Beds
Take
apart bed frames and bundle rails together with rope or tape. Cover
mattresses and box springs with mattress bags or blankets to keep clean.
Bikes & Baby Carriages
Lower
handlebars and turn them to save space. Cover or clean wheels, chains
and pedals to avoid soiling other items.
Books
Use
small cartons, and place books flat in the cartons, alternating spine
and open sides. You may choose to place layers of paper between valuable
books.
Bottles
Tape
bottles shut and wrap in paper to avoid breakage. Bottles may be placed
in plastic bags for extra security.
Bureaus & Dressers
If
you are leaving items inside, make sure they are padded well and can't
rattle around loosely. Secure drawers and doors by wrapping the furniture
with a blanket or pad, and then tie with rope.
Chairs
Wrap
arms and legs with padding or paper to prevent scratching. Armless chairs
can be tied together in pairs, seat-to-seat.
China
Wrap
china in clean packing paper and place in a carton sectioned off with
specially designed dish packs.
Clothes
It's
quickest and easiest to leave clothes on hangers and transfer them to
special wardrobe cartons.
Electronic & Small Appliances
Whenever
possible, use original cartons and foam packing for electronics such
as stereos and computers. To safely pack in new cartons, pad carton
bottom well, wrap item well in layers of paper, bubble wrap or blankets,
then pad around and on top to prevent damage to delicate buttons. Finally,
label box with "Fragile. Top Load."
Heavy
Items
When
necessary, individually wrap heavy items such as tools and canned goods
before placing in cartons.
Lamp
Bases
Specially
designed cartons are the best choice for lamp bases. These cartons also
work well for unloaded guns, golf clubs and garden tools.
Lamp
Shades
Handle
lampshades by the wire base and pack in a lined carton, surrounding
all sides with crumpled paper. Shades can be nested if separated by
paper.
Large
Appliances
Remove
loose parts and pack separately. Secure all movable parts and doors.
Check with appliance dealer for additional special instructions.
- Dishwashers & Washing Machines: Place soft goods between tub and sides to
prevent movement. Remove hoses and place inside, then pad exterior.
- Gas
Dryer: Call you local gas company for disconnection.
- Refrigerator:
Defrost and let air dry before loading. Soft, lightweight items may
be packed inside. Let stand upright 24 hours before plugging in.
Lawn
Mowers
Drain
gas and oil completely, remove handles and blades when possible and
pack carefully, then label.
Mirrors & Glass
Crisscross
tape across mirrors and frames with glass to help absorb vibrations
that could cause breakage. Wrap generously in paper before placing in
flat or telescoping carton. Always stand these items on their edges.
Never lay them flat.
Rugs
Vacuum,
then roll and tie with rope or twine.
Shoes
When
possible, pack shoes in the original shoebox and place in carton. Otherwise,
individually wrap to prevent damage.
Silver
Nest
silver together and wrap, then place in a cushioned silver chest or
box. Wrap the chest or box in paper.
Soft
Goods
Pack
soft goods such as blankets, pillows and towels in lined cartons separated
by layers of clean paper, or use to cushion other items.
Statuary & Figurines
Roll
statuary or figurine in bubble wrap, if available. Alternately, roll
in layers of paper until properly cushioned.
Stemware
Individually
wrap stemware, cushioning inside and out, and then place stem up in
a carton with a dish pack.
Tables
Remove
legs and tie together, if possible. Store or place hardware in a sealed envelope
or plastic bag and tape to underside of table. Pad tabletops and legs
that can't be removed.