How to Pack Like a Pro

Below is a list of common household items; browse below for information on packing the it
Table LampsDepending on the height of the lamp, we suggest a 4 or 5 cu. ft. carton, plus clean, white packing paper. First remove the lampshade (see Lampshade below) and the light bulb. In most cases you can pack two or three lamps in one box depending on the diameter of the base of the lamp. Place a wad of paper in the bottom of the box and then wrap the lamp in paper. Place the lamp in the corner of the box and if you can fit more than one lamp per carton, place the next lamp in another corner of the box leaving room to put padding between the lamps and the box wall. Leave room for padding material between the lamps as well; whether you use more paper or a throw pillow from the sofa make sure there is sufficient padding. Pack the light bulb with the lamp so you know where it is when you unpack. On the top of the box write the room location and Lamp, Keep up.
Lampshades4 or 5 cu. ft. carton. If the shade is wide you can use a lampshade carton, plus clean, white packing paper. CAUTION:Older lampshades tend to be brittle. Even small amounts of pressure can crack the inner plastic or fabric of your lampshade.Most lampshades can be removed quite easily. To remove the lampshade from the lamp, slide the small metal coverings upward, then pinch the base of the harp and lift it from the lamp; we suggest that the harp be removed from the lamp before packing. Place a wad of packing paper in the bottom of the box and set the shade in. Loosely crumple some packing paper and place it around the shade to hold it from moving around in the box.Due to the fragility of lampshades, it is often unwise to nest more than one lampshade of the same size together in one box. If you have lampshades of different sizes and feel they can be packed safely together, place a single sheet of packing paper overtop of the bottom shade and nestle the second shade on top.

If your lampshades are very old, only pack one shade per carton and be very careful when placing padding material around the shade.
Pole Lamps4 or 5 cu. ft. Carton Pad the pole lamp however the light bulb and lampshade must be packed to insure safe travel. Remember to label the carton as living room pole lamp, lampshade, and light bulb.
FigurinesFigurine Cartons and Tissue Paper All figurine items should be packed in a smaller box which are then in turn packed into a larger box. This will ensure the safety of a fragile figure because it has been double packed. To pack the figurine place a wad of packing paper or tissue paper in the bottom of the smaller box, then wrap the figurine in tissue paper. If the figurine has an area that sticks out you will want to try and build up the padding material to protect it. For example, if the figurine has an arm extended over top of its head you can build up your padding material from the head to add a lot of protection to the arm. Place the figurine in the carton and add sufficient padding between the figurine and the wall of the carton. If the figurine is small you may be able to fit a few in the one carton. Just be sure to have enough padding between each figurine. Seal the figurine carton and label the top with the room location. You will then need to pack these cartons into a larger box. If you do not have room in any of the boxes from the living room you may need to pack them into a box from the dining room or a room close by. With the figurine box labeled you will be able to unpack it in the living room without much trouble.
Small Pictures 

2 or 4 cu. ft. carton

 CAUTION: Never lay a picture or glass item flat on its face in a box.You may have some smaller framed pictures on your end table that will need to be packed. If you have a large number of them throughout your living room you may be able to fill one box. Start with the larger pictures on the outside of the carton after you have placed ample padding on the bottom of the carton. Be sure that the picture is not taller than the box you are using. Wrap the picture and stand it on edge against the wall of the carton. Be sure to place the picture towards the wall. Wrap the second picture and place it on another wall in the carton. Continue this process until each of the four walls of the box are matched with a picture. For the second row in the carton be sure to wrap the picture and place the it towards the picture in front. Continue this process once again until you have packed all of the pictures or have run out of space in the box. When you are done you will have a box that should naturally taper into the middle. In this pocket of space, place a throw cushion from the sofa, the doilies from a tabletop, or anything else that is soft and light. If you only have a few smaller pictures you can also place them on the wall of the carton for the lamps.
Large PicturesPicture or Mirror Carton If you have a decorative mirror or larger pictures in the living room we have special cartons that are designed to offer full protection. To start, place a wad of paper in the bottom of the carton and slide the picture or mirror with the finished surface facing the wall of the carton. If you have room you can place another picture or mirror on the other side of the carton with the finished side facing the carton. Place a piece of cardboard between the two pictures and place some crumpled packing paper down the sides of the carton to prevent the pictures from sliding around, and a little paper on top. Seal the top of the carton and label with the room location; 2 pictures or 1 mirror, 1 picture.
Glass for Top of End or Coffee TablesPicture or Mirror Carton You can use the same process to pack any glass from tables that you use to pack pictures or mirrors. The only other thing to keep in mind is the weight of the glass; if the glass is very thick it may be best to only pack one piece of glass per carton. Likewise, be sure to use ample paper on the top and bottom of the carton to ensure protection.
Stereo Components and VCR4 cu. ft. Carton and Packing Paper When you disconnect your stereo you may want to make a simple diagram of what wire goes into what location. If you have a complex system you may want to color-code your wires showing the color on your diagram. Place a wad of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton. Place the first component in the bottom of the box (it’s best to put the heaviest piece in first) use some crushed paper between the component and the wall of the carton. Put some more crushed paper on top of the component and place the next piece on top, put paper between the component and the wall of the carton. Continue placing components on top of each other until the carton is full. Remember to start with the heaviest component and work your way to the top getting lighter with each component. Always put the turntable on top so that the plastic cover does not get cracked. Pack the wires with the stereo so that you can set it up as you unpack.
Records and Compact Discs2 cu. ft. Carton Be sure to tape the bottom of the box to handle the weight of the records. We suggest taping the box along the seam (where the two flaps meet) and then again on the other side of the box so you have the tape crisscrossed on the bottom of the box. Stand the records on their edge. When using a 2 cu.ft. box, a record will stand up perfectly from top to bottom. Stand the CD’s on their sides also to prevent cracking the cases. When packing CD’s we suggest wrapping them in paper in bundles of four to six. Remember to label the box with the room location; records or CDs.
Books and Photo Albums 

2 cu. ft. Carton

 Books are to be packed in an upright position. If you have a coffee table book with a very nice cover you may decide to wrap it with packing paper. Be careful not to pack too many books into one box as you may twist the book and break the binding. When you are finished packing a 2 cu. ft. box with books it will likely weigh 50-60 pounds. Keep this in mind before you start packing; you may want to pack the box where it can be left so you don’t have to move it when you are done.
Dried Flower Arrangements2, 4, or 5 cu.ft. Carton. Possibly a drapery carton or lampshade carton depending on the size of the arrangement(s). Arrangements with a vase:When packing a dried flower arrangement you want to avoid any contact with the flowers themselves. Be sure to get a carton large enough that the arrangement does not touch the sides of the box. If the arrangement has a vase that it sits in make a nest in the bottom of the box to slide the vase into. Be sure that the nest has enough strength to hold the arrangement from moving inside the box. Label the box with the room location: Dried Flowers. SOFT TOP.Arrangements without a vase:

When packing dried flower arrangements you want to avoid any contact between the carton and the flowers. Be sure to purchase a carton large enough that the arrangement does not touch the walls of the carton. Leave the bottom of the box empty (no crushed paper) and lay the bottom or back of the arrangement into box so that the flowers are facing up. Take a pair of sharp scissors or a knife and puncture small holes in the bottom of the box on either side of the arrangement. Place these holes about 4 inches apart down the length of the box. Using a pipe cleaner insert from the bottom of the carton into a strong part of the base and then into the hole on the other side. Pull the pipe cleaner through and tie it on the outside of the box. This procedure guarantees nothing will touch the arrangement itself and the item will not move inside the box. Seal the top of the box and label it with the room location: Dried Flower Arrangement. SOFT TOP.
Area RugsNo box required. In most cases it is easier to roll the rug. If the rug has a fringe on the ends roll in both ends about six to twelve inches. Fold two or three sheets of packing packer two or three times length ways and wrap them around the rug about four to six inches apart down the length of the rug. Put some tape around the paper to hold the shape of the carpet in a tube form. If you have a high value rug you may want to get a carpet roll (most carpet retail stores are happy to give them away). This will prevent the carpet from getting bent during the move.
Curtains, Drapes or Venetian Blinds 

Wardrobe Box or Drapery Carton

 Using a Wardrobe box:When you pack draperies you want to try and avoid any creasing. Fold the curtains using the pleat lines. When you have the curtains off of the rod you will be left with a small bundle the width of the pleat mark and the length of the curtains. Hang the curtains on the bar in the wardrobe after placing a sheet of clean packing paper over the bar to prevent any soiling.Using a drapery carton:

Use the same process as above folding the curtain using the pleat lines so you end up with a bundle the width of the pleats and the length of the curtain. You will need to lay the curtains into the drapery carton. Start by laying the end with the hooks from the curtain rod into the box first; continue laying the curtain down to the end of the box. If the curtain is longer than about three and a half feet you will need to put a slight fold in the curtain and then proceed back towards the end you started at. To prevent a crease in the curtain you can place some packing paper under the folded section to round the fold. These cartons are quick, safe, and easy to pack if you have Venetian blinds or curtains that are under three and a half feet. Label the top of the carton with the room location: Drapery.
Live Plants2, 4 or 5 Cu. ft. carton. If the plant is four to six feet tall we would suggest using a wardrobe carton. If the plant you are packing is in a vase or some kind of a breakable container make a nest with packing paper that the vase can sit in. Make sure that the nest has plenty of strength to keep the plant from moving. Water the plant two or three days before moving so that it will not leak into the box.
China (Plates, bowls, platters)China Carton, Tea Chest The most important thing to know when packing china items is the strongest point of a given dish. For example, if you take a plate and lay it flat it doesn’t take much pressure to break it. However, if you take a plate and push pressure on it while it’s on its edge it takes much more force to do any damage. Keeping this in mind, all plates, bowls, and platters should be packed on their edges when packed in a box. To get started, create a comfortable workstation. It’s best to leave the dishes in the cupboards or china cabinet than to take them out ahead of time. Use a table or counter surface to place your sheets of packing paper, and make sure your carton is within reach. In the bottom of the Tea Chest or China Carton, place two to three inches of crumpled packing paper. Start with the heaviest items first (dinner plates or large platters). The process of wrapping plates is simple: Rotate your stack of paper such that you are facing a corner. Place the first plate towards the closest corner of the paper, and then fold the corner over the plate. Set the next plate into the first one and fold the corner of the next sheet of paper over both of them. Repeat this to a maximum of four plates. When you have four plates completed, take the two side corners (all four sheets) and fold them over the plates, then roll the plates toward the last corner until you have used up the length of the paper. Set this bundle on its edge against the wall of the carton. Continue this process until the bottom of the box is filled with these bundles of four plates or platters. If you have some plates or platters that are of a unique size to the others, wrap them with one or two sheets of paper by themselves. If the dishes are not the same shape never bundle them together. Continuing, take some crushed paper and put a padded division between the bottom level of dishes that you just completed and the next level that you’re about to start. Continue making bundles of plates or bowls (no more then four nestled together) and place them on edge to create the second vertical level in your carton. Continue this process. Because of the weight of china it is best to place two layers of plates and bowls and then use glasses or stemware (see how to wrap below) for the third level. If there is room, a layer of tea cups usually works well. If you do not have room for teacups on the last layer you can use salt and peppershakers or even tablecloths or
tea towels to fill the box to the top.
Stemware, Glasses, Teacups and Mugs 

China Carton or Tea Chest

 Make sure that you have a good workstation. It is best to keep the glasses or stemware in the cupboards or china cabinet with your paper close by on a table or on a counter top. Using sheets of clean packing paper start with your glass at one corner on its side and roll towards the middle of the paper. When you have reached the middle, fold in the two sides (Left and right) into the middle overtop of the glass and then continue to roll the glass to the end of the paper. Set the glass or stemware item upside down or top down to prevent the edges from becoming chipped. Be sure that you have an supporting base of crushed packing paper to set the glass on inside the box. Place the glasses side by side until the entire level in the box is full of glasses. If you want to take extra precaution to ensure the safe transportation of your stemware you can wrap and pack them in a smaller box (2cu.ft. or figurine carton) and then pack that box into a larger china or tea carton. Although these methods provide plenty of protection, cardboard dividers can be purchased to further protect your breakable items within the box. If you are wrapping mugs or tea cups, use the same technique, but consider tearing your sheets of paper in half; this will make your paper go much farther. Just remember to always place the stemware, glass, mug or cup upside down to prevent chipping the edge.
Small Appliances, Tupperware, or Pots and Pans4 or 5 cu. ft. Carton When packing these kinds of items you always want to have the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest at the top.Small appliances:When packing small appliances you’ll want to be sure that the item is wrapped properly. If you place the item in the middle of your packing paper upside down you can bring all four corners towards the middle of the item. Always leave the cord and plug outside the paper so as not to scratch the appliance. If the item is large you may decide to tape the paper on, but that is not necessary. You will likely be able to fit two or three items in the bottom of the box; use a layer of crushed paper on top and then put another layer of appliances on top that are lighter than the ones in the bottom. Continue this till the carton is full.

NOTE: Always empty the grease from your deep fryer unless it has a sealed top that can be locked.

Tupperware and Pots and pans:

Tupperware does not need to be wrapped in paper; however, pots and pans should be fit into each other using paper to separate them. Be sure when you are packing pots and pans that there is not a lot of pressure on the handles. We suggest packing the pots and pans in a separate box from the Tupperware, but if you only have a box between the two, make sure to place the pots and pans in the bottom of the box and the Tupperware on top. Remember to label the box with the room location and a brief description of its contents.
Clothing (Sweaters, shoes, T-shirts), Linen and Pillows5 cu.ft. Carton Clothes and Shoes:If the dressers you own have a pull out drawer you will not have to pack the items from inside. If your dresser or armoire has a hinged door you will need to pack the items from within the doors. You’ll also need to pack the items from inside the closets in the bedrooms, and the front and possibly back hall losets as well. If you’re packing shoes be sure to wrap the good shoes or pack them separate from the work boots. We suggest you pack the grubby shoes at the bottom and separate them from the good shoes using a couple sheets of packing paper. Then pack your good shoes on top of them making sure you eparate the shoes with paper so as not to scuff the polish from them. If you still have room in the box you can separate your shoes using packing paper and then pack sweaters or t-shirts until the carton is full. You can use a very large box to pack these items because the box does not get overly heavy.Linens and Pillows:

Use a large box to pack these items and be sure to label the box clearly when you pack the linens from the bed so that you can find them quickly at the end of the day. Pack the linen from the bed for each room in its own box to make finding them easier.
Cleaning and Laundry Supplies2 cu.ft. Carton Make sure that the containers with liquid in them have the tops screwed on tight. If the lid will not seal we suggest you do not pack it. Glass containers will need to be wrapped in paper to prevent any breakage. Make sure that you label the top of the box “Liquids: Keep Up”. We strongly suggest that you take items such as bleach or any other kind of corrosive liquid yourself; we cannot transport aerosol cans or any other explosive item. You will still need to pack them so that you can transport them safely, so label the carton as “Do not take”.
Refrigerator and Freezer Food2 cu. ft. Carton Do not pack the fridge food until the last possible minute. Label the boxes as “Fridge Food” so that they can be unpacked as soon as the refrigerator is setup (We will always put the refrigerator and freezer as close to last as is possible so it can be unloaded quickly into your new home). When you pack your chest freezer use a box that will fit back inside. We can remove the boxes from the freezer to move the appliance and then place the boxes back inside to prevent the food from melting. If you have an upright freezer you will need to pack your food in coolers or by some other means. Due to the shelves inside the fridge it is not safe to place boxes back inside.
Heavy Hand Tools2 cu. ft. Carton Pack your heavy hand tools into a smaller box to prevent the box from getting too heavy to carry. Be sure to pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter items on top. If you are packing items that are sharp (pry bars and chisels for example) make sure to cover the end of them so they will not cut through the cardboard and injure the person carrying it the box. Make sure to pack items such as skill saws carefully so as not to twist or break the blade.
Computers4 cu. ft. Carton If you have the original box for your computer feel free to use it. If not, follow these steps to pack your computer safely. Start by placing two or three inches of crushed packing paper in the bottom of a 4 cu. ft. carton. Set your monitor in the box and put crushed packing paper between the monitor and the walls of the carton. When packing the computer tower you’ll also want to place two to three inches of crushed packing paper in the bottom of the carton. Place the tower on one side of the box and leave a couple of inches from the wall of the carton to pad the tower with crushed packing paper. Wrap the keyboard with two sheets of packing paper and set it along the wall of the carton with the keyboard facing into the wall. Pack your speakers, subwoofer etc. against the keyboard after wrapping them with packing paper. You should now have room for items such as CDs, printer paper etc. Put a layer of crushed packing paper on top of the speakers and then place all of your wires on top. You may have room for your printer in this box as well. If you do not have room for your printer you’ll likely be able to pack it in a 2 cu. ft. carton making sure that you use ample padding around the printer. Label the box with the room location followed by: COMPUTER, Keep Up.
Hanging ClothesWardrobe Carton A wardrobe carton is four feet tall and 2 feet square. Simply take the clothes from your closet and re-hang them on the bar that sits across the top of the box. Seal the top of the carton and label it with the room location.
Beds:Crib, single, double, queen, and waterbeds.Mattress Cartons

OR

Plastic Mattress Covering (More cost effective)

 Material mattress and box springs:When you are moving beds it is often good to have the mattress and box spring packed into boxes to prevent any soiling. There are boxes specifically designed to fit all sides of mattresses, from crib to king size. A second, more cost effective option is a plastic sleeve that slips over the mattress.Waterbeds:

Waterbeds must be drained completely to prevent any damage to the bladder of the bed. You can rent a waterbed pump from your local rental store or you can use the adapters to have it drain slowly into a tub or out a window. When you are done draining the bladder you should roll the plastic up neatly and place it into a 4 or 5 cu. ft. carton along with the heater pad, thermostat and all of the cords. Be careful not to bend the regulator on the thermostat (long copper piece that goes under the bladder of the bed). If and when you disassemble the frame for the bed leave the screws in the frame to prevent loosing them.
Trophies2 cu. or 4 cu. ft. Carton Most trophies are made of a plastic or soft metal and have smaller parts that can be easily broken. To prevent breaking a smaller part on a trophy, wrap it in paper being sure to add extra padding to very fragile parts (For example, if the trophy has a baseball player holding a bat, add extra padding to the head of the player). Be sure to have a well padded base in the bottom of the box. Wrap each trophy individually and place them in the box side by side until the box is full. Be sure to use a box that is tall enough so as not to have the cardboard flap pushing down on the top of a trophy. Add extra protection to the top of the trophies using crumpled packing paper. Make sure to label the top of the box with the room location, TROPHIES, and also write “Soft Top” or any other information that is important to handling the carton properly.
Models or Fragile Crafts 

2, 4, 5 cu. ft., Lampshade, or Drapery Carton

 When packing models the most important thing is not to have a lot of weight or pressure on the item. For example, if you are packing a large model sailboat you won’t want weight or pressure on the sails or the masts. To pack a model or fragile craft item use a box that is a little larger than the item. Use a two to three inch base of crushed packing paper to set the item into. If you have a spot on the bottom of the item that could be used to tie down, use a piece of pipe cleaner or string through the bottom of the box, then put it through the model and back down into the box so that you can tie it together. This is the best way to pack a model, but if you don’t have a spot to tie it down, use the following: Set the model into your base of crushed paper making sure that is not touching the sides of the carton. Purchase some Styrofoam peanuts and pour them gently over the model. This will add adequate protection yet will not add a lot of weight or pressure. Be sure to cover the entire model in peanuts and then seal the top of the carton. Label the carton with the room location and a brief description of the contents, such as MODEL or FRAGILE CRAFT: KEEP UP, SOFT TOP.
Toiletries 2 cu. ft. Make sure all of the bottles with liquid in them have the lids on tight. All glass bottles should be wrapped with packing paper. Do not pack aerosol cans such as hairspray, and be selective as to how you are going to pack the box. i.e. Don’t pack the toilet brush and your toothbrush side by side.
Jewelry and high value items such as a coin collection. If you have jewelry that is not of high value you can pack it in boxes for our staff to move for you. However, if you have some high valued jewelry or a coin collection, etc. it is best to transport them yourself. We have the utmost trust in our staff, but for all parties involved it is best for you to handle these items on your own.
Toys5 cu. ft. Carton Except for large riding toys it is best to pack toys in a carton. If your toy box is strong enough you can leave the toys in it as long as it has a good strong top or the toys inside are level with the top.
TV Remotes Pack the TV remote in a box from the same room as the TV and label the top of the box with the room location and also state that it has the remote in it.
Tiffany Lamps and ChandeliersLampshade Carton or a Chandelier Carton Tiffany lamp:Be sure to use a box that is a little larger than the lamp. Place two to three inches of crushed packing paper in the bottom of the carton and lay the lamp into it. Use crumpled packing paper between the fixture and the wall of the carton.Chandeliers:

Using a chandelier carton will enable you to hang the chandelier in a carton as it would be hanging on your ceiling. The carton has a bar along the top that you can tie and secure the fixture to.