subject: The Do's and Don'ts of Packing for a Move [print this page] The Do's and Don'ts of Packing for a Move
It is important to be informed when moving and storing your items. If you have questions about how to pack and ship items, ask a moving company or a moving service for moving tips. Whether you are making a commercial move, an interstate move, a long distance move, an international move, or even a local move, knowing the proper way to pack and ship items helps decrease the chaos of uprooting. Below is a brief list of Do's and Don'ts for packing.
DO
Do pack breakable kitchen items like plates and casserole dishes from largest to smallest, starting with a wad of paper or packing peanuts to blanket the bottom of the box or container. Use extra packing materials and be sure the box is taped tightly shut. Label ALL sides with "Fragile China." Don't forget there are various websites that offer tips on packing kitchen items.
Do remove legs from sofas and couches when possible. The bumping and jolting of a moving truck can damage the legs on your sofa no matter the age or the quality. Always remember to remove the legs, which are generally held on by screws or bolts and can be accessed with everyday household tools. Don't forget a plastic bag to put those screw in! Try taping the plastic bag to one of the legs of the sofa once removed; this will help you not to misplace them.
Do load your truck as tightly as possible to prevent shifting, rubbing or puncturing during the trip. Don't leave room in between your furniture and your boxes items and the furniture will shift and drawers, shelves, or doors could fall out or open causing damage to your furniture and potentially your boxed items.
DON'T
Don't pack flammable items on your truck. It may see silly to think that your fingernail polish or rubbing alcohol will combust in the back of the moving truck, but with temperatures nearly doubling behind the closed truck doors, exceeding the maximum temperature for everyday household items is extremely plausible.
Don't use packing peanuts to protect a TV. It just won't work the way you want it to.
Don't pack the majority of your cleaning supplies, as they may be flammable or corrosive. Of course when I say cleaning supplies I don't mean soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. but items like bleach, disinfectants, aerosol window cleaners, aerosol starch cans, liquid plumber, and other corrosive household cleaners.
Don't assume that nothing will happen to your flammable items. With moving trucks traveling through warm climates and high altitudes, the change in temperature and pressure can be drastic. Internal moving truck temperatures can climb well over 150 degrees while traveling down the highway, and any change in altitude can cause pressurized cans to become unstable and combust.
Remember, if you need help contact a moving service for more information and tips on packing and moving and to get moving quotes.
