Packing Tips

Gather boxes in all sizes from friends, neighbors, and stores.

Collect cushioning material such as bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets, furniture pads, old blankets, plastic bags, tissue paper, newspapers, and small towels to use as padding inside boxes.

Create a “portable packing kit” with marking pens, a tape measure, packing tape, twine, and scissors. Carry it with you as you pack up items around your home.

Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength.

Label each box with the name of the room in your home where it should be placed.

Number the boxes and keep a list of which boxes go in which room in your new home.

Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.

Place china in plastic bags and stack plates upright on their sides, not flat.

Pack your TV, stereo, and computer in their original boxes whenever possible.

Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less.

Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items together into larger boxes. (Don’t pack all your books into one box!)

Don’t move flammable, combustible, corrosive, or explosive items such as paint, gasoline, and ammunition.

Pack a bag of personal items you’ll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.

Kitchen

Cupboards

Closets

Drawers

Box numbers for kitchen: __________________________________________________

Dining Room

China cabinet or hutch

Light fixture and lamps

Furniture: table and chairs

Box numbers for dining room: ______________________________________________

Living Room

Bookcases and contents

Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on

Knick-knacks and artwork

Lamps

Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables

Box numbers for living room: ______________________________________________

Family Room

Bookcases and contents

Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on

Knickknacks and artwork

Lamps

Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables

Box numbers for family room: ______________________________________________

Master Bedroom

Closets

Dressers and contents

Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk

Box numbers for master bedroom: ___________________________________________

Bedroom #1

Closets

Dressers and contents

Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk

Box numbers for bedroom #1: ______________________________________________

Bedroom #2

Closets

Dressers and contents

Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk

Box numbers for bedroom #2: ______________________________________________

Bedroom #3

Closets

Dressers and contents

Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk

Box numbers for bedroom #3: ______________________________________________

Study/Office

Computer equipment: CPU, monitor, and printer

Desk and contents

File cabinets and content

Box numbers for study/office: ___________________________________________

Bathroom

Cupboards and contents

Linens and towels

Knick-knacks and wall hangings

Box numbers for bathroom: ______________________________________________

Attic

Trunks

Boxes

Box numbers for attic: ______________________________________________

Garage

Yard equipment and garden tools

Home maintenance equipment and tools

Box numbers for garage: ______________________________________________

Basement

Cupboards and shelves

Box numbers for garage: ______________________________________________