Packing Guide

Packing all your own items will save you money. It can also be quite stressful, so we came up with some simple techniques to make it easier. Remember, if you have any questions contact your personal Move Counselor.

Use the proper packing materials.

Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts can all be purchased at local moving or shipping companies. Wardrobe boxes plus other specialty boxes can also be found there.

You can’t move that!

Here is a partial list of common household items movers will NOT ship:

Acid
Aerosols
Ammonia
Ammunition
Batteries
Car batteries
Charcoal
Charcoal lighter fluid
Chemistry sets
Cleaning fluid
Cooking fuel (Sterno)
Fertilizer
Fireworks
Frozen foods
Gasoline
Kerosene
Lamp oil
Liquid bleach
Loaded weapons
Matches
Motor oil
Nail polish remover
Open foods
Paints
Paint thinner
Pesticides
Plants
Poisons
Pool chemicals
Produce
Propane tanks
Weed killer

Tools and materials

One room at a time

It’s more efficient and less stressful if you pack one room at a time. Be sure and label each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents. Boxes containing breakable or sentimental items should always be labeled as “Fragile”. Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.

Empty all drawers of breakable items or anything that might spill

Also, it’s a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container so they won't get lost or damaged.

Flammable/heat-sensitive

Do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil based paints and certain cleaning fluids.

A little TLC

Wrap each item individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the box or carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper. When wrapping glasses, carefully put paper in the glass as well.

Will you be storing anything?

If so, make sure your boxes are firmly packed with the heavier items on bottom. It’s a smart idea to pack according to the season(s) which your things will be in storage and mark the boxes appropriately.

A note from the chiropractor

Put heavy items in small boxes so they're easier to carry.

When packing the truck

Make sure the items you need first are loaded last (e.g., kitchen items, telephone and radio). Use common sense, keep in mind the size, sturdiness and weight of your boxes.

It pays to plan ahead

Pack a separate bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, etc., for the first couple of days after your move.

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