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• Disassemble any items you can.
   
• Insure items with sharp corners or projections are prevented from puncturing or scratching.
   
• Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape.
   
• Pack one room at a time and label each box with room and contents.
   
• Mark boxes containing fragile items clearly as "Handle with Care", "Glass" or "Fragile".
  • Load these boxes on top of all other freight and secure in place.
     
• Fill any unused space in boxes with paper or other filler to prevent shifting during transit.
   
• Get rid of items you do not need or want.
  • Garage sales, consignment shops or charitable organizations are a great way to avoid moving unnecessary items.
     
• Furniture
  • Pad all furniture with blankets or bubble wrap.
  • Secure padding to furniture. Remove legs from furniture if possible.
  • Place wing nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture.
  • Coat fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches.
  • Stand sofas on end and secure in place to minimize cargo space used.
  • Place loose cushions in bags and use as filler between furniture pieces.
  • Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking.
  • Secure drawers from opening during transit.
     
• Electronics
  • Whenever possible, use original shipping boxes for computers/printers, stereo equipment or televisions.
  • Wrap each piece with bubble wrap or foam packing material. Immobilize any moving parts.
  • Remove all cables and cords if possible.
  • Color code or label wiring for easier reinstallation.
  • Tape electrical cords to back of appliance to prevent plug damage.
     
• Major Appliances
  • (Consider selling major appliances with your house, or at a garage sale)
  • Load heavy appliances securely against the front wall of the trailer.
  • Disconnect and empty all hoses for washing machines and place in the tub.
  • Immobilize the tub by placing towels/blankets between the tub and sidewall.
  • Tape electrical cords to back of machines to prevent plug damage.
  • Defrost, clean and dry refrigerator/freezers before move date.
  • Interior space can be utilized to move lightweight or crushable items such as lampshades.
     
• Dishes & Glassware
  • Each piece should be individually wrapped and packed in newspaper or towels in stout boxes (empty liquor boxes work well).
  • Plates should be packed on edge instead of flat. For the best protection, purchase the "dish packs" sold at local equipment rental or packaging stores.
  • Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper.
  • Place these boxes on top of load and secure the boxes in place to prevent shifting.
     
• Lamps
  • Remove all bulbs and shades before packing.
     
• Wall Hangings
  • Wrap each painting or framing individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels.
  • Load items in carton on their edges, not flat.
  • Label and mark cartons as fragile.
  • Be sure to load these cartons in a safe position on the trailer.
     
• Pianos
  • Disassemble as much as possible.
  • Wrap each piece separately with blankets, or bubble wrap.
  • Consider hiring a specialist for packing and loading this item.
     
• Garage Items
  • Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other equipment.
  • Disconnect any batteries.
  • Empty propane tanks from barbecue grill and properly purge hose. Secure lid and immobilize moving parts.
     
• Please do not pack the following items:
  • Fuels
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Paint
  • Mineral Spirits
  • Flammable Liquids or Corrosives
  • Liquid Bleach
  • Fire Arms or Ammunition
  • Matches and candles
  • Food in glass jars
  • Cleaning Chemicals
  • Perishable Goods

Loading Tips

• When loading the trailer, be sure to lift items using your knees (not your back) to prevent injuries.
   
• Make sure ramps are sturdy and securely in place.
   
• Use dollies to load appliances and other heavy objects.
   
• Load heavy items on bottom, lighter items on top.
   
• Load items as tightly as possible to prevent shifting, rubbing or puncturing during transit.
   
• Fill spaces between boxes and/or furnishings.
  • Gaps between items will allow the freight to move which could damage your goods.
     
• Plan ahead load the items first, that you want to unload last, for example: if your unloading through your new living room, you will not want to unload your living room furniture first, because you will need to work around it for the rest of the unloading.

• Moving checklist
• Help moving your pets
• Moving your houseplants
• Packing tips