Document contents: Before you start, Packing materials, preparation, How to pack, Packing Tips  

The proper preparation of your possessions for loading is essential to the success of your move. That is why most people prefer to have their things professionally packed by us. This guide is prepared for you to help you decide which packing services if any that you will require.

Before You Start (professionally packed vs. owner packed)

Responsibility for breakage to goods in a carton which you pack is difficult to establish if there is no visible damage to the outside of the carton. We are responsible for damages for all cartons that we pack and unpack.

Professional packers can pack an average size house in a day. Packing yourself will take you much longer & you will have to start several weeks before moving day.

If your packing is improperly done, the mover can refuse to load the cartons until they are properly packed.

Professional packing is more expensive than packing yourself but when you consider that all the material is supplied, the labor to pack and unpack is supplied, the used material and debris is removed from your residence, your goods are guaranteed in case of damage, and the worry and the stress on yourself and family are eliminated because you have more time to do the last-minute items that have to be completed.

Packing Materials

Rigid, heavy-duty cartons of different sizes with good lids

Clean newsprint and clean tissue paper for wrapping and cushioning.

Tape, scissors, knife, markers, notepad.

Prepare for Packing

Dispose of unwanted articles at a garage sale or donate them to charity.

Dispose of articles liable to cause damage to the van or container, or to its contents. These include flammables, corrosives, explosives and chemicals. "See handling dangerous goods"

Do not ship canned or bottled foods during freezing weather. Use them up or donate them to a food bank.

Use up frozen foods. They can be moved only under certain conditions. "see frozen foods"

Keep in mind that extreme changes in temperature may affect the taste and appearance of some alcoholic beverages, especially wine. Therefore, if you are moving a very large or expensive wine collection, you may want to request air freight transportation through us.

Have your rugs and drapes cleaned. Roll and tie rugs every meter(3 Feet).

Your dry cleaner can give you drapery hangers with plastic strips to protect against chafing during transport.

Sort and pre pack the items you won't use before moving day.

Make a list of things that cannot be packed until the last minute

Packing Tips

Do not under fill or overfill cartons; they may become damaged. Tops must close flat and be sealed with tape on the top and bottom

No carton should be so large that it will obstruct the view when carried.

No carton should be more than 23 kg (50 lbs.) when packed.

Ensure cartons are packed right side up.

Do not mark every carton as "Fragile."

Label each carton with your name, room location, general contents, and special directions only.

Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.

Pack items snugly so they will not shift.

Pack small articles in small boxes and nest them into a large box.

Wrap fabrics, lampshades, and china in clean newsprint.

Wrap all items separately to protect fine surfaces and protrusions from damage.

Wrap sharp objects so they will not damage other items and place them in the carton in a way that will prevent them from cutting though the carton.

Check, fasten and tape lids to liquids, seal in a plastic bag and place upright in a carton. Mark the carton "Liquids This End Up."

Record the contents of each carton in a notebook.

Place loose items from desks and drawers in small labeled cartons. Loose clothing ONLY may remain in dresser drawers.

Tape small pieces and screws to where they belong. If they cannot be taped securely, label them and put them in a carton labeled "Set-Up" for easy access at the destination.

Assign a closet or place for suitcases and other items that are not to be moved

Take your valuables (jewels, furs, important papers, etc.) with you.

Prepare a "Load Last - Unload First" carton for items you will need as soon as you arrive.

Use your empty suitcases and trunks to pack articles in.

Cushion every carton with clean, crushed paper - on the bottom, between layers, at the top, and in any empty spaces between articles.

If you have a question call your moving consultant, He or She will have the experience and knowledge to answer your concerns.

How To Pack

Work area

Chose a flat surface or use a folding table that will support a bundle of paper. Try and keep your work surface in the center or within arms reach of what you are packing to reduce fatigue. Do not put paper on stove tops.

China and dishes

Choose a sturdy carton and securely tape the bottom. Place a 7-10 cm (3"-4") layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton. Place a bundle of paper on your work surface. Place one plate on the paper and fold the corners of two sheets diagonally over the plate as to just cover the plate. Place another plate in the same manner and fold the paper over it. Add two more plates in the same manner. Fold the sides of the paper over the bundle of plates, keeping the sides of the paper straight for a neat bundle. Place the bundles on EDGE in the carton and pack them snug without bulging the carton. When you have completed a layer in the carton, place another layer of cushioning paper over it. Fill the carton with lighter items, adding a cushioning layer of paper after each layer. Leave space at the top of the carton for a cushioning layer of paper to fill the carton, then fold the flaps, seal with tape, mark the carton "China Fragile", and label.

Cups, bowls and odd-shaped pieces

Wrap cups individually and protect handles with an extra sheet of paper. Place them upside-down with the handles toward the inside of the carton. Keep them at the top of the carton. Wrap and nest bowls into each other and pack them on there edge in the carton. Smaller items can be wrapped and nested inside bowls, pans, canisters etc. Wrap sugar bowl and tea pot lids in colored paper and place them upside-down on top of the item. Then wrap in two sheets of paper.

Stemware, glasses, figurines, etc.

Think of having delicate and valuable items professionally packed. Wrap others individually and pack in celled cartons. Protect the item with plenty of cushioning. Wrap wine glass stems first to cushion them, then wrap the entire glass into a bundle and place open side down in the carton. Wrap small items in colored paper so you will not miss them when you unpack.

Silverware

Wrap silverware individually, replace in silver chest and pad it with paper or towels, and place at the bottom of the carton. Wrap hollowware and large silver pieces in clear plastic, then in clean paper, and pad well for packing. Large trays should be packed on their side to prevent crushing the handles.

Flatware, utensils, etc.

These items do not usually require special handling except for wrapping in bundles to prevent them from damaging other items or getting misplaced.

Small pictures and mirrors

Wrap with paper or towels and pack vertically in a carton, cushioned with paper, linen or blankets.

Lamps and shades

Remove the bulb and harp, dismantle floor lamps if required and roll up the electrical cord. Wrap the pieces individually and place together in a carton. Protect them with paper or small cushions wrapped in clean paper. Do not allow the lamp to protrude above the height of the carton. Several lamps may be packed together, provided there is lots of cushioning. Pack lampshades in sturdy cartons with light clean cushioning paper. You can nest smaller shades inside larger one, but it is best to pack only one per carton. Label the carton so as you can find it fast if you require light. Mark the carton with the shades "FRAGILE

LAMPSHADES. Chandeliers, tiffany shades and other glass shades that require special handling should be professionally packed.

Paintings, large mirrors, glass and stone table tops

These items are easily damaged or can personal injury if broken and should be packed or crated professionally.

Clocks and radios

Pack these in their original cartons or wrap them separately and pack into well-padded cartons. Have grandfather clocks serviced by an expert to prevent the pendulum and weights from damaging the cabinet or clockworks.

Stereos

Pack these in their original cartons or wrap them separately and pack into some well-padded cartons. Roll up the wires and label them so you know where they belong.

Books, records, CDs and cassettes

Pack heavy items in smaller cartons. Wrap valuable books separately and pack on edges. Pack records, CDs and cassettes on edges on a layer of crushed paper. Mark the carton "FRAGILE"

Clothing

Fasten zippers and buttons to secure clothes on their hangers and place in wardrobe cartons. Do not overload or pack anything else in the wardrobe cartons. If you do not use wardrobe cartons, remove hangers, fold items and place in a carton lined with clean newsprint. Use tissue paper between folds to prevent wrinkling. Lightweight items such as lingerie may be left in the dressers.

Large appliances

Clean and dry thoroughly to prevent mildew and odors. Drain water from dishwashers, washers, air conditioners, etc. Clean and rinse refrigerators and freezers with baking soda, and leave their doors open for 24 hours before loading. Tape shelves and drawers securely or remove, wrap and pack into cartons. Some appliances must be serviced before moving. Movers are not allowed to do this but your moving consultant can arrange for a reputable company to do this at a reasonable cost.

Blankets, pillows, linen and towels

Pack in clean cartons or use as a cushioning material. Wrap good linens in tissue paper or leave in drawers.

Small appliances, pots and pans

Pack in original cartons or wrap them separately and pack into well-padded cartons. Each should be clean and free from food particles and grease. Empty steam irons and electric kettles.

Artificial flower arrangements

Wrap carefully in plastic, tissue paper or paper towels and pack individually. Mark the carton "FRAGILE".

Drawers

Remove valuable items, heavy items that may stress the drawers, and anything that will leak or spill. Stuff drawers with paper to keep articles in place.

Canned goods, preserves, small food packages

Use up as much food as possible before you move. Do not ship canned goods during freezing weather. Tape boxes closed, wrapped and packed. Do not pack perishables. Avoid moving glass containers; If you must ship them, seal in watertight packaging and place upright in cartons. Check these items for spoilage before consumption.

Tools

Dismantle large tools for moving and wrap small parts together and place in a carton. Wrap smaller tools and pack in small cartons since they are heavy. Remove all fuel from gasoline-powered tools.

Plants

We do not accept any liability for plant damage by frost, poor packing or adverse conditions. We may include your plants if you accept this waiver of responsibility. We will do our best, but they will be shipped entirely at your risk. See "Re-Root", United's plant replacement program.

Window Coverings

Fold curtains and drapes lengthwise over a hanger, pin them securely and place in a wardrobe carton. They can also be folded and packed in large cartons.

Mops, brooms, curtain rods

Bundle them together with tape or twine. Drapery tracks, curtain rods and other items attached to the walls, ceiling or floors must be removed by you.

Rugs

Unpack them and leave them on the floor. If they have just been cleaned, leave them rolled.

Garden Furniture, swings, sheds

Disassemble and place small parts in labeled plastic bag and place in carton.