Good packing is essential for a good move. If you choose to do some or all of your own packing in preparation for your relocation, it’s especially important that you be familiar with the techniques and boxes that will best protect your possessions.

Ready, Set, Pack! Great Packing Means…

Limiting cartons, when possible, to 50 pounds for their maximum weight to make it easier for handling.
Carefully wrap items.
Providing many cushioning to have the shock absorbed.
Using strong cartons that close.
Ensure cartons are packed firmly and don’t bend inward, bulge outward, or rattle.
Not mixing items from different rooms in the same carton, when possible.

Checklist of the Basics

Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the things you’ll need until moving day.
Empty drawers of spillables, breakables items aren’t recommended for inclusion in your shipment and anything that would damage or puncture other items. However, bath towels, lingerie, sweaters, blankets and similar lightweight, soft goods may be left in drawers.
Together, pack similar items. Don’t pack a delicate china figurine within the same carton with for example, cast-iron frying pans.
Have all pairs or parts of things together. For instance, mirror bolts, curtain rod hangers and other small hardware items must be placed in cloth or plastic bags (which can be purchased from the moving company) and securely tied or taped to the article that they belong.
Wind electrical cords, having them fastened so they don’t dangle.
Individually wrap items in clean paper; use facial tissue, paper towels, or even tissue paper for crystal, fine china and delicate items. Wrapping that’s colored attracts attention to very small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for good outer wrapping.
Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a carton for cushioning.
Build up in layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top.
As every layer’s completed, firmly fill in empty spaces with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use cardboard cut from cartons or sheets as dividers.
Well-cushioned with crushed paper; lightweight blankets and towels may also be utilized for cushioning and padding. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning is needed. Make sure that no sharp rims, edges, or points are lifted uncovered.
Pack fragile, small, individually wrapped belongings separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with shredded or crushed paper.
Place boxes that are small in a single big box, filling with crushed paper in the spaces.
Avoid having the cartons overloaded, but strive for a secure pack that’ll prevent items from shifting; the cover must easily close without force, but shouldn’t bend inward.
Tightly seal cartons with tape except for those comprising items listed on the High-Value Inventory form of United. These should be left open for inspection by a van operator.
As you’re done with all cartons, list the contents on the carton’s side (for simple viewing while cartons are being stacked) and also in a notebook that’s special. You might want to also code and/or number the cartons.
Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at the destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at the destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers could quickly get the cartons into the proper rooms.
Put a special mark on the cartons you want to unpack first at the destination.

How To Pack China, Glassware & Silverware

Moving company packers utilize a dish pack — an extremely durable corrugated carton of double-wall construction — for china, glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches in size. Unless cartons of similar strength and construction are valuable, you might want to purchase several dish packs from the moving company.
Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, begin from the corner, diagonally wrapped, & tuck in overlapping edges constantly. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is needed for all glassware and china. Label cartons, “FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP.”

Flat China & Glassware

Larger china & glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are brilliant as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
In the bottom of a carton, place a cushioning material. Individually wrap all pieces then wrap up to 3 in a bundle with a newspaper in double layers. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on the edge.
Surround every bundle with crushed paper, being careful to have no unfilled spaces left. Add 2 or 3 inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle in order to protect rims and create a level base for the following tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers could be helpful to keep layers level.
Shallow bowls, saucers, and smaller plates can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.

Bowls & Odd-Shaped Items

Depending on their weight, these might be used either as the bottom or middle layers. Wrap the exact same way as those flat plates.
Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) in the carton’s edge & deep ones (like mixing bowls) nested 2 or 3 together, on their rims upside down.
Have the sugar bowl lids wrapped in tissue, then turn them upside down on top of the bowl. Then, together, wrap both in clean paper, followed by an outer double layer of newspaper. Wrap cream pitchers in clean paper & after that, a double outer wrapping. Put sauce containers, cream pitchers, sugar bowls and similar pieces upright in the carton. Complete the layer as for plates.

Cups

Even when using mini-cells and a dish pack for china, individually wrap cups, protecting handles with an extra paper layer. Then, upside down, pack the cups.
If not utilizing cells or a dish pack, wrap cups as described previously in a double paper layer and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Complete the layer as for plates.

Silver

Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely in plastic wrap or clean tissue paper. Holloware — including serving dishes, tea sets, & bowls — must be carefully wrapped as fragile items & packed exactly like china.
Loose flatware could either be wrapped in sets or individually, and in tissue or clear plastic.
If silverware is in a chest, you still might want to wrap the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper towels. Wrap the chest with a large bath towel.

Figurines & Other Delicate Items

First, wrap in facial tissue, paper towels, or tissue paper. Then, carefully wrap in newsprint that’s been crushed & flattened out. Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning.
Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A small blanket or bath towel makes a brilliant outer padding and wrapping for glass. Place items on the edge in a carton.

Fragile Items

Many moving companies use a material called a bubble pack (plastic with bubbles) for extremely fragile belongings. If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.

Artificial Flowers

An artificial flower arrangement must be packed in its very own carton. Carefully wrap in paper towels, tissue paper, or plastic wrap. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the carton’s bottom. Label the carton “FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP.”
For instructions on moving live plants, ask your agent for a “Moving With House Plants” brochure.

Lamp Bases

Once the lamp harp and light bulb are removed, separately wrap the bulb, harp, and base in newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.) Put them together inside a carton, and have the spaces filled with crushed paper. More than 1 well-cushioned lamp might be packed in a carton.

Lamp Shades

Never have lamp shades wrapped in newspaper. Each shade must be carefully wrapped in 3 or 4 sheets of tissue paper, a large lightweight towel, or a pillowcase.
Use a durable carton about 2 inches bigger all around than the biggest shade to allow for movement. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A small shade can be nested inside a large one, if you are sure they will not touch. Only 1 silk shade must be placed inside a carton to avoid having the silk stretched.
Don’t pack other belongings with shades. Label the cartons as “LAMP SHADES — FRAGILE.”
It’s ideal to get the moving company to crate huge Tiffany-type or other chandeliers or glass lamp shades.

Large Vases, Statues, Paintings, Large Mirrors, Marble Slabs & Glass Table Tops

All can be damaged easily. Marble slabs could crack at veins and glass may shatter. Paper must never be allowed to touch the oil painting’s surface.
It is better to get a consultation with your moving company regarding custom-made cartons & crates for items of this kind.

Books

Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with the spine facing up, as glue can break away from the binder. Pack together books of the same general size.
Expensively bound volumes or those of special sentimental value must be wrapped individually prior to packing.
Because books can be heavy, make sure to make use of small cartons.

Photographs

Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons rather than being combined with other household items.
Protect photos that are framed with cushioning and padding, standing them on edge in a carton. Clearly label cartons for simple identification.
If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to your destination.

Compact Discs, Tapes & Records

Remove these items from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind records are heavy and should be packed in small cartons.
If records aren’t in jackets, individually wrap in plastic wrap or tissue paper to have them protected from getting scratched.
Stand compact records and discs on edge, never flat, on a crushed paper layer. Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another crushed paper layer. Identify contents on the outside of the box & mark “FRAGILE.”
Cassette tapes must be placed in the plastic box that’s protective in which they came, and then individually wrapped in crumpled paper if possible. Place individual tapes either horizontally or vertically on a couple of layers of crushed paper.

Clothing

Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobe cartons used by moving companies will arrive at the destination wrinkle-free. You might want to purchase several of these special cartons from your moving company. One is going to hold about 2 feet of compressed clothing on hangers.
If wardrobe cartons aren’t utilized, all garments must be removed from its hanger, folded & placed in a carton lined with clean paper or a suitcase. Some lightweight clothing — such as lingerie and sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers.
Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, insert crumpled tissue paper inside the crown of each hat; loosely wrap tissue around the outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats on the bottom. Don’t pack anything else with hats. Label the carton “FRAGILE.”
Footwear could be left in a shoebox and placed in a big carton. Or, individually wrap every shoe and then in pairs. Footwear must be cushioned to avoid damage to ornaments or heels. Do not pack heavy items on top of shoes.
It’s recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having them moved on the van.

Linens & Bedding

Pillowcases, towels, tablecloths, sheets, blankets and other linens could be protected by a huge plastic bag & packed in a carton that has been lined with clean paper.
Wrap your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of items.
Special mattress cartons in various sizes are available from your moving company for a
nominal charge. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons.

Draperies & Curtains

Clothing wardrobes are ideal for moving draperies and curtains. Fold them lengthwise, place on a padded hanger, securely pin and have them hung in the wardrobe.
Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

Rugs

Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they’ve just been returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled.

Major Appliances

Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment — or have your agent send someone out who is authorized to perform this service.

Small Appliances

Items such as small radios, clocks and other appliances that are small must be individually wrapped and packed in a cushioned carton filled with crushed paper.
Transistor radios, small clocks and similar items could be packed in the exact same carton as extra items with lamp bases or with linens. Ensure cords are wrapped so as not to damage or otherwise scratch items.
Steam irons must be emptied of all water, wrapped & placed in the box’s cushioned bottom.
Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.

Tools

Long-handled garden tools, and also mops and brooms, must be together bundled securely. Attachments must be removed from power tools & separately packed.
Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing rules. Always use small cartons because tools usually are heavy.

Outdoor Equipment

Before moving day, dismantle garden sheds, TV antennas, and children’s swing sets. Have pieces gathered and together bundled with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a cloth bag & attach it securely to the corresponding equipment.
Have lawnmower prepared by draining gasoline before the loading day.

Food

Take only food items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the
winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing.
Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, gelatin, flavorings, bouillon cubes, condiments, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape.
Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited.

A Word About Special Household Items

The popularity of home electronic items has added a new dimension to the DIY (do-it-yourself) packer. Stereo systems, microwave ovens, and home computers need special care to guarantee they safely arrive at their destination.

If you saved the original cartons and packing materials in which these items arrived, it is best to repack using those materials. In case you don’t have these materials, you may want to get in contact with a store selling your specific item and ask for the availability of discarded packing materials.

Your United agent is familiar with current techniques for properly packing electronic items and can assist you with advice or pack the items for you. It is your responsibility to disconnect electronic items prior to the packers’ arrival.