Click on the items below to learn from the experts how to get everything ready for your move!
Appliances -- Small
You'll need:
- Blank newsprint or your own towels and linens
- Medium-sized boxes
TIP: Don't use plastic peanuts or shredded
newsprint, which could get into the machines and cause damage.
How to pack:
1. Group kitchen appliances, like blenders and toasters, or other
small household appliances, like hand- held vacuums and telephones,
two or three to a box. ( Make sure they're clean - don't pack
yesterday's toast or blender drinks!)
2. Make sure the bottom of the box is securely taped, then pad the
bottom of the box with blank newsprint (wadded up, not shredded) or
your towels and sheets.
3. Put the appliances in and pad them well all around with packing
material.
4. Then put another layer of packing materials on top, seal the
box, and mark it "Kitchen Appliances." Now you're good to go!
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Appliances - Big
We're talking washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners,
refrigerators - the big stuff! Before you pack any of it, read your
users manual for each appliance to make sure there aren't more
special moving preparations you'll need to make. Also, consider
servicing all your appliances a week or two before you move, if you
haven't done it in a while.
You'll need:
- Tape
- Large pads and rope
- Your towels and linens, clothes, and stuffed animals (that's
right, stuffed animals) for washing machines
- Baking soda for a washing machine and refrigerator
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A washing
machine . . .
1. Do all your wash a couple of days before you're ready to move.
2. Drain all the water out of the washer. If possible, take the
washer outside and tip it sideways to empty out remaining water from
the water hose. Then dry the interior completely with a towel.
3. Take out all accessories and fittings and put them in a plastic
bag.
4. Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and the tub to
keep the tub from rotating.
5. Fill the basket with clothes, linens, and stuffed animals
(that's rights, stuffed animals). Also include a box of baking soda
(designed so you don't have to tear open the top of the box) to cut
down on mildew.
6. Tape the lid and electrical cord down, then tie a large pad
around the outside. Now you're done!
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A
dryer . . .
1. Disconnect the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer and from
the exhaust duct in the wall. Loosely roll the hose and place it in
the dryer basket.
2. Tape the lint screen, electrical cord, and dryer door down.
3. Tie a large pad around the outside of the dryer. You're done!
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A refrigerator
. . .
1. One day before moving, empty out the contents and defrost. (Eat
what you can, then give the rest away to neighbors - never transport
perishable food.)
2. Empty the drainage pan underneath and disconnect and drain out
your automatic ice maker.
3. Clean the walls, drawers, and shelves.
4. Some refrigerators have "leveling rollers," which are wheels
that raise and lower each corner of the refrigerator so it is even.
Check your manual to see whether you should raise or lower them for
the move.
5. Wrap shelves (especially if they are glass) and tape them
together. Tape down all other loose parts, including the drawers on
the inside and the electrical cord and doors on the outside.
6. Tie a large pad around it. That's it!
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A
stove . . .
1. Clean the oven and stove top.
2. Place all oven racks on the bottom rung and tape down.
3. Tape down the burners and the protective pans under each
burner.
4. Tape the electrical cord and door to the stove (lock the door,
if you can), then tie a large pad around it. You're done!
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A
dishwasher . . .
1. Remove all dishes and tape down the racks and silverware
basket.
2. See your manual for removing and draining the water hook-up.
3. Close and lock the door. Tape the door shut. Now tape the hose
and cord to the dishwasher.
4. Tie a large pad around it. That's all!
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An air
conditioner . . .
1. If your air conditioner's in use, shut if off the day before so
the coils can dry and cool off.
2. Remove and clean or replace the filter.
3. Tape the cord to the side of the air conditioner (not the back,
where the coils are).
4. Use the original box, if you have it, or another large
appliance box well-padded with wadded up newsprint. (Don't use
Styrofoam peanuts, which could get inside the air conditioner and
cause problems later.)
5. If you don't have a box, tie two large pads around it to
protect the coils. That's it!
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Armoires
Armoires can be great packing spaces for lightweight items like
pillows, lamp shades, even hanging clothes, if you use a tight
tension rod inside. If you're going to pack a lamp shade, be sure to
pad it all around with lots of lightly wadded up blank newsprint or
bubble wrap.
What you need:
- Rope
- Large padding or old blankets
How to pack:
1. Remove all the contents from the shelves. Don't try to ship
your CDs, TV, cards and games, or other loose items inside the
armoire - they'll be jostled and probably damaged.
2. If you have drawers, you can keep some items inside if they're
not too heavy. Wad up blank newsprint in the empty spaces and tape
the drawers shut.
3. If you like, fill in empty spaces with lightweight items, like
pillows and lamp shades (properly padded with lightly wadded up blank
newsprint or bubble wrap.) Several lamp shades can be stacked
together with blank newsprint in between.
4. Close and lock your doors, if possible, or tie the handles
together.
5. Tie large padding or old blankets around the outside. All done!
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Artwork and Mirrors
You'll need:
- Tape
- Blank newsprint and cardboard or bubble wrap
- Styrofoam peanuts for sculptures
- Boxes (flat and/or sized to fit) for each piece of artwork
How to pack:
Framed prints . . .
1. Wrap them individually in newsprint and then tape cardboard
around them. Or wrap them in bubble wrap.
2. Put them in flat fitted boxes. If they still fit loosely in
their individual boxes, fill in the spaces with lightly wadded blank
newsprint.
3. Tape the box shut and mark it. You're done!
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Mirrors
. . .
1. Put tape across the front of the mirror like an X to keep the
pieces in place in case the glass breaks.
2. Wrap in bubble wrap or blank newsprint with cardboard taped
around them. Fill loose spaces with lightly wadded paper
3. Put in a flat box, seal, and mark "Fragile - Mirror." That's
all!
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Original
paintings . . .
1. If your painting is framed with glass,
tape the front like an X with masking tape.
2. Cover the framed painting or canvas with
bubble wrap and tape it closed.
3. Build a box to fit that is slightly
bigger than the painting, or purchase one. If you're packing a canvas
(no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard box in bubble wrap again,
tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly bigger than the
first. Double-boxing is a guarantee against other sharp objects
puncturing the box and canvas during the move.
4. Tape the box well and mark "Fragile -
Art." All done now!
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Sculptures
. . .
1. You'll need a box at least one-third larger than the size of
your sculpture and bubble wrap.
2. Fill one-third of the box with Styrofoam peanuts. Wrap the
sculpture with bubble wrap, put it in upright, then fill in all
around and on top with peanuts. Your piece of art should be nestled
in the center without touching the sides of the box.
3. Tape the box and mark "Fragile - Artwork" clearly on the
outside. That's it!
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Beds
You'll need:
- Rope or tape
- Large pads for headboards and footboards
- Sheets or mattress covers
- Plastic bag
How to pack:
1. Disassemble the bed frames and mark the pieces so you know
where they go later. Tie or tape rails together.
2. Take all screws, bolts, nuts, etc. put in plastic bag and tape
to rails.
3. Tie large pads around headboard and footboards, if you have
them.
4. Leave sheets on mattresses to protect them, or cover them with
plastic mattress covers. You're done!
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Books
You'll need:
How to pack:
TIP: If you've collected lots of books over
time, it's a great time to reevaluate what you really want to keep.
Consider selling some at a yard sale or to a secondhand book store.
More weight in your truck adds to the final price, if you're being
moved, and puts a strain on you, if you're moving yourself.
1. Never pack more than 30 pounds of books in a box, unless you're
a weightlifter by trade.
2. Fill in small spaces in each box with smaller paperbacks.
Alternate bindings every few books to keep stacks level in each box.
3. Tape shut and mark "Books." You're done!
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Bureaus
You'll need:
How to pack:
TIP: Don't leave bureau drawers completely
full for the move - the bureau will be too heavy. Use suitcases to
pack some clothing and other non-fragile items from your bureau
drawers.
1. Partially empty out drawers and fill spaces with small, fragile
items like clocks or picture frames wrapped in loose clothing.
2. Don't put tape on the drawers - it could stick to the finish.
3. Tie a large pad securely around the bureau. That's it!
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Chairs
You'll need:
- Bubble wrap or blank newsprint
- Tape
- Furniture pads
How to pack:
1. Wrap arms of chairs with blank newsprint or bubble wrap and
tape.
2. Leave slipcovers on or cover with large flat sheets.
3. Cover next with furniture pads. Now you're done!
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Clothes
You'll need:
- Wardrobe boxes
- Suitcases
- Small and medium boxes
How to pack:
1. Hang clothes from closets in wardrobe boxes. If the boxes still
have some space, consider filling them with lightweight items like
lamp shades covered in bubble wrap.
2. Pack some clothes from bureaus in boxes or suitcases so the
bureaus won't be too heavy to move.
3. Consider using some clothes as packing material in between
breakable items or to fill spaces in other boxes that contain items
from bedrooms.
4. Mark boxes "Clothing" or with the person's name. You're all
done!
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Computers
You'll need:
- Tape
- Small pieces of cardboard
- Plastic bags
- Original cartons and foam forms
-or-
- Two sets of boxes, one larger than the other (for
double-boxing components)
- Styrofoam peanuts.
How to pack:
1. Back up all the files on your computer.
2. Your computer company may recommend that you "park" your hard
drive. That means using a special program (possibly called
"SHIP.EXE") that makes recording heads in the hard drive pull back
from the data area into a "safer" area of the CPU.
3. Pack your disks in a separate box, but not with anything
magnetic.
4. Bundle cables and wires and color code them to their matching
holes so it's easy to reconnect in your new home.
5. If your computer's completely cooled off, put each component
part in a plastic bag to keep dirt out during the move, then inside
the foam forms in their original boxes. Fit cables and other
accessories in the sides of each box and fill with peanuts.
6. If you don't have the original boxes, use the double-box
method. Fill the smaller of the two boxes with Styrofoam peanuts, put
the "bagged" monitor or CPU in the middle, and fill the box the rest
of the way so the component sits in the middle of the box without
touching the sides. Fit in cables and accessories, close and seal
that box, then fill the bottom of the second box with peanuts, put
the sealed box in, and fill all around the rest of the way with
peanuts.
7. If you have a small printer, you can pack it with your CPU. Be
sure to remove the printer cartridges. If your printer uses pins to
form-feed paper, leave the paper in during the move to keep the pins
in place.
8. Mark each box "Fragile - Computer." Now you're finished!
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CDs
You'll need:
- Tape
- Plastic peanuts or blank newsprint
- Small boxes
How to pack:
1. Pad the bottom of the box with wadded-up blank newsprint or
Styrofoam peanuts.
2. Place a stack of CDs in the middle of the box. If your box is
big enough and you don't have a lot of CDs, put your entire CD holder
in the center, CDs and all. CDs can weigh a lot, so you'll probably
have to divide them into several boxes.
3. Fill in tightly all around and on top with peanuts or wadded
paper so the CDs won't jiggle.
4. Tape and mark "CDs." You're all done!
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Collectibles
You'll need:
- Tape
- Small and medium boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Styrofoam peanuts or blank newsprint
How to pack:
1. Wrap each fragile item separately with bubble wrap and tape.
2. Put a layer of peanuts or wadded paper on the bottom and layer
in wrapped items with peanuts or wadded paper in between.
3. Put a final layer of peanuts or wadded paper on top
4. Seal and mark "Fragile - Collectibles." Now you're done!
** If your collectibles are really valuable, consider moving them
in your car or shipping them separately.
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Flammable Items
You'll need:
- To call your local recycling pick-up
provider, fire station, or the nearest Environmental Protection
Agency office to learn how to properly dispose of flammable and
hazardous materials before you move, such as paints, solvents,
oil, and gas from your grill.
How to pack:
DON'T!!!!!
It's dangerous and illegal to pack and move
flammable and hazardous materials. If you have a small can of
turpentine or leftover paint, ask your neighbors if they can use it.
Otherwise, dispose of it properly with assistance from your recycling
company or the EPA.
TIP: Many towns have an annual "Hazardous
Materials Disposal Drop-Off Day" at a recycling center or fire
station. If you know you're moving, plan ahead to dispose of
materials then.
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China and Crystal
You'll need:
- Tape
- Small and medium boxes
- Cardboard
- Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap
- Blank newsprint
- Lots of patience
How to pack:
Plates and bowls . . .
1. Layer bubble wrap in between, leaving space at the top of the
box to fill in with wadded newsprint.
2. Place wadded newsprint or peanuts in the bottom of a box and
put layers of plates or bowls on top. Then fill in top and sides with
peanuts or newsprint.
3. Seal and mark "Fragile - China." You're done!
Glasses and teacups . . .
1. Wrap each glass or teacup in a piece of bubble wrap and tape
it.
2. Put a layer of peanuts or newsprint on the bottom of the box.
Place wrapped cups or glasses on top, upright as if you were placing
them on the table.
3. Place a layer of cardboard and another layer of packing
material on top and the sides.
4. Keep layering in wrapped cups and peanuts until you've reached
the top. Put a final layer of packing material on top, seal, and mark
"Fragile - Crystal/China." That's all!
TIP: Don't use compartmentalized liquor
boxes unless the compartments are made of sturdy cardboard and you
put a layer of packing material on the bottom first. (Usually the
compartments are too flimsy.) Glasses and cups should still be
wrapped in bubble wrap.
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Hippos
You'll need:
- 1,000-gallon tank per hippo
- 1,000 gallons of water
- Crane
- 1-pound sedative
- Soothing hippo music
- 2 Aspirin (for you)
How to pack:
1. Fill your tank with 800 gallons of water. Start yesterday.
Remember, a medium-sized hippo takes up at least 200 gallons. (Just
out of curiosity, why do you have a hippo, anyway?)
2. Apply sedative. Take two Aspirin.
3. Hold it, hold it - put the hippo in the tank, first. Start with
soothing hippo music, followed by a large winch and crane.
4. Now go relax in a hot bath before the forklift arrives.
WAIVER: We in no way advocate moving
a hippo or any animal without the express advice and consent of your
local vet or zoo keeper. :)
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Kids' Stuff
You'll need:
- Lots of love and time
- Attention to feelings
- Tape
- Blank newsprint
- Medium and large boxes
How to pack:
1. Pack kids' rooms last if they are still small. The security of
their routine until the very end will make the transition go more
smoothly.
2. Give older children (probably ages 5 and up) advance time to
pack their rooms with you. Packing up is a good time to talk about
things they might be worried or feel sad about - leaving friends,
school, a home they've always lived in, and facing a new school and
strangers. Understanding feelings and offering your reassurance will
ease the transition for them.
3. Allow them to select some items to take with them in the car or
in their carry-on bag.
4. Most kids' toys are somewhat non-breakable and can go in boxes
with some wadded newsprint or extra clothes to fill in spaces.
5. Breakable toys like models or porcelain dolls can be wrapped in
extra clothes and packed in wadded newsprint.
6. While the kids are packing, ask them to think about where
they'd like things to go in their new rooms.
7. Make sure you drain water from squirt guns and seal paints and
other safe but messy materials in ziplock bags or containers. Pack
them together in a box lined with a plastic bag.
8. Have your kids seal the boxes and write their names or put
their favorite stickers on each box. Now you're done!
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Kitchen Items --
Non-Breakable
You'll need:
- Tape
- Medium and large boxes
- Your kitchen towels and linens
- Blank newsprint
How to pack:
1. Select out a few pieces of essential cookware - a couple of
pots, a frying pan, some cooking spoons, a spatula, and utensils for
everyone - for the first day you're in your new home.
2. Put blank newsprint (or ripped-open paper bags) between the
items. Fill in spaces with wadded newsprint.
3. Seal and mark "Kitchen." On the box you need for cooking when
you arrive, mark "Kitchen - First Day." You're all done!
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Kitchen Items -
Breakable
You'll need:
- Tape
- Small and medium boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Peanuts or blank newsprint
How to pack:
1. Wrap each glass and mug in bubble wrap and tape shut. Put
layers of bubble wrap in between plates and bowls.
2. Fill bottom of box with peanuts or wadded paper. Layer in
glasses and mugs with peanuts and paper, or place stacks of layered
plates and bowls on top. If your glasses have stems, place them
upright, as if you were putting them on the table. Fill in sides and
top with peanuts and wadded paper.
3. For larger breakable items - Pyrex dishes, china serving bowls,
glass coffee pots - wrap in bubble wrap and tape shut. Put two or
three smaller items or one larger item in the center of a small box
filled with peanuts. Make sure you put a layer of peanuts or wadded
paper between smaller items.
4. Seal and mark "Fragile - Kitchen." You're all finished!
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Lamps
You'll need:
- Tape
- Medium or large boxes
- Bubble wrap
How to pack:
1. Take lightbulbs, harps, and lamp shades off lamp.
2. Wrap lamp shades in bubble wrap and stack them in a large box
with wadded paper, or put them in an armoire or large chest.
3. Wrap cord around lamp and wrap lamp in bubble wrap. Place in
empty, defrosted refrigerator, unplugged dryer, or drained, unplugged
washer. Or put them in boxes with wadded paper, seal, and mark
"Lamps." That's it!
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Lawn Furniture
You'll need:
- Tape
- Large, flat boxes for any glass tabletops
- Blank newsprint and bubble wrap for glass tabletops
How to pack:
1. Packing is easy if you have furniture with no breakable parts.
Hose down/clean off your furniture.
2. Disassemble any parts. Tape them together, or put small pieces
in ziplock bags and tape to the furniture. You're good to go!
3. If you have glass tabletops, wrap them in bubble wrap and put
them in flat boxes used for mirrors and artwork. Seal and mark boxes
"Fragile - Glass." Now you're done!
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Lawnmowers and Lawn
Tools
You'll need:
- Tape
- Storage containers for hazardous materials
How to pack:
1. Clean your lawnmower underneath of all grass and debris (use a
hose). Clean other lawn tools and equipment.
2. Drain gas and oil out of the lawnmower into storage containers.
Contact your local recycling company or Environmental Protection
Agency office for information on disposing of the gas and oil.
3. Tape or tie handles of rakes, shovels, and other garden tools.
4. Pack smaller garden/lawn items in a box.
5. Drain your garden hose down a hill, roll up, and put in a box.
Now you're done!
For tips on safe disposal of
hazardous materials, click here.
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Stereo Components
You'll need:
- Tape
- Plastic bags
- Original boxes and foam forms
-or-
- Double boxes (one a size larger than the other)
- Plastic peanuts
How to pack:
1. Make sure all components are completely cooled off. Use
color-coded tape to mark where cables and cords should go in the
equipment when you get to your new home.
2. Check your CD player manual to see whether you need to tighten
screws that will keep internal components from moving around.
3. If you have a turntable, tape down the "platter" the record
sits on and tape the arm to the arm rest. (Pack the plastic turntable
cover separately from the turntable, if it comes off, it may screw
down.)
4. Put all components in individual plastic bags to keep them from
getting dirty during the move and to keep peanuts out of the
equipment.
5. Put components in original boxes, or put them in double boxes.
The component goes in the smaller box filled with peanuts, and the
smaller box goes inside the larger box, also filled with peanuts.
6. Don't bundle components together in the boxes unless they're
small enough to be separated by peanuts.
7. Seal and mark boxes "Fragile - Stereo/Audio Equipment." That's
it!
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TV -- Awesome
Big-Screen
You'll need:
- Tape
- Original packing boxes and foam forms
-or-
- Large new box and foam forms
How to pack:
1. Unplug your awesome big screen TV. Be sure to leave the cable
and cable box behind, since those belong to the cable company.
2. Lay it gently on its side and slide the foam forms on either
end. Then slide it into the box, set it upright, seal it, and mark it
"Awesome Big-Screen TV."
3. If you don't have the original box, you will still need more
than plastic peanuts. Companies that sell packing materials probably
have dense Styrofoam blocks you can use. Gently lay the TV on its
side on top of a piece of foam. Tape another piece of foam on the
bottom and slide the whole thing into the box. Fill in all sides with
foam, then seal and mark "Awesome Big-Screen TV."
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TV/VCR -- Less than 30", but it
still works
You'll need:
- Tape
- Original packing boxes and foam forms
-or-
- Large new box and foam forms
How to pack:
1. Make sure the TV is cooled off and you've left the cable and
cable box for the cable company (they own those).
2. Do the same for the VCR. Check your manual to make sure there
are no special moving preparations you need to make to stabilize
internal components.
3. Wrap up the cord for the TV and VCR and put in the original
boxes. Or use foam forms you purchase or peanuts. (Wrap your TV and
VCR in a plastic bag before immersing in peanuts so the peanuts don't
get inside the machines). Put the TV and VCR in separate boxes.
4. Seal and mark the boxes "Fragile - TV/VCR." Now you're done!
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