Feel free to check out some of ALLSTATE Moving’s services throughout our site. We offer Full service packing along with delivery of boxes, provision of supplies, storage, on-site estimates for long distance moves, commercial moves and 3 bedrooms or larger residential moves. Also check out some of our pamphlets below along with our tips section on our web site.
ALLSTATE Moving offers full service packing relieving you of all the stresses involved in your move. You can rest assured that your belongings will be packed and protected by trained professionals. You can rest easy knowing that we will be packing you. In case you do not choose to use our packing services below we have listed some helpful tips when packing your items.
What you’ll need for the first night/day
- 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.
In General
- 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.
Don’t Pack These Items
- 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.
Dishware and Glasses
- 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.
Clothing
- 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.
Pictures
- 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.
Lamps
- Remove light bulbs.
- Put lampshade in separate box. Mark “FRAGILE.”
Electronics
- 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.