Essential Packing Supplies
Once you know you're going to move, the first thing you need is an assortment of boxes. Staging your home before listing it for sale is a common practice, and what better way to get a head start on your move, than to start packing with the proper supplies, such as:
- Corrugated boxes
- Bubble wrap for packing fragile items
- Plenty of packing paper (white, ink-free newsprint)
- Scissors
- Broad tip markers for labeling boxes
- Several rolls of packing tape
In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and packing peanuts can be purchased from L & L Moving and Storage.
A good general rule is the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
This doesn't apply to larger items, such as televisions or monitors,
which can be handled in other ways.
Books/Records/CDs/DVDs
Pack these items in a small box.
Clothes
Pack folded clothes in a medium or large box. Hanging clothes can be placed in wardrobe boxes. Sweaters, belts, purses, shoe boxes, linens, etc. can be placed in large shopping bags with sturdy handles, which can then be placed in the bottom of wardrobe boxes to utilize the empty space.
Curtains/Draperies
Wardrobe boxes are perfect for moving curtains and drapes. These items can also be folded and packed in medium sized boxes.
Dishes
Each item should be wrapped individually.
Begin by creating a layer of crumpled packing paper in the bottom of a dish barrel, and then load heavier items on the bottom of the box. Be sure to create a layer of crumpled paper in between each layer of dishes. Stand plates and other flat items on their side -- never lay them flat!
Fragile Items
Wrap items individually in white paper and pack in a dish/china barrel.
Kitchen Items
Glass items should be wrapped in white paper and packed in a dish barrel. Plastic items can be packed in a large box.
Pots and pans can be packed in either a medium or large box. Canned goods should be packed in a small box.
Lamps and Shades
Disassemble the lamp base from the shade. Wrap the base with packing paper and/or bubble wrap and place in a dish barrel. Choose a medium, large or extra large box that fits the shades the best. Pack one shade per box.
Linens
Pack these items in a large box.
Rugs and Pads
We can roll them or you can tie them with rope. Small rugs can be rolled inside each other. Vacuum rugs and pads before they are rolled.
Tables
Remove the legs from the tables, where applicable, and tie them together. Seal the screws or bolts used to attach legs to table in an envelope or plastic baggie and tape to the bottom of the table. Never apply tape to a finished surface, since it could leave a residue that will not come off.
Tools
Power tools should be dismantled as much as possible and the parts packed separately. Hand tools and small garden tools go into cartons. Tie long-handled rakes, shovels and hoes together. Hoses should be drained completely. Mowers should be drained of gas and oil.
Toys
Pack these items in a medium or large box.
Packing Techniques
Reinforce the bottom of each box with several pieces of packing tape, going both directions (2-3 pieces along the seam, and one piece on each end from corner to corner).
Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its destination (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc.). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier. Use colored stickers to identify boxes from each room (orange for kitchen, blue for family room, etc), and place a coordinating sticker on the door of each room in your new location.
Pack cartons tightly to prevent the contents from shifting during your move.
Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easy to carry.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with linens, towels, clothing or paper goods.
Keep things together, such as light bulbs with lamps and bookends with books. Use envelopes or baggies to keep loose parts together and attach to the item in which they belong (shelf brackets with a bookcase, allen wrench and screws with a bed frame, etc); but, do not apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.
Pack records, CDs and DVDs vertically. Never stack them flat.
Double-box fragile items and use plenty of cushioning.
Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing essential items in a separate bag and carrying it with you. You may even want to prepare a simple meal that you can heat and serve on your first night.
- For each person in your household, you should have a change of clothes, a towel, any necessary prescription medication, a toothbrush, and other personal items.
- For everyone: plastic utensils, paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, toilet paper, toiletries, trash bags, flashlight, first aid kit, pencil and paper, snacks, beverages, and resealable plastic bags.
- Small tool kit for re-assembling items that couldn't be moved intact.
* Additional Packing Tips *
Telephone one of our Sales Staff today at 703-398-4649 for additional packing and other tips to ensure a smooth move.
