We can get all the packing done for you, pack only a few certain items or if you choose to you can do the packing yourself. Whichever way you choose, we will be there to help you along the way, that’s why we put together this Packing Guide and if you need Packing Supplies we can help you with that also. (Click on the link)

We have prepared a list of segments bellow to help you better navigate through this page. Please make sure to read our list of Items Not Allowed before packing.

Planning and preparation

As soon as you know you are moving its time to start packing and the fact is that the sooner you start packing the better.

We highly recommend that you use quality-packing supplies when packing. Every box you pack on your own will be deemed as PBO (packed by owner) so you want to make sure that your belongings are properly secured.

Prepare by conducting an inventory of what needs to be packed and try to estimate how many boxes and what you will need in order to pack the contents of your home or shipment.

If our visual estimator conducts an on-site estimate for you, he or she will be able to give you an estimation of the materials you’ll need. You can also call us at +1(551) 295-7677 and one of our moving coordinators can assist you in determining what material may be needed for your upcoming move.

Books, Magazines, Publications

Books, magazines and publications of any kind can get very heavy, that’s why we stress using book boxes (1.5CF small box) when packing these items. Place the books flat in the box and alternate their position so as to fill the entire space of the box. Consider separating leather or sensitive material covered books with papers so that they don’t stick. Do not use oversized boxes, which will make the box to heave to move after you have finished packing. Make sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

Bottles (wine, beer etc.…)

When packing bottles we recommend using a small heavy-duty box. Place crumbled newsprint at the bottom of the box to create a soft cushion. Before placing bottles in box we recommend making sure that the cap crock or seal is fastened securely and placed in a watertight bag. Wrap each bottle separately with bubble wrap and tape then wrap with newsprint. Place bottles in box and use plenty of newsprint in-between bottles. Make sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using crisscross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

China, dishes, Stemware & Breakables

When packing breakables we recommend using a double walled cardboard box called a “Dish Pack”. Use crumpled newsprint to create a cushion at the bottom of the box. Wrap items in newsprint crumpled both top and bottom. Wrap each item individually and use as much newsprint as necessary to provide adequate cushioning. Placing cardboard in-between layers within the box will be helpful as well. Use plenty of newsprint to fill all crevasses with in the box. Be sure not to leave any hollow space. Place approximately 4 inches of crushed newsprint at the top of the box before closing. Make sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

Clothing & Shoes

For clothing that is hung we recommend using a ”wardrobe box”, clothing can simply be taken from the closet and hung in the box. Shirts and other clothing that can be folded to conserve space can be packed in a “Medium 3.1CF” or “small linin 3.1CF” box. Be sure to pack the box top to bottom and leave no empty spaces. Pack shoes in their original box if you still have it. If shoeboxes are not available, wrap each separately to prevent rubbing. Then place in a medium to large box. If you are concerned with space, then shoes can also be packed at the bottom of each wardrobe box. Make sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

Silverware, Pots & Pans

Pots and pans made of stainless steel or alike material con be packed in a “Large Box 4.5CF” the important thing to remember is to secure the items in the box to prevent shifting. Use newsprint to fill-in gaps and spaces and remember to fill the box to the top. Other types of pots and pans made of cast iron require much more attention and should be treated as breakables. Use a heavy-duty box such as a “Dish Pack”. Plenty of newsprint and bubble wrap will be needed for cushioning and to fill in gaps. Silverware should be wrapped individually with newsprint to prevent abrasive damage and can then be packed in any type of box. Whichever box you choose to use be sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

Kitchen Components

Mixers, toasters, portable or stand-alone ovens, blenders or any other type of kitchen component should be packed in a box that is double walled such as a “Dish Pack” and protected with news print and bubble wrap. Be sure to protect any glass or fragile part with bubble wrap and cushion with newsprint. Item that can be disassembled such as blenders should be and parts wrapped separately. Make sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

Computers, Stereo components & electronics

Pack computers in their original box if you still have it. If not, use a heavy-duty double walled box. You can use newsprint and bubble wrap to protect or even use pillows and comforters if you would like to conserve on packing materials. The same goes for stereo components and other electronics. Be sure to place all of the wiring and remotes with the item they belong to, and secure them so as to prevent separation. When packing these items uses an “Electronics Box” and make sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

Sheets, Blankets & Pillows (linens)

Soft items can simply be folded and placed in any type of cardboard box, the only thing to remember is to pack the box to its fullest and make sure that you don’t leave any empty spaces. Whichever box you choose to use be sure to tape the bottom of the box with tape using cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box once you have finished packing. Make sure that the box will not fall apart when carried.

Mirrors, Pictures & Glass tops

Wrap each separately. Use protective corrugated pads to wrap as well as bubble wrap on both sides of the glass. Each item is then to be placed inside of a “Mirror Box”, which is designed for use as sets so as to fit snugly around and protect. Be sure to use plenty of newsprint to prevent shifting within the box. Once packed be sure not to lay flat. Make sure that the box is taped securely and that the sets of boxes which are used together do not separate or shift.

Lamps & Lamp shades

Lamp should be separated form shade and disassembled to its smallest form factor. Make sure to handle the base of the lamp from the wire at the bottom to prevent coiling and ripping of the wiring. Use newsprint to prevent abrasive damage and scuffing. Place lamp base inside a “Lamp Box”, which can be cut to the size of the lamp or two boxes used for extra tall lamps that cannot be disassembled and use as much newsprint as necessary to provide adequate protection and to prevent shifting. Lampshades should be packed in a box appropriate to the size and can be packed together with other lampshades as long as separation in-between is made. Crushed newsprint is to be placed all around the box and box should be packed snugly with no shifting. Make sure to label “DO NOT STACK ON” on the box.

Recap of the basics

The most important thing is to remember to use quality-packing materials, pack boxes to their fullest and make sure there are no empty spaces or crevices, Make sure boxes are taped securely on the bottom by taping in a cress cross pattern and secure a belt of tape around the box. Do the same to the top of the box.

We hope that you have found this information useful, however if you require further assistance or have any questions or comments please call us at +1(551) 295-7677 or use our Contact Us page

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