Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it.
Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed.
Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals.
After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew.
Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records.
Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape.
Put no more than 50 pounds in each container.
Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top.
Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper.
Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it.
Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move.
Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments.
Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances.
Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage.
Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued furniture joints could collapse.
Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be individually boxed and cushioned.
You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually considered legally part of your residence. Let the moving company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage.
