How to Pack: Tips, Tricks and Web Sites
You've just signed a new lease on the apartment of your dreams.
As soon as the initial excitement wears off, you realize you're
facing a daunting task, packing for the cross-town move. You
have only 30 days and you want to make sure all of your
belongings, including your big-screen television, your
grandmother's china and your collection of miniature unicorns,
arrive safely. Fortunately, moving experts of all sorts have
compiled tips and suggestions for novice movers.
Generally, smaller items can be wrapped in newsprint, packed
together in appropriate-sized moving boxes and surrounded with
Styrofoam peanuts. Put heavier items (e.g., books) in smaller
boxes. Dishes should be protected with bubble wrap and packed on
edge, rather than stacked. Use dish towels or pot holders to
cushion the bottom and sides of these boxes. Bubble wrap secured
with tape can be used to protect furniture as well. Wrap it
around lampshades, chair arms, table legs, bed frames and the
like.
Don't use tape directly on wood or painted furniture, however,
because the sticky residue can ruin the finish. Instead, wrap
these items in mover's pads and tie them with rope to secure the
pads. To pack a large mirror or picture, cover both sides with
bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then run masking tape around
the entire object. Or use a large flat packing box.
Inexpensive clothing, towels, bed sheets, pillows, stuffed
animals and other soft items can be packed in large garbage bags
that are tightly tied at the top. Suits, gowns and other fine
clothing should be placed in portable wardrobe boxes, which can
be purchased from a moving company or packing store. These boxes
are a good solution for packing drapes too.
One of the most challenging items to pack is a computer. Be sure
to back up all your files before disassembling and packing your
system. Pack your diskettes in a separate box that doesn't
contain anything magnetic. Bundle the cables and wires, and use
color coding if you're uncertain about how to reconnect them.
Allow the computer to cool completely, then wrap each component
in a large heavy-grade plastic bag. If you have the original
boxes, by all means use them to move your equipment. Otherwise,
double box each component by placing it in a small box filled
with packing peanuts. Then place each small box in a larger box
also filled with peanuts. Be sure to mark all the boxes
"FRAGILE."
If you need boxes and packing supplies, you might want to
purchase them as part of your contract with your moving company.
Otherwise, check out local supermarkets, janitorial supply
stores and club warehouses. Many of these establishments will
give away their empty boxes if you show up when the inventory is
being unpacked. Ask friends or coworkers who've recently moved
whether they'd like you to cart away and recycle their boxes. To
purchase moving supplies online, try U-Haul, which will take
your order electronically and deliver a complete package of
boxes, bubble wrap and masking tape right to your front door.
(There is a shipping charge.)
Don't forget to pack a use-right-away kit of paper plates,
plastic cups, bathroom tissue, aspirin, prescription medicines,
telephone numbers and other necessities. You'll also want a
personal suitcase for each person containing clothing,
toiletries and other immediate-use items. Put the kit and the
suitcases aside where they won't get mixed up with the boxes
destined for the moving van. On moving day, take the kit and the
suitcases, along with any particularly precious or valuable
items, with you in your personal vehicle.
More information about packing is available on moving company
and other Web sites, including Allied Van, NorthAmerica Van
Lines, Move Doctor and Art of Moving. One of the best resources
is MoversNet from the U.S. Postal Service. This site offers
step-by-step instructions to pack everything from air
conditioners and artwork to televisions and washing machines.
There are even some humorous hints about how to pack a
hippopotamus.
Finally, remember that some things simply shouldn't be moved
with your household goods. Dispose of paint, solvents,
insecticides, motor oil and other hazardous or inflammable
materials before you move. Give them away to your neighbors or
take advantage of a local hazardous materials drop-off event. If
you suspect something might be dangerous, use your better
judgment and don't pack it.