FIRST DAY/NIGHT
CLOTHING
GENERAL PACKING
PICTURES
DON'T PACK
LAMPS
DISHWARE & GLASSES
ELECTRONICS

• When everything is packed and ready to load, make sure the items you need least
  are loaded first.
• Place the 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.
• Packing with good technique and the right materials can mean an easier move and fewer chipped dishes.
  

• Pack one room at a time, labeling each 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 boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small
  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.
• Tape the bottom of every box; tape the top closed tightly when full.
• Run two strips of tape along the side and one strip down the center. (If the box is still not strong enough, apply more tape on the sides.)
• Use small boxes for heavier items; larger boxes for light weight, bulky items.
• Wrap small and/or fragile items individually.
• Stuff top, bottom and sides of boxes with paper. This helps prevent shifting, rubbing and possible breakage.
• Stack boxes to the top to prevent them from being crushed. But don't pack fragile items too tightly. Stuff with paper.
• Label the contents of every box and the room where it belongs. Group boxes together that belong in the same room. Label any boxes/items "STORAGE" that will be stored for you.

• Money, securities, valuable papers or jewelry. Keep them with you.
• Flammable items: aerosol cans, paints, gasoline, etc.
• Perishable times: frozen foods, produce, plants, etc.
• Soaps, polishes or medicines with foods.
• Kitchenware or other heavy items in boxes with dishware.
  

• Use double corrugated boxes.
• Cushion the bottom with rolled up paper.
• Wrap each piece individually.
• Bundle flatware in groups of three and wrap the bundle.
• Don't place one layer of dishware directly on top of another; separate with a layer of stuffed paper.
• Cushion the top and sides with paper to prevent shifting. The steadier the contents, the less chance of damages.
  

• Put hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes.
• Place shoes in medium size boxes. Use paper to protect and keep pairs separated.
• Place other clothes in medium size/linen size boxes.
  

• Use a picture box.
• Line bottom of box with paper.
• Place picture in box, then stuff front, back and along the top with paper.
• It is sometime possible to pack more than one picture in a box.
• Packing of pictures is always required for long distance moves or moves into storage.
• On a local move there is no need to pack your pictures. The movers will deal with them on the day of the move.
  

• Remove light bulbs.
• Put lampshade in separate box. Mark "FRAGILE."
  

• If possible, pack in original cartons. If not, pack each item in ample amounts of bubble wrap and/or white paper.
• Code wiring with tape for easy reinstallation.
• Stereo: fasten down the tone arm and dust cover.
• Compact disk: check instructions to secure the laser.
• Personal computer: backup all important diskettes; "park" the hard disk (program often included on diagnostics diskette). For floppy disk drive, insert an old or blank disk.