Begin packing well in advance. Start with items least used in your household.
Pack one room at a time, labeling each carton with the general contents and the destination room in the new home.
Cartons containing fragile items should be clearly marked.
Use the right size box, as a general guideline the heavier the contents, the smaller the carton.
Ensure the bottoms of the cartons are well taped to hold the contents.
When packing individual cartons, place the heavier items on the bottom, graduating to the lightest items on top.
DO NOT PACK
It is best to take the following paperwork and valuables with you, rather than have them packed and transported by your mover.
Cash
Coin/stamp collections
Deeds/wills
Mortgage or rental paperwork
Stock/bond certificates
Jewelry
Family photos or videos
Contents of safety deposit box
The following items are classified as dangerous or hazardous goods and cannot be transported by your mover.
Aerosol cans
Ammunition
Firearms
Bleach
Cleaning fluids
Paints and paint thinner
Matches
Lighter fluid
Batteries
BBQ tanks
Pressurized tanks
Flammable or corrosive chemicals
Loaded firearms
Firecrackers
Flares
Explosives
Perishable goods
Food in glass jars
Gasoline
Kerosene
Fertilizers containing Ammonium Nitrate
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. Place the packed items in a china carton, and use bundled paper for cushioning.
The larger china and glass plates, platters, and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in the box. Smaller plates, saucers, shallow bowls and glasses could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items, making sure to pack them 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!
Make sure that once the box is packed, nothing inside the carton shifts or moves when picked up or shaken.
Silverware - Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, in tissue or packing paper. Avoid plastic or bubble wrap, as this may sweat during shipment and cause your silverware to rust or tarnish.
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 packing paper, and place together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. Never wrap the lampshade in newspaper as this will leave black marks.
Clothing - Clothing may be left on hangers and transported in Wardrobe cartons. If you have short jackets, shirts or blouses in the wardrobes, you can place shoes or small throw pillows in the bottom of the carton. If wardrobes are not used, each garment should be removed from the hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton.
Linen and Bedding - Because they are lightweight, these items can be folded and packed in larger cartons.
Draperies, Curtains and Rugs - Draperies and curtains may also be folded and packed in larger cartons. Carpets should be rolled and secured, prior to placing them on the moving van.
Small Appliances - Small clocks, radios and similar items can be packed 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. You may pack them with the china in the china cartons.
Food - Do not take bottles or jars containing liquids or oils. If these leak during transit, they can cause serious harm to the rest of your shipment. Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. 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.