Packing Tips

Many people prefer to have their belongings packed by professional movers to lower the risk of moving damage. Your A-1 Moving Company sales representative will be happy to discuss cost, materials and our packing and unpacking services. We can usually pack an average sized home in 1-2 days.

Tips If You Decide To Pack Yourself

If you decide to do the packing yourself, you’ll be taking on a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move. All packing should 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 the packing work. Also while you’re packing it's a good time to review your belongings for what you want to keep and 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
• Knick Knacks

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:

Apartment

Houses