Packing Tips

Start now! Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. It will take you 10-20 hours to pack the average apartment; 20-40 hours for the average house.

• Have packing tape and a permanent marker on hand to seal and label each box. 

• Use plenty of tape. When labeling, write on the tape and not on the box. Note the contents of the box and which room it should be placed in at your new home.

• The heavier the items, the smaller the box. Don’t overpack.

• Always pack heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.

• Heavy items and breakables do not mix. Box them separately.

• Make good use of packing paper. When packing glass, use a sheet to wrap each breakable item, then stuff paper between each breakable item in the box. Always line the bottom of breakables boxes with a layer of crumpled packing paper. Do the same before you seal the box. This provides the essential cushioning within the box while it is loaded and transported.

• A properly packed box will not rattle.  As you pack, fill in any voids within the box with crumpled packing paper.

• Towels and linens can function like packing paper.

• Clothing may be left in drawers. Breakables, loose items, or valuables must be removed.

• Disconnect all electronic equipment. Pack them in their original boxes if possible.

• Pack an “Essentials Box” for things you’ll need right away at your new home. See that this box is loaded last on the truck so you’ll have it immediately upon unloading.