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Packing Dos & Don'ts

Do have all packing completed by the day before the load day. Only the things you’ll need for the final night and the next morning should be left for the last-minute.
Don’t use newspapers. Ink easily transfers to items wrapped in newspapers.
Don’t cross-fold the box flaps. Fold opposite flaps together, starting with the short side. Tape lengthwise along the bottom seam, extending the tape up the sides of the box.
Don’t use masking tape. Use wide tape specifically made for sealing boxes.
Do use smaller boxes for heavier items, such as books and canned goods, and progressively larger boxes for lighter items. Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box.
Do protect fragile items by wrapping them carefully in newsprint or bubble wrap and placing them in a cushion of crumpled newsprint or peanuts.
Do label each box with your last name, destination room, and contents. Use a broad marker to identify boxes as “Fragile”, “Do Not Load”, or “Load Last”.
Do pack a special “Open First” box containing essential items for the first day in your new home.
Do fill boxes to the top so they won’t be crushed. Finish with a layer of cushioning, and seal the top with packing tape.
Don’t pack things from different parts of the house into the same box. Pack one room at a time, keeping similar items together.
Do leave clothing in dresser drawers. Empty drawers of anything that is valuable, breakable or could spill.
Do place hardware from disassembled furniture into a Ziploc plastic bag and tape inside the drawer.
Do begin your packing with out-of-season and infrequently used items.
Do check over boxes from the garage, attic and storage space. If they are not securely packed, carefully re-pack them.
Don’t pack dangerous, flammable or illegal items.