Packing Tips

Packing can be a tedious, time-consuming chore that takes skill and the right materials to prepare household articles for your move.

The Moving Connection recommends that you have our professionals pack for you. We're trained in proper procedures, have the right materials, and can do it in about a quarter of the time.

We strongly recommend that we crate or pack and prepare these items for shipment:

• Marble, Glass Tabletops, Heavy Wall Ornaments & Mirrors 40" x 60" or Larger
• Pool Table Slates
• Bulky, Fragile Items Such as Large Trophies, Statuary, Chandeliers & Other Items That Require Crating
• Antiques
  

If you decide to do the packing yourself, we want to help all we can. Here are some trade secrets we'd like to share with you:

Trade Secret #1 - Purchasing Materials For Your Move

Purchase cartons and packing materials (unprinted newspaper, bubble wrap and tape) you'll need from your local North American Agent. We can help you choose the sizes and kinks of boxes you'll need. You'll save valuable time, compared to trying to track down suitable cartons at supermarkets. More importantly, our cartons are specifically designed for packing household goods.

Trade Secret #2 - Packing Fragile Items

Wrap fragile articles the way professionals do; use two layers of unprinted newspaper per glass, dish, figurine, etc. Wrap firmly, but loosely enough to provide a cushioning effect.

Trade Secret #3 - Packing Boxes & Clothing

Don't overcrowd boxes. Professionals pack boxes so articles cushion each other. The top of the box should close with slight pressure. Don't mix incompatible items (like books and glasses). Pack clothing in our special wardrobe containers. That way your clothes will hang straight and stay clean and virtually wrinkle free.

Trade Secret #4 - Packing Glasses & Dishes

Pack glasses standing on end, upside down, and not on their sides. Stack dishes on edge, and fill empty spaces with wadded, unprinted newspaper. Before packing the dishpack box, layer the bottom of the carton with crumpled, unprinted newspaper.

Trade Secret #5 - Home Furnishings

Pack lamp shades, mirrors, pictures, etc. in special cartons designed for them. Ask you North American representative for guidance.

Trade Secret #6 - Taping Boxes

Tape boxes across tops and edges. Seal every opening tightly. (See types of boxes, tools and materials you'll need below.)

Trade Secret #7 - Organization

Pack your belongings room by room to make unpacking easier. Label each box with your name, North American Contract #, the room the boxes go to, and a brief description of the contents. Mark items you'll need right away once you move with "Unpack First" and mark only truly fragile items with "Fragile".

Trade Secret # 8 - Moving A PC

When packing a personal computer, these steps will help you prepare it for safe transport. To pack your computer, we strongly recommend that you use the computer's original carton and packing materials, if available. If not, use a box that is both strong and big enough to hold the computer, and pack it with unprinted newspaper. For more advice, your local computer dealer can answer other questions.

• Back up your software and data files. Take these with you or send to your destination via insured mail.
• Park the hard drive (if applicable). See your computer's instruction manual for special steps to take. With newer computers, simply turning the power off initiates this safety feature.
• Insert cardboard or and old disk into the disk drive(s).
• Unhook all cables and power cords, indicating their positions for easy set-up. Pack cords separately with manuals and software.
• Use only static-free packing materials like clean, wadded unprinted newspaper (not standard bubble wrap or packing peanuts).
• Create a base layer of wadded unprinted newspaper and place your computer on top of that layer. Then surround sides and top with more wadded unprinted newspaper until firmly packed. Then seal the carton with packing tape.
• Remove all ink cartridges from the printer.
  

Other Important Information

Typically, a move requires the loading and unloading of appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators with ice makers and gas or electric dryers.

Important: These items can only be moved if they're prepared for shipment by an appropriately qualified or specialized service provider, like a plumber, electrician, gas company or carpenter. The same is true for reinstallation at your new home. Your local North American agent can arrange to have these services provided. Our drivers are not qualified to perform these services.

Tools & Materials You'll Need

• Unprinted Newspaper & Tissue Paper (newspaper ink can soil and even damage some items)
• 2" Plastic Tape (to assemble & close cartons)
• Utility Knife
• Scissors
• Permanent Markers

Types of Boxes

1.5 Cu. Ft. in U.S., and 2.0 Cu. Ft. in Canada (book box)

Use for heavy or dense items including books, records, shoes, canned goods, kitchen canisters, small appliances & hand or power tools.

3 Cu. Ft. in U.S., and 4.0 Cu. Ft. in Canada

General-purpose size. Good for toys, lamp shades, pots & pans, kitchen utensils, etc.

4.5 and 6 Cu. Ft. in U.S., and 5 Cu. Ft. in Canada

For large, lightweight items such as pillows, bedding & toys. Do not overload

Wardrobe Boxes

Equipped with a bar for hanging clothes, curtains and draperies. The bottom is not designed to support weight; do not pack other items in the bottom of these cartons.

Dishpacks

Specially designed with available cell dividers for transporting dishes, glasses, bowls and other kitchenware. Also good for lamps, small pictures, kick-knacks and light appliances

Mirror Boxes

Telescoping, large and small sizes. Provides extra protection for mirrors, large pictures and glass tabletops.

Mattress Boxes

Available in crib, twin, standard, double and queen/king sizes.

If your move is 10,000 pounds you may require 94-135 boxes.

Please keep in mind that this chart is to be used as a guide and represents industry standards. Each move is unique and may require fewer or additional packing materials.

Call or request your FREE On-Site ESTIMATE.
888-399-MOVE