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SELF-PACK GUIDE
If you decide to
do the packing yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of
the responsibility for the success of the move - including that of
having everything properly packed and ready for loading when the
moving van arrives. All packing must be completed by the evening
before moving day...only the things you will need that night and the
next morning should be left for last minute packing.
In addition,
your packing will be expected to meet specific standards. This means
complying with the principles of good packing as outlined here, as
well as following the suggestions relative to items that should not
be included in the shipment.
Good packing
means…
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Wrapping items carefully
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Using sturdy cartons that close.
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Making sure of a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge
outward or bend inward.
How to pack. . .
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China &
Glassware
Place cushioning material
in bottom of carton. Then wrap each piece individually using several
sheets of paper. Start from the corner, wrapping diagonally,
continuously tucking in overlapping edges. After wrapping each piece
individually, then wrap four to six in a bundle with a double layer
of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on
edge.
The larger china and
glass plates, platters, and other flat pieces are excellent as the
lowest layer in the box.
Smaller plates, saucers
and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the
same way as larger items, making sure to rest them in the box
upright, using sufficient cushioning..
Surround each bundle with
crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or
three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundles to protect rims
and make a level base for the next tier. Always remember, the
heavier pieces go on the bottom!
Cups and glassware should
be wrapped in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on
rims in a row on an upper layer within the box with all the handles
facing in the same direction.
Silverware
Loose flatware may be
wrapped either individually or in sets, in clear plastic or tissue.
If the silverware is in a chest, you still may want to wrap the
pieces individually and replace in the chest, or fill in all empty
spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper toweling.
Books
Because books are heavy,
be sure to use small cartons. Pack on edge, alternating bound edge
to open edge. Pack books of same general size together.
Lamps
After removing the light
bulb, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately, in newsprint, and
place together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. Never
wrap the lamp shade in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in three
or four sheets of fresh tissue paper, a pillow case or large
lightweight towel.
Clothing
Footwear may be left in
shoe boxes and placed into large cartons. Or, wrap each shoe
individually, then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid
damage occurring to high heals or ornaments. Do not pack heavy items
on top of shoes.
Clothing may be left on
hangers and transported in Wardrobe cartons, which can be purchased
from A. Arnold, or a local packing company. If wardrobes are
not used, each garment should be removed from the hanger, folded and
placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some
lightweight clothing such as hose, lingerie and sweaters may be left
in dresser drawers.
Linen and
Bedding
Because they are
lightweight, these items can be folded and packed in larger cartons.
Place in cartons, lined with clean paper, and label appropriately.
Draperies,
Curtains and Rugs
Draperies and curtains
may also be folded and packed in larger cartons, lined with clean
paper. Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle.
Carpets will be rolled and secured, prior to placing them on the
moving van.
Small Appliances
Small clocks, radios and
similar items can be packing in the same carton, or in with the
linens. These items should be wrapped individually, using several
pieces of paper, and should be placed in the packed carton with
plenty of crushed paper.
Food
Open boxes of dried or
powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed
with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments,
gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box
before packing into a larger container. Cover holes of shaker type
containers and seal with tape.
Since canned goods are
heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited. It is good
practice to place these canned items on the bottom of a box
containing several other light items.
Take only those items you
are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the
winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing, i.e.
spaghetti sauce in glass jars.
What types of
cartons should I use?
The boxes you use
to pack your household goods are important in more way than one.
Make sure the cartons you use are suitable for transporting your
goods in order to minimize damage. Also ensure that you are not
packing boxes too heavy as they can break open, or too light as they
can crush as they are stacked in the moving van. Use only durable
cartons constructed for the packaging of items. Your sales
representative can assist you in locating and purchasing the
appropriate cartons.
Some general-purpose cartons available at any moving company
or box supply outlet are:
1.5 cubic foot
cartons
(the book or small carton)
This is the
smallest of the general-purpose containers. As a rule of thumb,
the smallest and heaviest items are generally packed in the 1.5
container. Such items would include:
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Books, records, VCR tapes, CD's
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Canned goods
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Heavy Tools
3.0 cubic foot
carton
(medium carton)
This is the workhorse container. Smaller and heavier items
are usually packed in these containers. Some examples are:
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Small kitchen appliances
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Lamp bases
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Small outdoor tools
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Pots and pans
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Electronic gadgets
4.5 cubic foot
carton
As the size of the
container increases, the weight of the individual items going into
the container should decrease. This carton is another of the
workhorse cartons. This carton should be considered for the
following:
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Non hanging clothes
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Larger lamp bases
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Lamp shades
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Linens
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Non-breakable kitchen goods (Tupperware, baking sheets,
etc.)
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Children's toys
6.0 or 6.5 cubic
foot carton
(Large carton)
This is the largest of
the general purpose cartons. This carton should only be considered
for the lightest and bulkiest items such as:
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Stuffed toys
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Blankets, pillows
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Area rugs
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Winter coats
Dish-pack
(Barrel or Dish Barrel)
This is the safest of all
the cartons because of its extra-strength, multi-layer
construction. All breakable kitchenware, china and crystal should
be packed in these cartons for safety. Occasionally, lamp bases and
small antiques are also packed in dish-packs.
Mattress Carton
Just as mattresses and box springs come in different sizes, so do
the cartons for shipping them in. Standard sizes are crib,
twin, double, queen and king. Other than the beds in a
residence, be aware, that some waterbeds, futons and sleep sofas may
also require cartons for shipping. For king-size beds, double
check that the box springs are either king-size or two singles.
Mirror Carton
As with mattress cartons,
mirror cartons come in a number of sizes. Many mirror cartons
pieces can be fitted together to offer a great deal of flexibility
for such items as: pictures, mirrors or small glass table tops.
Wardrobe Cartons
These are the largest of
the standard cartons and will either be standup or lay-down (usually
used for international). The cartons are constructed in such a
manner that hanging clothes will remain hanging during the move.
You may want to consider the wardrobe for shipping drapes and
curtains (neatly folded and on hangers) to help reduce wrinkling
during shipment.
Other
There are specialized
cartons for very specific needs, such as pole lamp cartons, bicycle
cartons, grandfather clock boxes and crates. The ultimate specialty
carton is a crate, which is for extremely fragile pieces, such as
marble and glass. These cartons are built to order and need to be
ordered prior to your move.
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