Assemble boxes. Invert box, fold in flaps. Place a long, wide piece of packing tape across center seam, and one piece along each side seam making an 'H' shape
Periodically lift carton to check weight - box should not be too heavy for one person to lift comfortably (approx. 20 kilos or 50 pounds)
Make a top and/or bottom cushion. Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top of the carton. Fill this space with crumpled paper. When closed, the carton should neither bulge nor sag
Fragile items should be packed loosely with plenty of wrapping. The boxes must be clearly labelled "FRAGILE", and finally you will want to stack them towards the top of your piles. Write "fragile" only if items within are truly fragile. (Otherwise, good loading decisions will be impossible.)
Take apart large items (e.g. tables) as much as possible
Defrost freezers so they are clear of ice on the day of the move
Use crumpled paper for padding. Seal boxes tightly with wide packing tape
Pack records and CDs vertically in boxes. Don't stack them flat
Place heavier items in the bottom of the box and lighter items on top
Separate items with paper to prevent scratches caused by rubbing
Remove lids from jars and ceramics. Wrap each separately
Seal any opened boxes and bottles before packing them to avoid spills and leakage
Use boxes for lampshades and cushion them well
When disassembling furniture, beds, lamps, etc. put the hardware into a plastic bag along with any assembly tips and tape it onto the item itself
Make a box of essentials and label it "Open Me First." Put this box to the side to be loaded last (so it's unloaded first) or move it yourself
Your Essentials Box may include:
Basic tools such as flashlights, hammer, screwdrivers, nails, masking tape, tape measure, and light bulbs. Bathroom essentials such as hand towel, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, and shower curtains. Kitchen items such as paper towels, coffeemaker and filters, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, dish detergent, a sponge, pet foods, dishes, and trash bags.
Non-breakable items should be packed snugly in smaller boxes. You will want to make sure that they are not too heavy, and that they are at a weight you feel comfortable carrying. Don't forget to pack your books flat, alternating the bindings so they will stack evenly
When possible, small appliances and electronic equipment should be packed in the boxes they came in, and then taped securely
When disassembling your bed, use tape or rope to bind the frames together
Your drawers should be filled with wrapped items or clothes. Entire drawers should be covered with a blanket or old linens. You shouldn't tape the drawers shut - the finish on your drawers may be damaged
Cover your tables with a blanket or old linen. When possible, remove the legs. Always wrap the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and secure them to a leg
Small mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed in boxes. Cardboard should be used to cover large paintings, artwork, or wall mirrors. When possible, these items will be kept safe in wardrobe boxes
Because your outdoor furniture may be too bulky or heavy to move in one piece, you may need to disassemble it. If so, be sure to place the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture
Carpets and rugs should be rolled up and carefully secured with tape
Wrapping sharp edges on any tools or attachments will help prevent injury. Be sure to tie or tape your tool chests securely closed
Tape long handled garden equipment together for easy handling
Because newspaper may leave ink smudges on your items, it should only be used to cushion items that are already protected
You can use old linens, blankets, and towels to wrap and cushion fragile items
Don't pack anything that you may need at any given moment. Assign a drawer or place for those items
Pack rugs last so they can be the first items unloaded and placed at your new location
Keep your valuable paperwork in a safe place. You should also personally transport irreplaceable photos, financial papers and assets (bank checks, insurance policies, stock certificates, etc.), legal documents (wills, passports. etc.), valuables (jewelry, coin and stamp collections, etc.), and medical and family history records
