A good packing job does more than protect your belongings, it can actually make settling into your new home much easier.
Bedroom: Clothing can either be folded and packed or hung in wardrobe “closets” or cartons. Try to keep out-of-season or special occasion clothes together. When unpacking, you’ll be able to leave those for last. Dresser drawers may be packed with lightweight clothing, but be sure to remove any liquids or breakables first.
Beds: Disassemble the bed frames and mark the pieces so you know where they go later. Tie or tape rails together. Take all screws, bolts, nuts, etc. put in plastic bag and tape to rails. Tie large pads around headboard and footboards, if you have them. Leave sheets on mattresses to protect them, or cover them with plastic mattress covers.
Kids’ Stuff: Pack kids’ rooms last if they are still small. The security of their routine until the very end will make the transition go more smoothly. Give older children (probably ages 5 and up) advance time to pack their rooms with you. Packing up is a good time to talk about things they might be worried or feel sad about - leaving friends, school, a home they’ve always lived in, and facing a new school and strangers. Understanding feelings and offering your reassurance will ease the transition for them. Allow them to select some items to take with them in the car or in their carry-on bag. Most kids’ toys are somewhat non-breakable and can go in boxes with some wadded newsprint or extra clothes to fill in spaces. Breakable toys like models or porcelain dolls can be wrapped in extra clothes and packed in wadded newsprint. While the kids are packing, ask them to think about where they’d like things to go in their new rooms. Make sure you drain water from squirt guns and seal paints and other safe but messy materials in ziplock bags or containers. Pack them together in a box lined with a plastic bag. Have your kids seal the boxes and write their names or put their favorite stickers on each box.
Living Room/Family Room: Use the right size box and DON’T USE NEWSPAPER for packing. Use as little paper as possible to avoid denting. Dried flower arrangements should get the same treatment as lampshades, and make sure to label the boxes with “THIS END UP.” If you are moving in the summer, certain items can be damaged by the heat. Candles, CDs, records, tapes and floppy disks are all at risk.
Personal Computers and Video Recorders: Back up all the files on your computer. Your computer company may recommend that you “park” your hard drive. That means using a special program (possibly called “SHIP.EXE”) that makes recording heads in the hard drive pull back from the data area into a “safer” area of the CPU. Pack your disks in a separate box, but not with anything magnetic. Bundle cables and wires and color-code them to their matching holes so it’s easy to reconnect in your new home. If your computer is completely cooled off, put each component part in a plastic bag to keep dirt out during the move, then inside the foam forms in their original boxes. Fit cables and other accessories in the sides of each box and fill with peanuts. If you don’t have the original boxes, use the double-box method. Fill the smaller of the two boxes with Styrofoam peanuts, put the “bagged” monitor or CPU in the middle, and fill the box the rest of the way so the component sits in the middle of the box without touching the sides. Fit in cables and accessories, close and seal that box, then fill the bottom of the second box with peanuts, put the sealed box in, and fill all around the rest of the way with peanuts. If you have a small printer, you can pack it with your CPU. Be sure to remove the printer cartridges. If your printer uses pins to form-feed paper, leave the paper in during the move to keep the pins in place. Mark each box “Fragile - Computer.”
Stereo Components: Make sure all components are completely cooled off. Use color-coded tape to mark where cables and cords should go in the equipment when you get to your new home. Check your CD player manual to see whether you need to tighten screws that will keep internal components from moving around. If you have a turntable, tape down the “platter” the record sits on and tape the arm to the arm rest. (Pack the plastic turntable cover separately from the turntable, if it comes off, it may screw down.) Put all components in individual plastic bags to keep them from getting dirty during the move and to keep peanuts out of the equipment. Put components in original boxes, or put them in double boxes. The component goes in the smaller box filled with peanuts, and the smaller box goes inside the larger box, also filled with peanuts. Don’t bundle components together in the boxes unless they’re small enough to be separated by peanuts.
CDs: Pad the bottom of the box with wadded-up blank newsprint or Styrofoam peanuts. Place a stack of CDs in the middle of the box. If your box is big enough and you don’t have a lot of CDs, put your entire CD holder in the center, CDs and all. CDs can weigh a lot, so you’ll probably have to divide them into several boxes. Fill in tightly all around and on top with peanuts or wadded paper so the CDs won’t jiggle.
TV—Big-Screen: Unplug your big screen TV. Be sure to leave the cable and cable box behind, since those belong to the cable company. Lay it gently on its side and slide the foam forms on either end. Then slide it into the box, set it upright, seal it, and mark it “Big-Screen TV.” If you don’t have the original box, you will still need more than plastic peanuts. Companies that sell packing materials probably have dense Styrofoam blocks you can use. Gently lay the TV on its side on top of a piece of foam. Tape another piece of foam on the bottom and slide the whole thing into the box. Fill in all sides with foam, then seal and mark “Big-Screen TV.”
TV/VCR—Less than 30”: Make sure the TV is cooled off and you’ve left the cable and cable box for the cable company (they own those). Do the same for the VCR. Check your manual to make sure there are no special moving preparations you need to make to stabilize internal components. Wrap up the cord for the TV and VCR and put in the original boxes. Or use foam forms you purchase or peanuts. (Wrap your TV and VCR in a plastic bag before immersing in peanuts so the peanuts don’t get inside the machines). Put the TV and VCR in separate boxes.
Washing Machine: Do all your wash a couple of days before you’re ready to move. Drain all the water out of the washer. If possible, take the washer outside and tip it sideways to empty out remaining water from the water hose. Then dry the interior completely with a towel. Take out all accessories and fittings and put them in a plastic bag. Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and the tub to keep the tub from rotating. Also include a box of baking soda (designed so you don’t have to tear open the top of the box) to cut down on mildew. Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses and store them inside the machine. Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed then tie a large pad around the outside.
Dryer: Disconnect the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer and from the exhaust duct in the wall. Loosely roll the hose and place it in the dryer basket. Tape the lint screen, electrical cord, and dryer door down. Tie a large pad around the outside of the dryer.
Refrigerator: One day before moving, empty out the contents and defrost. (Eat what you can, then give the rest away to neighbors - never transport perishable food.) Empty the drainage pan underneath and disconnect and drain out your automatic icemaker. Clean the walls, drawers, and shelves. Wrap shelves (especially if they are glass) and tape them together. Tape down all other loose parts, including the drawers on the inside and the electrical cord and doors on the outside. Tie a large pad around it.
Some refrigerators have “leveling rollers,” which are wheels that raise and lower each corner of the refrigerator so it is even. Check your manual to see whether you should raise or lower them for the move.
Stove: Clean the oven and stovetop. Place all oven racks and broiler pan on the bottom rung and tape down. Tape down the burners, knobs and the protective pans under each burner. Tape the electrical cord and door to the stove (lock the door, if you can). Then tie a large pad around it.
Dishwasher: Remove all dishes and tape down the racks and silverware basket. See your manual for removing and draining the water hook-up. Close and lock the door. Tape the door shut. Now tape the hose and cord to the dishwasher. Tie a large pad around it.
Air conditioner: If your air conditioner is in use, shut if off the day before so the coils can dry and cool off. Remove and clean or replace the filter. Tape the cord to the side of the air conditioner (not the back, where the coils are). Use the original box, if you have it, or another large appliance box well-padded with wadded up newsprint. (Don’t use Styrofoam peanuts, which could get inside the air conditioner and cause problems later.) If you don’t have a box, tie two large pads around it to protect the coils.
Small Appliances: Group kitchen appliances, like blenders and toasters, or other small household appliances, like hand-held vacuums and telephones, two or three to a box. (Make sure they’re clean - don’t pack yesterday’s toast or blender drinks!) Pad the bottom of the box with blank newsprint (wadded up, not shredded) or your towels and sheets. Put the appliances in and pad them well all around with packing material. Then put another layer of packing materials on top, seal the box, and mark it “Kitchen Appliances.”
Dishes and Glassware: Since this is the busiest room in the house, it is usually left until last. That can lead to haphazard packing, so start with all those things you rarely use- special china, the Thanksgiving platter, that big coffee urn. Get them out of the way early and you’ll cut down on the size of the job later. Get together all your dishtowels and potholders; use them for extra padding. We strongly recommend you purchase the special cartons designed to protect dishes, usually called Dishpacks. Pack plates standing on their edges- never flat. “Nest” bowls, cups and glasses inside each other after wrapping. Be sure to fill any empty spaces with appropriate packing material. Think twice before you move any opened food containers. With spices and grains, first consider their age. If you’ve had them for a year or more, don’t take them. If you must take opened containers, tape them shut securely and enclose in plastic bags before packing. Wrap breakables in tissue paper and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in boxes. Pack plates on their edges. Consider using potholders and dishtowels to cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes.
Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper. Delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time. Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.
No matter what you’re packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there’s a gap. All boxes with “fragile” items should be marked accordingly.
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food: Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don’t attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
The Dining Room: Delicate crystal, china and bric-a-brac need extra protection. Consider boxing some things up before putting in packing containers. If you seal napkins and tablecloths in plastic bags, you can use them for additional padding. Make sure everything is snug and mark the boxes “FRAGILE.” If you have fine silver, avoid discoloration by making sure it’s clean, and don’t wrap using rubber bands. If you have a case for it, fill in all the empty spaces with soft cloth or tissue, seal shut with wrapping paper and tape and then wrap in toweling. Otherwise, wrap each piece in soft cloth or special silver paper before packing. This will protect it from tarnish and scratches.
Lawn Furniture: Packing is easy if you have furniture with no breakable parts. Hose down/clean off your furniture. Disassemble any parts. Tape them together, or put small pieces in ziplock bags and tape to the furniture. If you have glass tabletops, wrap them in bubble wrap and put them in flat boxes used for mirrors and artwork. Seal and mark boxes “Fragile - Glass.”
Lawnmowers and Lawn Tools: Clean your lawnmower underneath of all grass and debris (use a hose). Clean other lawn tools and equipment. Drain gas and oil out of the lawnmower into storage containers. Contact your local recycling company or Environmental Protection Agency office for information on disposing of the gas and oil. Tape or tie handles of rakes, shovels, and other garden tools. Pack smaller garden/lawn items in a box. Drain your garden hose down a hill, roll up, and put in a box.
Grills: Empty propane tanks from barbecue grill and properly purge hose. Secure lid and immobilize moving parts. Wrap grates and briquets separately in a newspaper (or place all briquets into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method. Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper.
Tools: Drain fuel from power tools. Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.
The Attic/Garage/Cellar/Outdoors: Before you move anything that’s been in a storage area, clean it well and make sure it’s in sound condition. Drain garden hoses and empty and wash any plant containers or garden equipment using soap and water. You don’t want to risk moving insects or disease.
Armoires: Armoires can be great packing spaces for lightweight items like pillows, lamp shades, even hanging clothes, if you use a tight tension rod inside. If you’re going to pack a lampshade, be sure to pad it all around with lots of lightly wadded up blank newsprint or bubble wrap. Remove all the contents from the shelves. Don’t try to ship your CDs, TV, cards and games, or other loose items inside the armoire - they’ll be jostled and probably damaged. If you have drawers, you can keep some items inside if they’re not too heavy. Wad up blank newsprint in the empty spaces and tape the drawers shut. If you like, fill in empty spaces with lightweight items, like pillows and lampshades (properly padded with lightly wadded up blank newsprint or bubble wrap.) Several lampshades can be stacked together with blank newsprint in between. Close and lock your doors, if possible, or tie the handles together. Tie large padding or old blankets around the outside.
Bureaus: Don’t leave bureau drawers completely full for the move - the bureau will be too heavy. Use suitcases to pack some clothing and other non-fragile items from your bureau drawers. Partially empty out drawers and fill spaces with small, fragile items like clocks or picture frames wrapped in loose clothing. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Don’t put tape on the drawers - it could stick to the finish. Tie a large pad securely around the bureau.
Clocks: Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.
Drapes and Curtains: Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.
Flammables and Combustibles: Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode.
Lamps and Lampshades: Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue-lined cartons.
Medicines: Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.
Sculptures: You’ll need a box at least one-third larger than the size of your sculpture and bubble wrap. Fill one-third of the box with Styrofoam peanuts. Wrap the sculpture with bubble wrap, put it in upright then fill in all around and on top with peanuts. Your piece of art should be nestled in the center without touching the sides of the box. Tape the box and mark “Fragile - Artwork” clearly on the outside.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures: Place large pictures and paintings on edge. Put tape across the front of the mirror like an X to keep the pieces in place in case the glass breaks. If your painting is framed with glass, tape the front like an X with masking tape. If you’re packing a canvas (no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard box in bubble wrap again, tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly bigger than the first. Double-boxing is a guarantee against other sharp objects puncturing the box and canvas during the move. Wrap them individually in newsprint. Note: Do not place newspaper directly against paintings. Fill loose spaces with lightly wadded paper and then tape cardboard around them or wrap them in bubble wrap. Tape the box shut and mark it.
Waterbed Mattresses: Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner’s manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects. For further information, ask your Atlas Relocation Specialist for a copy of “How To Move Your Waterbed.”
Books: If you’ve collected lots of books over time, it’s a great time to re-evaluate what you really want to keep. Consider selling some at a yard sale or to a secondhand bookstore. Never pack more than 30 pounds of books in a box, unless you’re a weightlifter by trade. Fill in small spaces in each box with smaller paperbacks. Alternate bindings every few books to keep stacks level in each box. Tape shut and mark “Books.”
Chairs: Wrap arms of chairs with blank newsprint or bubble wrap and tape. Leave slipcovers on or cover with large flat sheets. Cover next with furniture pads.
Clothes: Hang clothes from closets in wardrobe boxes. If the boxes still have some space, consider filling them with lightweight items like lampshades covered in bubble wrap. Pack some clothes from bureaus in boxes or suitcases so the bureaus won’t be too heavy to move. Consider using some clothes as packing material in between breakable items or to fill spaces in other boxes that contain items from bedrooms. Mark boxes “Clothing” or with the person’s name.
Hippos: Fill your tank with 800 gallons of water. Start yesterday. Remember, a medium-sized hippo takes up at least 200 gallons. (Just out of curiosity, why do you have a hippo, anyway?) Apply sedative. Take two Aspirin. Hold it, hold it - put the hippo in the tank, first. Start with soothing hippo music, followed by a large winch and crane. Now go relax in a hot bath before the forklift arrives.
WAIVER: We in no way advocate moving a hippo or any animal without the express advice and consent of your local vet or zoo keeper. If you’d like advice from a veterinarian on moving with pets click here .
