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Unsure of where to begin? We can help make your task of packing much easier. Below
you find information on Packing Tips, Loading Tips, and Illegal/Dangerous Items
Not To Pack.
Pre-Packing Checklist
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Create an inventory of your home.
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Make a list or video tape of your possessions
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Separate valuables that will not be loaded on the truck, such as jewelry and documents.
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Dispose of items you no longer want: make a donation or have a garage sale.
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Purchase or Gather boxes, tape, packing paper, markers and other packing supplies.
Packing Tips
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Don't underestimate how much you really own start packing several weeks before
your planned move date.
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Pack items that you don't use often 1st.
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Number & Label each box where it will go in your new home.
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Keep a list of boxes by number, so you'll know right away if any are missing.
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Professional packing tape should be used. Duct Tape & Masking Tape breaks easily.
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Pad tops & bottoms of boxes with plenty of paper, tissue or cloth.
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Use Clean paper when needed. Old newspaper is fine for some items, but can rub off
on others.
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Print "FRAGILE" on boxes with breakable items.
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Pack boxes tightly. If it rattles or makes noise, the contents could be damaged
while in transit.
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Blankets and other soft items can be used to fill these gaps to ensure a safely
packed box.
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Never pack flammable items, such as fuel, aerosols or cleaning supplies.
Furniture
Beds take apart bed frames and bundle together with tape or rope. Cover mattresses
& box springs with plastic or blankets to keep clean.
Bikes Lower and turn handlebars to save space. Clean wheels, chains, and pedals
to avoid soiling other items.
Books Use small boxes, and alternate spine and open sides laying flat in the
box.
You may also choose to use paper to fill empty gaps.
Bottles Tape bottles shut and wrap in paper to prevent damage. Bottles can
be placed in plastic bags for extra protection.
Dressers & Chest/Drawers If you plan to leave items inside, make sure to pad the inside well so that things do not rattle around or make noise. Then cover
with blankets & tape or rope to secure the drawers.
Chairs Wrap the arms and legs with padding to prevent scratching. Chairs without
arms can be secured together with tape or rope in pairs, seat to seat.
China Wrap china in clean packing paper and place in boxes sectioned off with
specially designed dish packs.
Clothing The quickest and easiest way to move hanging clothes are in wardrobe
containers or in clean sheets or blankets(burrito wrap).
Small Appliance & Electronics Use original carton and foam packing whenever
possible. This includes stereos, computers, etcŠ. Bubblewrap, paper, blankets may
also be used if packing in new carton.
Heavy Items When necessary, individually wrap tools, canned goods and other
small heavy items before placing in boxes.
Lamp Shades Always place in padded cartons separated with paper to avoid getting
dirty & damaged.
Washer & Dishwashers Remove hoses and place padding between tub and sides
to avoid movement while in transit.
Refrigerators
Defrost and air dry before loading. Allow 24-hours settling
time before plugging in at destination.
Gas Appliances
Contact your local gas company for disconnection and capping.
Lawnmowers/Snowblowers Remove all gas and oil completely before loading onto
truck.
Mirrors & Glass X the tape crisscrossed both sides when possible to absorb
vibration while in transit to prevent breakage. Pad generously before placing in
cartons. Always stand on end and never lay them flat.
Rugs Roll them up and secure with shrinkwrap or rope.
Soft Goods Pack soft goods in pillows, towels, or blankets separated by layers
to cushion them.
Statues & Figurines Wrap in bubble wrap or paper.
Stemware Individually wrap. Cushion inside and out and place in a dish pack
carton.
Tables Remove legs and tie them together, if possible. Store hardware in a
bag and tape to the underside of the table.
Loading Tips
Lifting - Consider using a dolly or two when moving heavy items. Appliance dollies
and 4-wheel dollies can greatly reduce the strain on your back. When picking up
boxes and furniture, remember to lift with your legs and not your back. Don't hesitate
to ask for help on heavier items. The idea is to have everything reach the
destination in good condition, including you and or your fellow moving partners.
Carton Capacity - We have found that the following box sizes are safe for the indicated
capacities listed below:
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Box Size
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Weight Capacity
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Ideal Items
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1.5 Cu. Ft.
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50 70 lbs.
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(books, records, cd's)
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3.0 Cu. Ft.
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35 50 lbs.
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(linens, clothing, etc.)
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4.5 Cu. Ft.
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10 25 lbs.
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(pillows, games)
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5.2 Cu. Ft.
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75 100 lbs.
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(breakables, dishes, lamps) dishpacks
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6.0 Cu. Ft.
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10 15 lbs.
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(pillows, comforters, etc.)
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Loading Your Truck
When loading your truck or trailer your primary goals are to maximize your space
and minimize shifting within the vehicle while in transit. Plan on building a series
of walls and tiers within your truck or trailer. As you build inside, keep the following
in mind:
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Heavy Items belong on the bottom of each tier, while light items or fragile boxes
belong on the top.
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Load furniture in the beginning of the loading process, and place tables and sofas
on end instead of upright.
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Fill all spaces in each tier with smaller items such as boxes, toys and chairs.
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Use Padding: Be generous when padding fragile items. Remember, do not use tape on
finished surfaces because you can ruin the finish.
Items Prohibited from Loading
Aerosol Cans
Ammunition
Cleaning Supplies
Gasoline
Oil
Insecticides
Bleach
Live Plants
Loaded Firearms
Matches/Candles
Paint Thinners/Solvents
Perishable Goods
Propane Tanks
Pets
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