• Use a heavy cardboard box.
• It is better to use less boxes for breakables and pack more in them than
  to put one or two breakables in many boxes.

• Use lots of packing paper and pad the top and bottom of the box well.
• Wrap individual pieces in packing paper. (We do not recommend using
  newspaper.)

• Use a "layering" method and separate layers periodically with thick
  packing paper.

• Fill the entire box before starting another box of dishes.
• Make sure items in the box are secure and cannot move.
• Fill each box completely.

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PICTURES & GLASS PIECES

• Use a standard picture box and cover the sides with packing paper.
• Place packing paper along the sides and edges of the pictures to prevent it from moving inside the box.
• Place no more than 2 pictures per box.
• Keep the box right side up at all times.

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BOOKS

• Use small book boxes. The industry standard is 18"x12"x ".
• Reinforce the bottom of the box.
• Do not pack them so heavy that the cardboard tears or bends.

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CLOTHING

• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, or let us rod strap transfer
  them. Wardrobe boxes are not necessary if the clothes are being moved
  into storage.

• Put shoes or bedding in the bottom of the wardrobe boxes.
• Use linen boxes for all other clothes.

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ELECTRONICS

• Pack TV's, stereo components, computers, microwaves, etc. in their
  original boxes, or we will wrap them in heavy moving pads.

• Label all of the boxes "FRAGILE" if applicable.

Moving Tips
Moving can be overwhelming unless you are
organized and have a plan. Here are some helpful tips
to make the process go much smoother.

ONE MONTH BEFORE

• Begin taking inventory of your possessions and decide what to move
  and what to give away or sell. Organize your items and decide where
  they will be placed in your new location. We recommend making a map
  of each room in your new location with your items placed in their
  desired places.

• Create a moving file of all moving related information. Remember,
  many moving expenses are tax deductible, so be sure to save all your
  receipts.

• Determine the amount of the bill your employer will pay (if applicable).
• Receive moving estimates and choose your mover.
• If you are moving long distance, make air, hotel, and car rental
  reservations.

• Secure packing supplies and begin packing belongings that you don't
  use daily.

• Fill out a change of address card and mail it to the Post Office. Also
  remember to fill out a change of address form for all banks, credit
  cards, bills, magazines, etc.

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TWO WEEKS BEFORE

Contact the following companies to make arrangements:

• Telephone Company
• Gas/Electric
• Water
• Cable
• Internet Provider

Plan to use up as many food items as possible including those in the
refrigerator and freezer to avoid waste.

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ONE WEEK BEFORE

• Call your mover to confirm all the arrangements.

• Identify the items that you will need and do not want packed away
  (typical clothes, toiletries, linens, paper goods, microwave, cleaning
  items, etc.). Put these items aside or in a special box that is clearly
  marked.

• If you are doing the packing and not the mover, make sure the boxes
  are secure and appropriate labeled.

• Gather all jewelry and other valuables and put them aside for your
  transporting later. Do not pack these valuables with your other goods.

• If the mover doing the packing on the moving day, begin making sure
  that the items to be packed are organized.

• Make special arrangements for your pets.
• Make arrangements to pay your mover in cash, money order personal
  check, or billing if your employer is paying and billing has been
  approved by both the employer and the mover.
  

• Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers to be moved.

• Make sure that you have the following ready

• Moving File
• Directions and/or a map for the movers to find your new location
• Keys

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MOVING DAY

If possible, be available throughout the entire move to answer any
questions the movers may have.