Below are some instructions on packing miscellaneous items.
Click on an item for details:
Artificial Flowers
Wrap generously and pack separately in well-cushioned carton.
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Books
Pack back-to-back on edge in small cartons. Use paper between nicely
bound books to prevent rubbing.
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Clothing
Wardrobe cartons that are specially designed to provide clean,
wrinkle-free movement of clothing can be purchased from your mover. Suitcases and
cartons lined with clean paper may also be used.
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Drapes/Curtains
Fold lengthwise and secure to padded hanger in clothing wardrobe or
pack carefully in cartons lined with clean paper.
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Hat and Shoe Boxes
Small boxes of this type should be consolidated and packed into
larger boxes, filling in all spaces with wadded-up paper.
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Lampshades
Where possible, lampshades should be nested so that two or three can
be packed in one carton. Use clean packing paper — never newspapers — as
protective linings between each shade. Use the wire rim of the shade to gently lower
it into the box to avoid soiling shade fabric.
To more fully utilize some of the lost space in a lamp shade carton,
place something soft such as hats, small pillows, small blankets or bath towels
inside the shades. Do not pack wadded-up paper around the shades because this could
crush them and cause damage.
Be sure to make all sides of the carton in large, bold letters:
FRAGILE: LAMPSHADES
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Lamps – Tall Table
The major problem in packing tall table lamps is acquiring cartons
large enough to accommodate them. If you cannot find such a carton, you can purchase
dishpack cartons from your mover. These are tall, extra-sturdy cartons designed
especially for protecting fragile articles. Remove lampshade, bulb, and wrap cord
around lamp base.
1. Line bottom of carton with liberal amount of wadded-up packing
paper to insure extra protection and cushioning.
2. Spread out several sheets of paper so that they extend longer and wider than
the lamp. Place lamp in the center of the paper.
3. Roll packing paper around lamp, tucking in the end of the paper at lamp base and
seal with tape.
4. Seal seams with tape where paper overlaps, going around entire bundle.
5. Fold up remaining end (at top of lamp) and seal with tape.
Should you have several tall table lamps, place them in the carton
so that the base of one lamp is adjacent to the top of the next lamp. Alternating
in this way will help them fit better in the carton. When lamps are packed, fill out
the carton with a generous amount of wadded-up paper. Mark FRAGILE and LAMPS in large,
legible letters on all sides of the carton.
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Mattresses
Specially designed mattress cartons or bags can be purchased from your
mover to protect mattresses from snagging, soiling or chafing while loading and en route.
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Medicines
Tape all caps securely. Do not pack with food items. Remember to carry
all important medications with you.
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Pictures
Small pictures can be wrapped and placed on edge in normal packing
boxes with other goods. Extremely large pictures such as the type commonly found
hanging over a sofa or mantle (usually measuring 24 x 36 or larger) should be packed
by your mover in a specially designed carton made expressly for pictures and mirrors.
Some pictures that are just a little too large to fit in regular
cartons (16 x 20 or 18 x 24) can be protected in a self-devised picture carton.
1. Select a carton that, when open at both ends, is larger than your picture.
2. Open bottom of carton and flatten out. Seal one of the open sides with tape.
3. Lay pictures face down on several sheets of packing pager, which you spread out
so it measures twice as wide as the picture.
4. Wrap the picture in much the same manner as you might a gift box and seal with
tape. Turn the picture over and seal across where packing paper overlaps.
5. Slide picture into unsealed side of carton and securely seal the open end with tape.
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Plants
If you can, give your live plants to a friend rather than move them.
If you must move a special plant, do not pack them in the van — take them with you.
Some states have rules prohibiting the transport of certain plants across state lines,
so be sure you know before you go. For more information on moving your plants,
call your local florist or nursery.
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Shoes
You do not need to wrap shoes in packing paper. Place in large
cartons and seal.
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Tools
Brooms, rakes and other tools should be bundled tightly together.
Hand tools should remain in a tool box or wrapped individually and placed in a
well-cushioned carton.
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Toys
Most toys do not have to be wrapped in packing paper. Just place
them in large cartons and seal.
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