Helpful and useful information to make your moving experience easier!
Packing Materials
One of the most important ways to eliminite excess stress and pressure is to plan ahead. It is always best to have more packing material than you think you'll need! Handle With Care can provide everything you might need such as boxes, bubble wrap, tape, paper, and even specialty boxes. And don't worry about purchasing too much becuase you are only charged for the boxes that you use! If you are looking to save some money ask about our recycled boxes and packing paper. They are free of charge based on availability!
How To Pack
Always pack heavier items on the bottom! Items such as books, CD's, records, DVD's, etc. should be put in sturdy book boxes. Book boxes are generally the smallest moving boxes you can get. Other items like large pictures, mirrors, glass tops, and shelving may require specialty boxes. For a list of boxes check out our packing materials page! You should pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top to prevent any internal damage during the move.
Items That Aren't Necessary To Pack
When moving locally, some items like mirrors, large pictures, and mattresses can be transported safely without packing for short distances. However, we recommend using padding and shrink wrap to keep the items from becoming dirty or damaged. If you would like your mirrors and framed artwork or pictures packed in boxes, we do offer mirror cartons which can be put together to create different sized boxes.
Pack One Room At A Time
Packing one room at a time has the effect of dividing the overall task into several smaller and more manageable tasks. This approach makes it possible to set realistic goals, such as packing the dining room today and the living room tomorrow.
Always Tape The Bottom of Boxes!
Taping the bottom of boxes before filling them prevents the contents from falling out during the move. This is essential to keeping your stress level low and to thoroughly protect your items.
Use Packing Paper
All breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Paper should be used to cushion the bottom, sides, and tops of cartons. It's also best to use non-printed newspaper.
Label Each Box
Use a bold permanent marker to clearly label each box with the general contents and the room it will be placed in. Label on the side of each box so they can be identified even if they are stacked. Also, draw arrows on each side indicating which end must always be kept upright! You can also assign different colored tape to each room or buy pre-labeled tape. This way you will know which room it goes in without having to read each box.
If you don't want to label each box with the general contents, you can use a number system. You label each box with a number, and on a separate sheet of paper you list what items are inside with the corresponding number.
Stacked Boxes
Time will be saved on your move if you arrange boxes in stacks of similar size, and four to five feet high. This enables the boxes to be easily transported from the house to the truck!
Packing Glass Items
Plates should be staked VERTICALLY and glasses and stemware should be placed in an upright position. Use plenty of paper, bubblewrap, or foam wrap on all fragile and breakable items.
Do Not Over Fill Boxes!
Fill all boxes to the top without having items overflowing. Boxes with items sticking over the top cannot be properly closed or stacked. A small space at the top should be filled with paper, a blanket, or other cushioned items.
