February 8, 2010
Jan Mueller

Let's cover a few packing tips, now that you're organized, and you have all your moving checklists in hand.

* Clean out the clutter

* Keep your checklists close at hand, so you will know the items NOT to pack, and the items to remember to keep separate (necessities)

* Collect or purchase moving boxes. There are online sources that will ship the boxes you buy directly to your home, and they don't even charge shipping fees. Check at your local stores for used boxes. And if you see a new neighbor being moved into your neighborhood by a moving company, guess what? That's right, they will soon have a LOT of empty moving boxes!

* When packing bedrooms, you can leave clothes and soft things (like towels) in the dresser drawers. Just remember to remove all photos, jewelry, clippers, pens, and other small items. These could easily fall out of the drawers when the dresser is tipped while carrying it

* Speaking of bedrooms, some people are not aware that there are boxes called wardrobe boxes. These are tall cartons complete with a metal hanging bar at the top for moving all your hanging clothes

* When packing bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, be sure to see the Do Not Pack List. (on our website) This checklist will tell you which items you should NOT pack. After all, I'm sure you want your move to go smoothly and without damage or worse yet, an explosion!

* If you're moving yourself, you might be among the many people who don't know how to correctly make up a moving box. When making up a moving box, start by folding down the upper flaps. (this is only for new moving boxes. On used boxes, the tabs have already been broken to allow closing of the box after it is packed) Then square up the box. Next, flip it over and close the bottom flaps (but don't interlock them) Apply several strips of packing tape to the bottom (2-3 should be sufficient). and now you're ready to fill it up!

* Another moving box that a lot of people don't know of is the mirror carton or picture box. These come in several sizes for packing pictures, flat wall decorations, mirrors, bulletin boards and large paintings. The best way to see how to pack these items is by seeing our series of photos on our website. The carton is really quite self explanatory. It's the wrapping and closing that is the important part.

* The most important tip to keep in mind (in my opinion) is: The heavier the item, the smaller the box. That means DON'T fill up a diapers box with books! If you can't move it, no one else wants to either!

* The garage! :-( OK, it's not THAT bad! You will try to start in one corner of the garage and work your way all around to the finish line!!

It's liking putting a puzzle together. Sometimes it goes together just perfect, and sometimes not. Oh, well, just fill that hole with some paper if you need to! It's not worth wasting time and fretting over. ;-)

What I usually do is make up a book carton, a 3 cube, and a 4.5 cube carton. That way if an item doesn't fit in the 3 cube, it goes into the 4.5 cube. Just remember: The heavier the item, the smaller the box.

Don't make those 4.5 cube cartons so heavy that nobody can move them! But, if you do have to put a heavy item or two in it, then just finish it off with lighter things like, paint trays, plastic tarps, or plastic flower pots.

A large wardrobe box is excellent for large garage items that aren't heavy, like tents, sports equipment, and lawn decor. When packing yourself and using a wardrobe carton for something other than hanging clothes, you will still put the hanging bar in the top. This will help strengthen your box and allow you to stack another one on top of it when loading it into the truck.

The following is a list of some of the moving boxes we use on a regular basis:

Box Sizes

* 1.5 cube carton: Use this for all books, records, files, heavy tools, canned food
(The heavier the item, the smaller the box)

* 3 cube: This medium size will be used for most items. It is a good size to carry and to move around

* 4.5 cube: This is like the 3 cube, but taller. Use this for bedding, pans too long for a 3 cube, games, and large but lightweight things

* 6 cube: This will be used to pack large toys, wicker baskets, bean bag chairs and other items too large for any other box

* Dishpack: This is a heavy duty box for packing all dishes, china, pottery, statues, ceramic lamps, and all glass items

* Wardrobe: This tall box has a hanging bar at the top so you can just transfer all your hanging clothes to it

* Mirror Cartons: These are special 2 piece or 4 piece cartons for packing all your pictures and mirrors (that are too large for a Dishpack)

* Lamp Box: This is a tall box for floor lamps, rolled-up rugs, flags, tall speakers, gift wrap, etc.

There are also special boxes for TV's, microwaves, and mattresses if you wish to use them. You will also need newsprint, tape, tissue, and bubble wrap.

These packing tips should give you the info you need to do most of your own packing. But if you have special questions, visit our website. There is a lot of additional help there. And a "Contact Us" form if you get really stumped!
That's about it for now. But come back again next month for more tips. :-)