How to Pack Household Goods

Most people prefer to have their belongings packed professionally to avoid risk of damage. Your Professional Movers, Inc representative will be happy to discuss costs, materials and unpacking services.

If you plan to pack yourself.....

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.

• Wrapping items carefully
• Using sturdy cartons that close.
• Making sure of a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward.

How to Pack

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. 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.