Moving House and all your valuables is dangerous and unfortunately, accidents do happen, however you can try to avoid or at least minimize damage by following some basic guidelines.
After you collect your packing materials, select a work area that is large enough to handle various sizes of cartons. Keep your marking pens, tape and scissors nearby. Spread a neatly stacked, generous amount of packing paper flat on your work area along with the packing boxes.
Here are some basic recommendations for packing various item when moving house.
And, don’t forget, moving house is also a great time to assess whether you even need some items anymore. Keep that iin mind as you are packing boxes.
Dishware – Use this technique on all saucers, bread and butter dishes and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantities.
- Select a cardboard box and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
- With butchers paper stacked in place on the work table, center your plate on the paper. Grasp a corner of several sheets and wrap until the plate is completely covered.
- Move the plate to the side and do the same with two more plates, stacking them on top of each other after wrapping.
- Turn the wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your paper.
- Re-wrap the entire bundle. Start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle; cover the bundle with the next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth
- Seal the bundle with packing tape.
- Place the bundle of dishware in the box so that the plates are standing on edge.
Cups – More delicate cups should be stuffed with crumpled tissue or butchers paper and wrapped one at a time as well.
- Wrap each cup individually in butchers paper.
- Place cups in a vertical position, lips down, near the top of the box. Do not stack heavy items on top of the cups.
Glasses and Stemware – As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever there is a gap. All boxes that contain fragile items should be marked “Fragile.”
- Before wrapping, stuff glassware and stemware with crumpled tissue or butchers paper.
- Lay glass or stemware on the corner of the packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull the sides of the packing paper up and over the glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner.
- Glasses and stemware should be placed toward the top of the box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom. Very delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in a vertical position, lips down — not on their sides.
Small Appliances and Utensils — Wrap and place small appliances and utensils in sturdy cartons with heavier items on the bottom.
Bedding — Fold and pack all pillowcases, sheets and towels in clean cartons. Pack blankets, quilts and comforters in large cartons.
Books — Pack on edge in smaller cartons. Alternate bindings, don’t overload cartons. (Remember — try to limit individual carton weight to 20 kilos.)
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Foods — Pack upright in smaller cartons with no more than 24 to 30 cans per carton. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
China and Glassware — Glassware and china cups should be stuffed with tissue. Do not nest unwrapped glasses. Pack plates, platters and saucers on edges and layer with padding between each layer as well as on the top and bottom of the carton. Be sure to label these boxes “Fragile.”
Clothing — Fold and pack clothing in clean cartons.
DVD Players, CD Players — Use original packing materials when available. If original packing materials are not available, refer to the owner’s manuals for further information. Wrap DVD players, CD players wiith an old blanket and place them upright in the carton. To stabilize the laser on a CD player, replace the transport screws (normally located on the bottom of the unit). Label boxes “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”
DVDs, CDs, Software Discs, and Video Tapes — Layer the bottom of a small carton with shredded or crushed paper. Pack DVDs, CDs, software discs in their protective sleeves or cases. If sleeves or cases are not available, wrap the items in tissue paper or plastic wrap to prevent scratching. Stand CDs, software discs on edge in cartons. Brace at both ends using a hardback book or layer pieces of cardboard to provide a snug fit. Fill in with paper as needed. Be sure to mark the box “Fragile.”
Plasma and Big-Screen TVs, Surround Sound Systems and Entertainment System Components — It is best to use the original packaging when available. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions on your equipment.
Lamps and Lampshades — Remove bulbs and shades and roll up the cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in a clean, tissue/paper lined carton. Wrap shades in tissue or butchers paper, not newspaper, and place upright in cartons.
Linens — Fold neatly and place in clean cartons, but be careful not to overload, these can be heavy when moving house.
Medicines — Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. Some prescription drugs, such as insulin, lose their potency if exposed to heat, we recommend that you carry all medications with you.
Microwave Ovens — Remove all loose articles inside the oven, such as cookware, glass shelves and carousels. Wrap loose articles and place in a separate container. Tape the door shut. Use the original manufacturer’s carton if available.
Personal Computers — Pack computer equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer. Non-detachable cords also should be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer and the carton.
Tools and Lawn Equipment — Drain oil and fuel from your equipment (do not ship flammables under any circumstances). Pack hand tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable