Moving Tips: Packing Pointers

Before actually packing up, you need to have a game plan. For example:

• Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
• Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
• Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It’s a good idea to leave space in your log for special comments section to note carton condition or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
• Be sure to have plenty of “filling” material available.
• Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
• Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
• Pack heavier items towards the bottom of the box and lighter items towards the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule of carton size – the heavier the item the smaller the carton.