Packing Tips and Supplies
Many people prefer to have their belongings packed professionally to avoid risk of damage. Your sales representative will be happy to discuss cost, materials and unpacking services. We can usually pack an average sized home in 1-2 days.
If You Plan to Pack Yourself
If you decide to do the packing yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move. All packing must be completed by the evening before moving day. Only the things you will need for that night and the next morning should be left for last minute packing. Allow yourself several weeks to complete packing. When you pack, it is also a good time to go through your belongings to figure out what you might want to get rid of before your move date.
Good Packing Means
- wrapping items carefully
- using sturdy cartons that close completely
- making a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward
- providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock
- limiting cartons, when possible, to a maximum weight of fifty pounds
Getting Started
You will need packing cartons, newsprint (unprinted), bubble wrap, packing tape, and a felt tip marker. Have a pencil and notebook handy, and make a list of the boxes as you pack them.
Types of Cartons to Use
Make sure the cartons that you use are suitable for transporting your goods in order to minimize damage. Also ensure that you are not packing boxes too heavy, as they can break open, or too light as they can be crushed. Use durable cartons constructed for the packaging of items.
1.5 cubic foot carton (the book box) - this is the smallest carton used; as a rule of thumb, the smallest and heaviest items generally are packed in the 1.5 boxes:
- books, records, VCR tapes, CD's
- canned goods
- heavy tools
3.0 cubic foot carton (medium box) - smaller and heavier items are usually packed in these containers:
- small kitchen appliances
- lamp bases
- small outdoor tools
- pots and pans
- electronic gadgets
- food products
4.5 cubic foot carton (large box) - as the size of the container increases, the weight of the individual item going into the container should decrease:
- non-hanging clothes
- large lamp bases
- lamp shades
- linens
- non-breakable kitchen goods (tupperware, baking sheets, ect.)
- children toys
6.0 or 6.5 cubic foot carton (extra large box) - this is largest of the general cartons; it should be considered for the lightest box packed:
- stuffed toys
- blankets, pillows
- area rugs
- winter coats
Dishpack (barrel or dish barrel) - this is the safest of all cartons because of its extra strength and multi-layer construction:
- all breakables
- kitchenware
- china
- nic nacs
Mirror carton - mirror cartons come in different sizes; many mirror cartons pieces can be fit together to offer a great deal of flexibility; you should wrap each picture in bubble wrap, or paper pads before packing into a mirror carton:
- pictures
- glass
- marble
- art work
Wardrobe carton - this carton is constructed in such a manner that hanging clothes will remain hanging during the move; you can figure about 3.5 feet of hanging clothes per wardrobe; wardrobes are free with all local moves - we carry 4-5 with us.
These are average amounts of supplies that you might need for your upcoming move based on what type of residence you are living in:
| Apartments |
| 1 bedroom apt |
2 bedroom apt |
3 bedroom apt/den |
| small 25 - 30 |
small 30 - 40 |
small 40 - 50 |
| med 10 - 20 |
med 20 - 30 |
med 30 - 40 |
| large 5 - 15 |
large 10 - 20 |
large 20 - 30 |
| dish pk 1 - 2 |
dish pk 1 - 2 |
dish pk 3 - 4 |
| mirror 2 - 4 |
mirror 3 - 4 |
mirror 4 - 6 |
| tape 1 - 2 |
tape 3 - 4 |
tape 4 - 6 |
| paper 25 lbs |
paper 50 lbs |
paper 75 lbs |
| Houses |
| 0 to 1000 sq ft |
1000 to 2000 sq ft |
2000 to 3000 sq ft |
3000 to 4000 sq ft |
| small 30 - 40 |
small 50 - 75 |
small 75 - 100 |
small 100 - 150 |
| med 20 - 30 |
med 30 - 75 |
med 75 - 100 |
med 100 - 150 |
| large 10 - 20 |
large 20 - 30 |
large 30 - 40 |
large 40 - 50 |
| dish pk 3 - 4 |
dish pk 4 - 6 |
dish pk 6 - 8 |
dish pk 8 - 12 |
| mirror 4 - 6 |
mirror 6 - 10 |
mirror 10 - 14 |
mirror 14 - 20 |
| tape 4 - 6 |
tape 6 - 8 |
tape 8 - 12 |
tape 12 - 16 |
| paper 75 lbs |
paper 100 lbs |
paper 150 lbs |
paper 200 lbs |
The boxes and packing supplies that we stock:
| Description |
Dimensions |
Price |
| Small Boxes |
17" x 12.5" x 13" |
$1.50 |
| Medium Boxes |
18" x 18" x 16" |
$2.00 |
| Large Boxes |
18" x 18" x 24" |
$2.50 |
| Xtra Large Boxes |
24" x 24" x 28" |
$3.00 |
| Dish Pack |
18" x 18" x 28" |
$5.00 |
| Disk Pack Kit (divider) |
n/a |
$6.50 |
| Mirror / Picture (small) |
n/a |
$4.50 |
| Mirror / Picture (large) |
n/a |
$5.00 |
| Lamp Carton |
12" x 12" x 40" |
$4.00 |
| Waredrobes w/ Bar |
n/a |
$10.00 |
| Single Mattress Carton |
n/a |
$8.00 |
| Double Mattress Carton |
n/a |
$9.00 |
| King / Queen Mattress Carton |
n/a |
$13.00 |
| Packing Paper (per lb) |
n/a |
$1.00 |
| Tape (110 yard roll) |
1 roll per 30 boxes |
$3.50 |
| Bubble Wrap |
3/16" x 24" |
$0.50/ft |
| Bubble Wrap |
3/16" x 48" |
$1.00/ft |
| Shrink Wrap |
n/a |
call for price |
| Paper Pads |
3' x 5' |
$2.00 |
We buy your used packing supplies after your move if they are in good shape (boxes must be broken down). We also sell used packing supplies - please call for prices. Call for the moving supplies delivery rates in the Metro and other areas.
