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Packing Dishware
Select a medium-sized carton (or dish pack provided by the mover), and strengthen the bottom of the carton with crumpled pieces of packing paper.
Place the packing paper on a sturdy work surface, and place one plate in the centre of the paper.
Take a corner of several sheets of packing paper and wrap over the plate until completely covered.
Stack a second plate on top of the first and, moving clockwise, take a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
Stack a third plate. Holding the two remaining corners, fold two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over the plate.
Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto some more sheets of packing paper.
Re-wrap the entire bundle starting with one corner of the packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle. Do this with the next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth, ensuring the entire bundle is wrapped up firmly.
Secure the bundle with packing tape.
Place the bundle of dishware into a medium-sized box so that the plates are standing on their edge.
Use this process on all saucers, butter dishes, and other breakable dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.
Packing Cups
Place the packing paper on a stable surface and position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
Now pull the near corner of the paper over the cup.
Place a second cup directly on top, with the handle pointing left (second cup should nest itself within the packing paper folded over the bottom cups).
Pull the two side corners of the paper up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.
Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
Delicate cups, including china, should be wrapped one at a time in individual paper. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue first and wrapped one at a time.
Packing Glasses and Stemware
Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping up individually.
Place the glass 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.
Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes are good to use for added protection.
Place glasses and stemware towards the top of your box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box. Make sure no loose items are rolling around the box.
Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on their side. No matter what you're packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to ensure a tight fit wherever there is a gap. All boxes with fragile items should be marked accordingly and clearly.
Specialized Packing Tips
The list of individual household items is endless and sorting out how to pack them all up can be frustrating. Most items can be packed by following our handy packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for key items. If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, give us a call.
Bureau Drawers:
Don't overload. This can lead to substantial damage. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food:
Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Do not attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack into smaller cartons, making sure any opened items are positioned upright.
Frozen Foods and Plants:
Due to the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is prohibited from accepting these packed items if your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within 24 hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer, at the normal deep-freeze temperature, at the time of loading.
Clocks: Remove or secure the pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by insured, expert servicemen.
Drapes and Curtains:
Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons or bags. Remove curtains from any rails or rods and fold and pack into cartons, bureau drawers, or bags.
Flammables and Combustibles:
Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should be aware that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you may be held liable, not your mover.
Lamps and Lampshades:
Remove bulbs, harps and lampshades and roll up any loose cord or wires. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in a clean, tissue-lined carton. Carefully wrap the harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to the inside wall of the carton containing the shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper, so that no ink will rub off, and place them upright in large cartons, lined with tissue or soft packaging.
Medicines:
Seal caps with masking tape to avoid any spillages. Wrap with paper and pack upright into bags and place in small cartons. If you need the medicine during the move, carry with you.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures:
Highlight any special care needed for any valuable pictures, paintings and mirrors, to your moving agent in advance. Wrap smaller items individually and place on their edge in the cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on their edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors can be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across any mirrors to protect against any potential damage. Do not place any newspaper directly against the paintings as ink may rub off.
Personal Computers and Video Recorders:
Pack valuable electronic equipment in any original cartons if you have them available. If not, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between items to prevent any damage. Wrap cords separately, clearly label which appliance they belong to, and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped carefully around the appliance. Make sure your items fit snugly into the boxes and are not moving loosely around.
Silverware:
Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulphur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Wrap an old blanket or moving pad around the silverware chest to prevent any damage.
Tools:
Drain any excess fuel from power tools (do not transport flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap any sharp edged tools separately.
Waterbed Mattresses:
Drain all water from the waterbed then, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold the mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust the folds to avoid making any creases across individual baffles. Consult your manufacturers manual for any special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with any sharp, pointed, or rough objects.
Cars and Motorcycles:
Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be sufficient to protect against the severe cold in winter.
Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks:
Wrap grates and briquettes separately in newspaper or heavy duty plastic bag, and place parts in carton. Pad the carton with crumpled paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.
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