Choose a topice below to jump you to our Residential Packing Guide.

• General Boxing Tips
• General Packing Tips
• Bureaus
• China and Crystal
• Plates and Bowls
• Glasses and Teacups
• Kitchen Items – Breakable
• Kitchen Items – Non-Breakable
• Unpacking Your Belongings

Boxes, Boxes, and more Boxes!

Label all boxes, especially those which you think you will need for the first night in your new home.

The heavier the items, the smaller the box to be used.

Pack a box with toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, snacks, coffee and coffee pot, soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Ask your van foreman to load it on the van last, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first.

Pack a another box with the similar items as a survival package in case you have to wait for the movers.

Lighten your load, have a Garage Sale or donate to your favorite charity.

If you are moving long distance be sure the mover does an inventory and be sure you check and understand what is written on the inventory form.

Keep your moving file with you do not pack it. Make a note of your shipment registration number and any other approiate comments.

Give the foreman your reach number and an alternate number so they can contact you.

Keep your pets away from all the activity on moving day.

Let all your electrical gadgets "acclimate" themselves to room temperature before plugging them in.

Leave the rest to the professionals. Sit back, relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, new friends, new experiences that are part of any move.

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Pack one room at a time. Be sure to label each carton as you proceed.

Pack what you need least, first. (i.e. If it is winter, pack all your spring items).

Try to keep all packed boxes as close as possible to the door.

Place heavier items in smaller boxes, linens and towels in medium sized boxes.

Mark all cartons and designate room and what items are contained within box.

Try to pack a few cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.

Be sure to have the correct packing materials.

Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.

All heavier items should be packed toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top.

Regarding carton size keep this in mind "the heavier the item, the smaller the carton."

Below you will find some packing tips of things that will make you move a more pleasant experience. If you have any questions reagrding any of the items listed please do not hesitate to call our office at 415-468-0305.

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Bureaus

Don't leave bureau drawers completely full for the move – the bureau will be too heavy.

Bureau Drawers – Do not overload. If the bureaus drawers are loaded too heavy damage may occur.

Be sure to remove all items that might break.

Partially empty out drawers and fill spaces with small, fragile items like clocks or picture frames wrapped in loose clothing.

Don't put tape on the drawers – it could stick to the finish.

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You will need the following:

• Tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap
• Unprinted newsprint

Don't use compartmentalized liquor boxes unless the compartments are made of sturdy cardboard and you put a layer of packing material on the bottom first. Glasses and cups should still be wrapped in bubble wrap or newsprint.

Don't forget to mark the appropriate room for each carton.

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1. Place wadded newsprint or peanuts in the bottom of a box.
2. Wrap all plates separately with newsprint, place in carton standing on edge not lying flat. Put next plate in order and continue until bottom layer of carton is full.
3. Pack larger plates first, putting smaller items on top.
4. Then fill in the top and sides with peanuts or newsprint.
5. Seal and mark "Fragile - China."

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1. Wrap each glass or teacup in a piece of newsprint.
2. Put a layer of cardboard on the top of the plates below and place on top.
3. Place wrapped cups or glasses on top, upright as if you were placing them on the table.
4. Keep layering between wrapped cups and peanuts until you've reached the top. When full place a layer of packing material on top, seal, and mark "Fragile - Crystal/China."

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You will need the following:

• Tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Peanuts or blank newsprint

How to pack breakable items:

1. Wrap each glass and mug with newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap or cardboard between plates and bowls.
2. Fill bottom of box with either bubble wrap, peanuts, or wadded paper. Layer in glasses and mugs with peanuts and paper, or place stacks of layered plates and bowls on top of dishes. If your glasses have stems, place them upright, as if you were putting them on the table, they should be on top of carton. Fill in sides and top with peanuts and wadded paper.
3. For larger breakable items - Pyrex dishes, china serving bowls, glass coffee pots - wrap in newsprint or bubble wrap and tape seal carton. Put smaller items or one larger wrapped in newsprint and place in the center of larger items.
4. Mark "Fragile - Kitchen." and place in garage.

Collectibles:

You will need the following items:

• Tape 2" clear or tan
• Small and medium boxes
• Bubble wrap or unprinted newsprint
• Styrofoam peanuts

How to pack your collectibles:

1. Wrap each fragile item separately with newsprint or bubble wrap and tape.
2. Place a layer of peanuts or wadded up paper on the bottom and layer in wrapped items with peanuts, a layer of bubble wrap, or just wad paper in between.
3. Put a final layer of peanuts or wadded paper on top.
4. Seal and mark "Fragile - Collectibles." Put an arrow to signify this side up.

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What packing materials you will need:

• Tape - 2" roll
• Medium and large boxes
• Your kitchen towels and linens
• Blank newsprint

How to pack your non-breakable kitchen items:

1. Select out a few pieces of essential cookware - a couple of pots, some cooking spoons, a frying pan, a spatula, and enough utensils for everyone - for the first day you're in your new home. If you are tired and hungry on move in day you will not have to unpack everything.
2. Wrap all items in blank newsprint. Fill in spaces with wadded newsprint.
3. Seal and mark "Kitchen." On the box you need for cooking when you arrive, mark "Kitchen - Unpack First."

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Regarding the unpacking you can either let the movers unpack for you or unpacking yourself.

Be sure to check your goods for any damage.

If you find any damage you should call your mover immediately. It s a good idea to take photographs of the if possible damages.

For local moves some agents will send a company inspector to review the damage with you.

A good moving company will usually respond to damage claims in a tmely manner.

Most moving companies work with local repair companies and usully reserve the right to repair damaged items rather than replace them.

Moving companies are not responsible for damage to articles in boxes you packed.

After removing your items from each box, flatten boxes for recycling.

If you have not done so, be sue to find the location of your circut box and main water valves in you new home.

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