Packing Instructions When Moving

Updated: January 22, 2019

Items You Will Need

Pack items you won’t need to begin with and start at least a few weeks from the date of your move.
Work on one room at a time, make sure to label cartons clearly and with enough detail that someone else unpacking the box would know what is in there.
While writing on cartons, make a master list of cartons and their contents as this will help the move go smoother.
Label cartons with weight suggestions such as “heavy” as well as which room the box will be going to.
Make sure cartons that are needed immediately when arriving at the new residence are marked to ensure they are accessible.

Prior to packing cartons, you’ll need to wrap most items to guard them from scratching and breaking. Best to use packing paper or bubble wrap for these breakables.
Support the bottom of cartons with packing tape to ensure that the bottom stays closed.
Fill cartons securely and pack well to prevent the contents from moving during your move.
Close up cartons securely with packing tape.
Cartons should be no more than 50 pounds in weight.
Place heavy items in the bottom of the box and lighter items at the top.
Detach tops and lids from jars and china and wrap them separately.
Fasten any opened boxes and bottles before packing them to prevent spills and seepage.
Mark cartons “THIS WAY UP” if they need to be in an upright position.

Wardrobe cartons are ideal and make life easier when unpacking. Clothes can be taken straight from wardrobe on hangers and hung straight into wardrobe box with no added ironing to do afterwards. If the cartons still have some space, think about filling them with lightweight items like linens or pillows.
Suitcases can be used for packing clothes.
Lightweight items of clothing can be left in dressers on local moves.

When possible pack electrical items such as TV’s, stereos, speakers, CD players, DVD players and computers in their original cardboard box.
If you did not keep original packaging, they can be packed in cartons with proper packing materials such as bubble wrap, blankets and pillows along with clothing. Electronics need to be packed in strong cartons.
Label the wires, cords, and jacks of your piece of equipment to make reconnecting your system quick and easy.
Label the cartons Fragile and with the room of the house and what the cartons contain.

Pack individual pieces or groups into mirror cartons and ensure to use packing paper to wrap them. If you don’t have mirror cartons, place items in a flattened carton then carefully tape and seal the carton.
Label the cartons with Fragile and with the room destination.
Always stand glass, pictures and mirrors on their edge do not lay flat.