HOW TO PACK GUIDE FROM AQMS NATIONAL
Intro. to Packing
- Figure out the size of moving boxes needed
- Get a TOTAL Moving box count
- Take note of any special packing items/material needed
- Check for any needed tools for the pack job
- Rubber bands/sharpies/tape/etc
- Pack the heavy items on the bottom of the moving boxes / light items on top
- Pack the moving boxes for density – Focus on packing one room at a time
- Keep your pack job organized
- Mark 1st day box – use this moving box for storing all of the items that you’ll need on the rst day of Moving into your new place
- Parts bag – Keep the small pieces all together (While packing items can be easily lost, so keep a bag with any small and important pieces together)
- Leave one moving box open at the end of pack job for odds and ends
- You can seal the moving box later (use proper packing/movers tape)
- Proper labeling of each moving box for packing is necessary
- Always use a Sharpie when writing on the moving boxes
- Label should contain your name/contents/basic contents/phone #
- Put info on top and side (use a moving/packing pen i.e. Sharpie) of ALL moving boxes
- Clearly print ANY special instructions as well (fragile/this side up) on ALL moving boxes
Packing Materials
- Know your materials (packing materials)
- Use special packing material for glassware and fragile items
- Fragile Packing Material (poly peanuts, tissue, bubble packing wrap)
- Know the Box Sizes
- 1.5 book carton (Small moving box)
- 3.0 box (Medium moving box)
- 4.5 box (Large moving box)
- 6.0 box (Extra Large moving box)
- Wardrobe Boxes are FREE to use on the day of the move for ALL
AQMS Local Moves - Flat wardrobe (Prevents close from being wrinkled during the
moving and storage process) - Mirror Carton – There are several variations of this item that may be used during the packing/moving process
- 2 Piece Mirror Cartons
- 4 Piece Mirror Cartons. This item is for mirrors or printing
Kitchen
- Start your pack job in the Kitchen
- Utensil/Pots/Pans/Glasses/Etc
- Preferably use 3.0 or 4.5 moving boxes
- Friendly Tip: The heavier the item, the smaller the box
- Don’t mix pack: Food and cleaning supplies
- Ensure that all food containers are FULLY closed before packing layer dishes
- Wrap glasses individually (use movers paper/unprinted newsprint)
- Don’t over-pack the box
- Don’t stack anything on top of them
- Knives should be CLEARLY MARKED with SHARP EDGE DOWN
- Silver should be wrapped in non-tarnishing paper if possible
Dining Room
Tips for Packing Fine China
- Crumpled Newsprint in the bottom of the moving boxes
- 2 sheets between each bundle
- No more than 4 pieces in a bundle
- Density is the goal
Tips for Packing Crystal
- Use the most protective material available
- Layer the bottom of the carton with crumpled News Print
- Place the crystal UPRIGHT and NEVER pack on its side
- Wrap in bubble wrap/corrugated paper/tissue
- Add additional crumbled newsprint and tape to seal the moving boxes
Tips for packing a child’s room
- Pack toys in appropriate size moving box
- Leave out a few toys for the 1st day and label that box accordingly
Tips for Packing bathroom
- Use movers tape to seal all bottles
- Use 3.0 moving boxes mostly
Mattresses
- Twin/double/queen/king
- Mattresses can either go into Mattress moving boxes or bags
- Take note of any special packing items/material needed
- Use two people to avoid dragging or scu ng the mattress
- Slide the box spring or mattress INTO the carton; do NOT drag
Dishes
- Looks like the inside of a standard box (but is a double corrugated thick moving box)
- Newsprint should be used to cushion dish pack moving boxes
- Newspaper stock unprinted paper can be utilized for dish pack moving boxes
- Duct Tape (mover/packer quality)
Bathroom & Bedroom
- Pack linens into 4.5 or 6.0 moving boxes
- Use movers quality newsprint to avoid soiling
- Friendly Tip: The bulkier the items, the larger the moving box
- Set aside one set of towels and sheets/blankets for the 1st day at new home
Packing Clothes
- Leave the clothes in drawers if possible
- Unfolded clothes can be placed in 4.5 or 6.0 moving boxes
- Moving boxes should be lined with Newsprint to avoid soiling
Packing Hanging Clothes
- Use wardrobe boxes ONLY
- Tape the top of the hangers when done to avoid shifting
- Use Wardrobe (movers) boxes for drapes and curtains also
Living Room
How to Packing Lamps
- Remove the Shade/bulb
- Wrap the cord around the base unit
- Wrap the base in padding or paper
Packing DVD/Blu Ray/Etc
- Make sure items have powered down properly
- Pack in the original boxes (if available, if not, moving boxes)
Tips for Packing a Computer
- Unplug the computer before packing
Garage/Basement/Attics
- Use newsprint to avoid spreading the dirt to other parts of the
shipment
Packing Special Items
- Identifying hazardous materials
- Never pack the following items: Bleach, House paints, open containers of liquid, propane tanks or cans, gas or oils, butane, ammunition, open alcohol containers, aerosols, fire extinguishers, welding gas, antifreeze, disinfectant cleaners, perishable foods, items with excessive odor, open, non-sealed food containers.
Preparing to move Freezers or Refrigerators
- Be sure water/gas lines are disconnected
- If not, hire a handyman to help do this professionally (Safety Hazard)
- Remove the kick plate and drip pan (easily damaged during the move)
- Wrap and secure the shelving units before packing and Moving
How to Use an Appliance Dolly
- Pull the appliance from the wall, utilize the wheels if such applies
- Be sure water/gas lines are disconnected
- Choose a side for the padded appliance dolly
- Place the lip of the dolly DEEP beneath the side of the appliance
- Ease the item back onto the dolly
- Drape a furniture pad over the front of the appliance
- Tighten the dolly strap before Moving
- One person steady the dolly from behind and pull back on the dolly
- Another person should help move the appliance onto the dolly from the front
Disassembly and Preparation
Disassembling Tables
- Place furniture pad on ¬floor
- Turn table upside down onto furniture pad
- Remove each leg
- Mark the leg and the corner of the table with a number for reassembly
- Put all hardware in either hardware bags or tape to the underside of the table
- Wrap the table and the legs for safe shipment
- Use stretch or shrink wrap to protect
- Carefully secure all skirts or loose fabrics before shrink/stretch wrap
- Put all loose cushions on the seat before beginning to shrink wrap
Preparing Televisions for transport
- Carefully wrap the cords
- Extra padding for the screen if necessary
- Fully protect the screen and cabinet
Preparing a Flat Screen TV
- Plasma TV’s are EXTREMELY delicate
- Use original packing containers if available
- Never lay ¬at – it must be kept upright
- Carefully pad wrap before placing in a carton or solid crate
Preparing Rugs for transport
- Always roll – DO NOT fold
- Never tape edges
- Use moth protection if to be stored for long periods of time
Preparing Washers/Dryers for transport
- Turn off water to the washer
- Remove the hoses, wrap and place inside
- Remove all dials and knobs from the front, paper wrap and place in washer
- Insert washer lock
Preparing Refrigerators and Freezers
- Appliances should be defrosted and turned off
- Remove all shelves and accessories
- Wrap these in paper and place back in the appliance
- Wrap the electric cord and secure it to the appliance
Preparing Washers/Dryers for transport
- Be sure water/gas lines are disconnected
- If not, hire a handyman to help do this professionally (Safety Hazard)
- Double check to be sure the appliance is dry and defrosted (prior to moving)
- Wrap and secure the shelving units before packing and Moving
How to Use an Appliance Dolly
- Pull the appliance from the wall, utilize the wheels if such applies
- Secure the cord to the side/back with tape
- Choose a side for the padded appliance dolly
- Ease the item back onto the dolly
- Drape a furniture pad over the front of the appliance
- Tighten the dolly strap before Moving
- One person steady the dolly from behind and pull back on the dolly
- Another person should help move the appliance onto the dolly from the front
Unloading
So you’ve conquered the two most difficult parts of your move, the pack, and the load. Well, here comes the fun part. The unloading part is the most rewarding part of the entire move process (whether it’s a local move or a long distance move). There is a lot more to moving than simply packing up and moving your possessions. The unloading portion of your move is the part of the whole moving process that’s typically seen as the final piece to the puzzle. The unloading part, although not immensely tedious, can often time be a bit tiring and if you’re not feeling up to it feel free to contact local movers in your area. However, if you’ve got some friends (or some kids), feel free to solicit their help for the unloading part of your move.
One of the most important parts of the unloading process during your move is deciding where all the stuff from your move is going to go. If at all possible attempt to load all the furniture and larger items last at the origin, that way at the destination you can get all those items set up. This will help you during the unloading part of your move to feel like things are coming together and you’ll have a better sense of where you want your stuff to be placed.
If you’ve adhered to a few of the basic items from our “How To Pack” section on your move then you will already have all of your boxes clearly labeled upon delivery. This will save you an immense amount of time and will allow things to be placed in their respective places upon your unloading part of the moving process. Attempt to stay positive during the unloading phase of your move. You’re nearing completion and will be settled in your new home before you know it. For any help with the unloading process please don’t hesitate to contact a Moving company in your area.
