Consumer Tips

Tips for Packing Like a Pro

Union Plus Team

April 2, 2012

Here Are the Packing Supplies You'll Need:

• Boxes — Professional packing boxes are recommended. They are extra sturdy and come in a variety of stackable shapes and sizes made to hold everything from mirrors and mattresses to dishes and books. 
• Packing paper (clean, unprinted newsprint) 
• Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or paper towels for delicate items 
• PVC tape 
• Tape dispenser 
• Broad-tipped markers for labeling
• Scissors or sharp knife for cutting cartons 
• Notebook and pen or pencil for listing contents of cartons as they are packed 
• Labels or stickers for identifying boxes 

How to Pack a Box:

Before packing cartons, wrap most items to protect them from scratching and breakage. There are a variety of materials available, including bubble pack, foam peanuts and tissue. However, most professionals use bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint (available at your moving supply store).

Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or countertop. Round glasses and jars can be rolled up in two or three sheets of paper; always begin from a corner of the sheet and fold the sides in as you roll.

Large or odd-shaped items require a similar technique. Place them in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. It may be necessary to flip the item over and wrap it again from the other side. If in doubt, use more paper! When the corners are brought together, secure them with tape.

Before packing a carton, line the bottom with a few inches of wadded paper for padding. Place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top. 

Plates, books and things of similar shape, should be packed vertically to tap their structural strength. Don't overload cartons; keep them to a manageable weight. Fill voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper. Then tape cartons securely to avoid shifting while en route.

Labeling Tips: 

• Label every carton or box.  It makes unpacking easier.
• Use a broad, felt-tipped marker. 
• Clearly mark room and contents. 
• Indicate "FRAGILE" on delicates; "THIS END UP" where appropriate. 
• If available, include your bill of lading number on every box. 

More Tips from the Pros:  

• Pack similar items together. For example, don't pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans. 
• Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic bags and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong. 
• Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping paper draws attention to very small things that might otherwise get lost in a carton.
• Pack small, fragile, individually-wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper. 
• Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items that must be left open for the van operator's inspection. 
• As you finish each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while stacked) and in a notebook. You may also want to number or code the cartons. 
• Put a special mark (number 1 or letter A) on cartons you want to unpack first.
• Label with your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at your destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at your destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can quickly and easily put the cartons in the proper rooms.