Packing Tips for Moving House

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Some general rules for packing:

Pack ahead. Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. Start with rarely used items, eg good china. If it's summer, pack your winter clothes. Use this as an opportunity to de-clutter your belongings, sell and clear all the stuff you don't use anymore.

Keep things together. Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape.

Use your luggage. Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. You'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favourite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.

Safeguard valued items. It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.

Keep important papers with you. Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school records, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, maps etc. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!

Packing boxes

Keep boxes to 40 lbs or less. Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes. Make sure boxes aren't too full, they must be able to close 'flat'. Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes, so they're not too heavy.

Write "FRAGILE" on all boxes containing breakables.

Buy tape, clean newsprint and bubble wrap for padding and to wrap items. Pack breakables loosely in plastic storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.

Mark your boxes by room, so you know exactly where everything goes. Colour coding or using a number system works well (i.e., red stickers for bedroom or 1 for bathroom.)

Packing the big things

Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Then label the pieces so they're easy to reassemble.

Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.

Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.

Big appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags. Stuff towels between washer sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie.

Computers, TVs, & Electronics: Use original packaging, or buy electronic-specific boxes.

Packing the small (but still important) things

Small appliances: Put your microwav, etc. into boxes, and cushion with wadded paper.

Books: Pack them flat in small cartons, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs.

Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers.

Collectibles: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely.

Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans, and cushion with paper. Put a few of these items in the "open first" box.

Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with cups & bowls placed around them.

Packing the awkward things

Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection.

Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off other items.

Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap small pieces in newsprint and pack in mirror boxes. Cover larger pieces with cardboard, tape securely and stand them along the truck's sides or inside wardrobe boxes.

Lawn furniture: If heavy or bulky, disassemble. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tie together.

Rugs: Roll up and secure with rope or tape.

Plants: Put in plastic bags with air holes, then in boxes. Water before you leave.

Power and garden tools: Wrap all sharp edges and use plenty of cushioning to prevent injury. Tape long-handled tools together and place small ones in boxes.

Lawn mowers/yard edgers: Empty petrol from all tanks, and check for oil leaks.