Packing is best done by the experts, but if you are packing yourself here are some tips helpful tips. Remember that the contents of the boxes you packed are not covered for damage so it is best to let the professionals pack the breakables!

START EARLY!  As soon as you know you will be moving...start packing.

GET BOXES! Lots of boxes in all sizes. You can purchase boxes from us or check with your local merchants for free used boxes. Make sure you have plenty of tape, packing paper (use unprinted newspaper), bubble wrap, a marker and scissors.

GET STARTED! Start in the rooms that are least used, such as the basement or garage and pack your way to the bedrooms and kitchen so that these rooms will be packed last. Set up a work area in the room. Lay your paper out on a flat surface. Have your tape, scissors and marker at your work area. Pack items only from the room you are working in. Seal the box securely (make sure the bottom is sealed also) and mark the room and the box contents on the side of the box. All the boxes should be filled to the top to prevent them from crushing in transit. Always pack the heaviest item on the bottom and lighter items to the top. Fragile items like lampshades and dried flower arrangements should be pack individually.

Essentials - One box should contain essential items you will need right away at your new home. The telephone, paper towel, toilet paper, paper cups, baby items and flashlight are some items you made need immediately. This box should be marked "LOAD LAST", it will be the first box off the truck at your new house.

Books and Records - Should be packed in small boxes so they are not too heavy to pick up. Make sure the box is filled to the top. Books should be packed binder side up, records standing on end.

Lamps - Should be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed standing upright in the box. Fill the rest of the box with small sofa pillows or small individually wrapped knick knacks from the room. Be sure to put lots of crushed paper around all items to prevent them from shifting in the box. The shade (with the harp) should be packed separately in another box. Pole lamps do not need to be packed, just wind up the loose cord.

Stereo components - Should be disconnected and prepared for shipping (see your owners manual) Pack them in their original boxes if you have them, it not pack them in an appropriate size box with lots of crushed paper all around. You may pack two or three components together keeping plenty of padding between them.

Televisions - Do not need to be packed. The mover will pad wrap them. Wind up and secure the cord.

Bedding - Sheet, blankets, towels and pillows can be packed in large boxes. The mattresses should be packed in mattress cartons. (I recommend letting the mover pack the mattresses).

Dressers - Remove all breakable and loose items from the dresser. Clothing can remain in the drawers.

Pictures - Should be packed in specially designed picture boxes, available from your mover. Wrap the picture in bubble wrap. Stuff crushed paper in the bottom of the picture carton, insert the picture, then fill the top and sides of the box with more crushed paper to keep the picture snug.

Glass table tops - Glass shelves (from inside hutch, curio,etc) must be removed and packed. These also should be packed in picture boxes. Large glass table tops should be wood crated (ask you mover for advise)

Dishes - Should be packed in a sturdy box. Place 3-4 inches of crushed paper in the bottom of the box. Take 3 dinner plates and wrap them together butcher style with at least 3 sheets of paper between each plate. Place the wrapped plates on edge in the bottom of the carton. Repeat until the entire bottom is filled. Start another layer by placing 3-4 inches of crushed paper on top of the packed plates. Smaller plates or glasses should be on top.

Glasses - Wrap two glasses of the same size together with 2-3 sheets of paper between them. Stemware should be packed individually. Place the wrapped glasses upright in the box. Never lay glasses on their sides and always pack them at the top of the box.

Microwave - Remove the plate from the microwave and pack separately. Small microwaves should be pack in an appropriate size box. Large microwaves can be pad wrapped by the mover.

Pots and Pans - Should be wrapped individually to keep them from clanging together. They can be packed with other none breakables such as utensils, plastic ware and dishtowels.

Garden tools - Such as rakes, brooms, shovels can be bundled in groups of 3 or 4 and taped together. Fertilizer, grass seed, potting soil and ice melt most be packed in a box to prevent spillage. Remove ashes from charcoal grills and remove the propane tank on gas grills.

Gasoline can - Must be emptied and washed out. Run the lawnmower unit it is empty of gas.

Do Not Pack: Aerosols, gasoline, flammables, propane, sterno, bleach, firearms or ammunition. Do not pack anything that is flammable, combustible or anything that may leak or spill.