Appliances (Major)

Large appliances need to be properly prepared for the move. Consider having them packed by professionasl in order to minimize damage. All appliances need to be shut off, unplugged, and completely emptied. Clean and dry them at least 24 hours before packing. It is best to pack them in their original boxes if you still have them. Wrap them in protective pads. Here are specific tips for individual appliances:

Clothes dryer: Unplug the dryer, and clean thoroughly including the lint screen. Tape doors/lids shut and tape electrical cords to the dryer.

IMPORTANT: A gas dryer must be disconnected by a professional, who must properly secure the gas line.

Dishwasher: Empty and clean the dishwasher. Disconnect and drain the hoses. Wrap the dry hoses in towels and packing material, and put them inside the dishwasher. Tape the door shut, and tape the cord to the machine.

Microwave Oven: Unplug and clean the microwave. Pack it in its original packaging if you still have it. Otherwise pack it in a well-cushioned box. Remove the glass turntable, wrap carefully and pack in a carton. Tape the door shut, and tape the cord to the microwave.

Oven/Stovetop: Clean thoroughly. Remove all removable parts, and pack them in a box. Tape down all the knobs and burners, tape doors shut and tape the cord to the oven.

IMPORTANT: A gas oven/stovetop must be disconnected by a professional, who must properly cap the gas line.

Refrigerator/Freezer: Empty out the refrigerator and freezer. Unplug it at least 2 days before packing. Shut off and disconnect the water line if you have an ice or water dispenser. Clean and dry thoroughly. Make sure that the interior is completely dry. Remove all removable parts like bins and shelves and pack them in a box. The condenser/compressor should be vacuumed and the evaporator pan should be emptied and cleaned. The water reservoir should be emptied. Tape the door shut, but put a spacer between the door so that air can circulate. Tape the cord to the fridge.

Washing Machine: Make sure that it is clean and completely dry at least 24 hours before packing. Disconnect and drain the hoses. Wrap the connector ends of hoses in towels, and put them inside machine. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to secure the tub. Tape doors/lids shut and tape the cords to the machine.

Appliances (Small)

Unplug, clean and dry the appliances. If it has water in it (like a steam iron), drain the water. Pad the bottom of the box you are packing them in with a lot of paper or towels. Wrap each appliance separately and place in a box. Place a lot of cushioning material around them.

Beds

Disassemble the bed, and mark the headboard and footboard so that you know what goes where when you reassemble it. Tie or tape together the bedframe rails. Put the screws in a plastic bag and tape to the bed rails. Wrap the headboard and footboard in protective pads or blankets.

Pack the mattresses and box springs in plastic mattress covers. Your mover may also provide mattress boxes

Books

Use small cartons for packing books, since they are heavy. Pack similar-sized books together. Pack them upright with spines touching the side of the box, or pack flat.

CDs

Place CDs in protective cases. Stand them upright on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with cardboard or hardcover books. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Label the box “FRAGILE.”

China and Dishes

Wrap each plate individually in packing paper. Then bundle three individually wrapped plates together, wrapping the bundle in more packing paper. Pack them standing up in the box. Repeat with another bundle. Cushion all around with Styrofoam peanuts or crushed paper.

Individually wrap each teacup in bubble wrap. Pack them upright. Put cardboard or packing material on top, and on the sides for cushioning. Make sure that the box is well padded and items are snugly packed to avoid rattling and breaking. Mark the box “FRAGILE”.

Consider having your china packed by professionals, even if you are packing other items by yourself because of its fragile nature. The most comprehensive insurance coverage (MoveInsure’s Gold package) will only cover items that the movers have packed.

Clothing

Keep clothing on hangers, and pack them in wardrobe boxes. Each wardrobe box holds about two feet of closet space. Put small items and shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe boxes. You can leave some light clothing in dresser drawers for the move. Other clothing can be folded and packed in boxes.

Computers

Before you do anything: BACK UP ALL YOUR COMPUTER FILES!

Disconnect all cables and wires, and mark them so that you know which goes where when it is time to use your computer in your new home. Detach the paper feeder and remove the ink cartridge. Wrap the computer and each component (scanner, printer, etc.) in bubble wrap and place each in a well-padded box. Pack the wires and cables in plastic bags and place in the box. Fill all empty space with Styrofoam peanuts and wadded paper. Label the box “FRAGILE.”

Electronics (Stereo equipment, DVD players, etc.)

When possible, use the original packing equipment to move electronics items. Disconnect all cables, and label what goes where. Check the owner’s manual for any special handling that may be required when moving the item. On CD players and DVD players, the laser needs to be secured with transport screws located on the bottom or back of the unit. Tape or tie the arm of a turntable to the armrest. Also tape down the platter (the round part where you put records). Wrap each component well, and place in boxes with a lot of cushioning. Label the box “FRAGILE.”

Furniture

Empty furniture drawers and shelves and pack the items separately. You can leave light items in some drawers.

Detach removable parts, such as legs, and wrap them carefully. Pack any screws and bolts in a plastic bag and tape to the bottom of the furniture.

Close all drawers, and wrap each piece of furniture in pads or blankets. Upholstered items can be shrink wrapped.

Chairs can be stacked, or packed seat to seat.

Modular office furniture should be disassembled, and bolts and screws placed in a plastic bag and taped to the bottom of the furniture. Photograph the furniture so that you know how it should look when reassembled.

Glasses/Stemware

Individually wrap each glass/stemware in paper or bubble wrap. For stemware, wrap each one separately with protective paper inserted into the goblet and around the stem. For the most protection, pack them in special padded dish packs which are available from your mover.

Lamps

Pack lamp shades in a paper-lined box. Shades can be nested in the same box, but each must be wrapped in its own paper. Cushion with wadded up paper.

Wrap the lamp’s cord around the base, and wrap in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place in carton and cushion with Styrofoam peanuts.

Tools

Drain gas or oil from any tools that use them, and dispose of properly.

Remove batteries and attachments, and pack tools in protective covers. Make sure any sharp edges are carefully wrapped.

Long tools can be tied together, and the tops should be wrapped. These can be moved in garbage cans. Smaller tools can be transported in the plastic tool boxes in which they are kept.

Toys

Have your child help pack his own toys as much as is appropriate for his age. Allow him to choose some toys to take along during the move. Give away games and toys that he’s outgrown.

Drain toys that have water in them. Pack toys in cartons with wadded paper. Wrap fragile toys carefully, and put clothes in the box for extra cushioning.

TV

Consider having professional movers pack up your TV, since it can very easily get damaged. It is best if you have the original packaging. If not, place foam forms on all sides and gently insert the TV into the box. Label “FRAGILE – TV” and stand it upright.

Wall Hangings (Mirrors, Pictures and Paintings)

Wrap mirrors and pictures in paper and bubble wrap. Place them in a mirror box. Stand them on their edge. Do not lay flat. Label the carton “FRAGILE.”