Packing Guide: PACKING DO'S AND DON'TS.

PACKING DO'S AND DON'TS

Chances are you will start packing weeksbefore your move. You'll need boxes, bubble wrap for packingfragile items, tissue and ink-free packing paper, scissors,a knife for opening boxes and rolls of packing tape. You'llalso need to know how to do the job in an efficient and organizedway. Here are a few tips from the experts that can help saveyour household goods from damage:

• Get more strong packing boxes thanyou think you will need.
• Reinforce the bottom of each boxwith at least one strip of packing tape.
• Pack boxes firmly to prevent thecontents from shifting during your move.
• Use clean, white crumpled up paperfor padding.
• Separate all items with paper toprevent scratches.
• Place heavier items in the bottomof the box and lighter items on top.
• Use towels, linens, curtains, etc.to pad boxes of fragile items.
• Remove lids from ceramics and wrapeach separately.
• Seal open bottles with tape beforepacking to avoid spills.
• Use an extra large box for lampshadesand cushion them well.
• Remove bulbs before packing lamps.
• Put hardware from disassembled furnituretogether in plastic bag.
• Leave clothes in dresser drawersand hang clothes in wardrobe boxes.
• Wrap very small items in bright coloredtissue so they won't get lost.
• Place pictures in boxes betweensheets and blankets for added protection.
• Plates and record albums shouldbe packed on end vertically - not stacked.
• Remove bulbs before packing lamps.
• Make a master list of all householditems and personal belongings.
• Number boxes when they are packedand sealed.
• Label each box and its room destination.
• Write the contents of numbered boxeson your master list.
• Pack room-by-room, keeping similaritems together.