Whether you are moving a short distance or across the nation, proper packing and loading is your best insurance against damage. Here are a few tips to help you pack and load like a pro.          Various size boxes

       Cardboard

       Plastic sheets/tarp

       Blankets

       Newspaper/wrapping paper

       Box/shipping tape

       Scissors/pocket knife

       Sandwich bags (to hold appliance/furniture hardware).

      Gloves

       More

                       

Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes. Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores.

Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan. Start packing several weeks before your move date, taking it one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack. Begin with things you use less frequently, such as books and knick-knacks.

Pack each room in separate boxes and label each box with its contents. Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape. Fill each box to its capacity, using paper or fillers to eliminate empty spaces. The top and sides of each box shouldn’t bulge, nor should they cave in when closed. Pack a couple of cartons a day. Pack as much as you can into boxes. This will provide greater protection for your belongings and will make loading your trailer much easier. Unusually shaped items take up more space and make loading more difficult. Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It’s a good idea to leave space in your log for a special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods.

Be sure to have plenty of “filling” material available. Packing and padding your items are keys to having a successful move. Don’t skimp on packing supplies. They are far cheaper than broken or damaged belongings. Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents. Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.

Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule to remember on carton size—the heavier the item, the smaller the carton. Leave lightweight linens and clothing in their drawers. Pack extra linens, pillows and stuffed animals in large garbage bags and tape closed.

Disassemble any items you can. Be aware of items with sharp corners or projections and keep them from puncturing or scratching other objects. Pack your valuables and essentials separately and plan on keeping these items with you.

There are two things you can do to protect breakable items. First: don’t mix them with heavy items. Second: cushion them well. The bottom of each box needs a layer of crumpled paper, with additional cushioning layers in the middle and on top. Fragile items can be given extra protection by boxing them individually before packing. Make up or obtain “FRAGILE” stickers, to mark the outside of appropriate boxes. If a box must be kept right side up, indicate on the outside with stickers marked “THIS END UP.”

Before you pack any rooms, take a few boxes and mark them “NEW HOME SUPPLIES” or “OPEN THIS BOX FIRST.” What you pack in here will be a lifesaver when you arrive at your new home. Instead of having to rifle through boxes looking for various things, they’ll all be in one place. Make a copy of our list, and add your own ideas to it. When you come upon an item for the box, put it in and mark it off the list. When the list is complete, remove everything and pack the boxes carefully. You will find your “NEW HOME” boxes to be the most useful ones you pack.

Things to put in the “NEW HOME” box:

     1.       Bedroom and Bath: sheets, pillows, blankets, shower curtain and hooks,
               lightweight curtains (not drapes), tension rods, light bulbs, fuses, candles,
               alarm clock, towels.

     2.      Toiletries: bar soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and paste, toilet paper, First aid
              kit: aspirin, tweezers, adhesive bandages, antiseptics, prescriptions.

     3.      Household/Kitchen Supplies: bottle/can opener, paper/plastic cups, plates,
              utensils, trash bags, paper towels, dust pan, broom, all purpose spray
              cleaner, sponges, liquid soap, coffee maker, tea kettle.

     4.      Tools: flashlight, hammer, pliers, screwdriver, wrench, scissors, utility knife,
              thumbtacks, nails, screws.

     5.      Personal: change of clothes for everybody, baby things, pet supplies.