in at destination. Label on the side of each box rather than on the top so that boxes in stacks can be identified. If a box is packed in a manner that requires it to be always kept in an upright position, draw arrows on each side indicating which end must always be kept up. Any boxes containing particularly fragile items should be labeled as such.

STACK BOXES:

Time will be saved on your move if you arrange boxes in stacks of similar size- four to five feet high. This enables the boxes to be easily dollied from the house to the truck.