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If you plan to pack yourself.....

If you decide to do the packing yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move - including that of having everything properly packed and ready for loading when the moving truck arrives. All packing must be completed by the evening before moving day...only the things you will need that night and the next morning should be left for last minute packing. Allow yourself several weeks to complete the packing.

In addition, your packing will be expected to meet specific standards. This means complying with the principles of good packing as outlined here, as well as following the suggestions relative to items that should not be included in the shipment. Your moving company personnel will inspect each box to make sure that articles are properly packed prior to loading. If it is determined that your cartons are susceptible to damage, the driver may refuse to load those boxes until they are re-packed or removed from the shipment. There is, of course, a charge for packing services performed by Stevens.

Good packing means:

A large table covered with a heavy blanket, or mattress pad makes a good, firm work surface. It may be helpful to have a second table nearby for soon to be packed items.

You will need packing cartons, newsprint (unprinted newspaper for wrapping), bubble wrap, tissue paper, packing tape, a felt marker, scissors and newspapers. The printed newspaper should be used for outer wrapping or cushioning only. The ink always rubs off, and can become embedded in your dishware. When using newspaper, be sure to wash your hands frequently to avoid rubbing the ink on the items you handle.

Have a pencil and notebook handy, and make a list of the boxes as you pack them.

Some general-purpose cartons available through Country Wide are:

1.5 cubic foot cartons (the book or small carton)

• Books, records, VCR tapes, CD's
• Canned goods
• Heavy Tools

3.0 cubic foot carton (medium carton)

This is the workhorse carton. Smaller and heavier items are usually packed in these containers. Some examples are:

• Small kitchen appliances
• Lamp bases
• Small outdoor tools
• Pots and pans
• Electronic gadgets

4.5 cubic foot carton

As the size of the container increases, the weight of the individual items going into the container should decrease. This carton is another of the workhorse cartons. This carton should be considered for the following:

• Non hanging clothes
• Larger lamp bases
• Lamp shades
• Linens
• Non-breakable kitchen goods (Tupperware, baking sheets, etc.)
• Children's toys

6.0 or 6.5 cubic foot carton (Large carton)

This is the largest of the general-purpose cartons. This carton should only be considered for the lightest and bulkiest items such as:

• Stuffed toys
• Blankets, pillows
• Area rugs
• Winter coats

Dishpack (Barrel or Dish Barrel)

This is the safest of all the cartons because of its extra-strength, multi-layer construction. All breakable kitchenware, china and crystal should be packed in these cartons for safety. Occasionally, lamp bases, small antiques and brick-a-brac are also packed in dishpacks.

Mattress Carton

Just as mattresses and box springs come in different sizes, so do the cartons for shipping them in. Standard sizes are crib, twin, double, queen and king. Other than the beds in a residence, be aware, that some waterbeds, futons and sleep sofas may also require cartons for shipping. For king size beds, double check that the box springs are either king size or two singles.

So let's get started...A Checklist of the Basics

• Pack similar items together. Don't pack a delicate china figurine with a cast iron skillet.
• Start with out-of-season items, and things you use infrequently.
• Keep all parts or pairs together and use resealable plastic bags for hardware, taping the bag securely to the item.
• Empty drawers of breakables, spillables or anything that would damage other items.
• Leave lightweight, unbreakable items such as towels and sheets in the drawers.
• Wrap items individually in clean tissue paper or newsprint.
• Small items are easily identified when wrapped in colored paper.
• Very fragile items should be double wrapped and then wrapped in bubble wrap.
• Label boxes with fragile items "FRAGILE, This Side Up"
• Wind electric cords, fastening them so they will not dangle.
• Put a two or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton to serve as a cushion.
• Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next, and lightest weight on top.
• As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces with crushed paper, adding layers of crushed paper between items.
• Avoid overloading the carton, but make sure that nothing "shifts".
• The carton cover should close easily with no bulges, and no inward bends.
• Blankets, towels and other soft items may be used for cushioning.
• Seal cartons tightly with packing tape.
• Mark each carton with your name and the room to which the carton should be delivered
• Write "unpack first" on items you will need at destination.
• When you arrive at your new home, tape a sign on the door of each room corresponding to your carton labeling.

Ready, Set, Pack!

The larger china and glass plates, platters, and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in the box. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items, making sure to rest them in the box upright, using sufficient cushioning.

Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundles to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Always remember, the heavier pieces go on the bottom!

Stand shallow bowls on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their top rims.

Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down on the bowl before wrapping them together. Place sugar bowls, pitchers and similar pieces upright in the carton, being careful to cushion firmly. Complete the layer as for plates.

Cups and glassware should be wrapped in a double layer of paper and placed upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer within the box with all the handles facing upward in the same direction.

Clothing may be left on hangers and transported in Stevens' wardrobe cartons, which can be purchased from your booking agent. If wardrobes are not used, each garment should be removed from the hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing such as hose, lingerie and sweaters may be left in dresser drawers.

It is recommended that you take any furs or high-value items with you, rather than packing them for transportation on the moving van.

Linen and Bedding

Because they are lightweight, these items can be used for padding delicate items or folded and packed in larger cartons. Line the box with clean paper, and place the linens in a large plastic bag for protection. Place in cartons and label appropriately.

Special mattress cartons in various sizes are available from your Stevens representative. Pillows may be placed in dresser drawers or packed in cartons.

Photographs are best protected in photo albums, which should be wrapped and packed in separate cartons. Loose photos should be packed in separate cartons and protected from moisture or possible water damage. Take the time to properly pack your irreplaceable items.

Long handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together securely. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately.

If you decide to take pantry items, remember to seal the open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing into a larger container. Cover holes of shaker type containers and seal with tape.

Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited. It is good practice to place these canned items on the bottom of a box containing several other light items.

• First aid kit
• Soap and towels
• Toiletries
• Paper plates and plastic knives, forks, spoons
• Paper towels
• Snack foods
• Instant coffee/tea
• Coffee cups
• Juices and bottled water
• Toys for the kids
• A small tool kit

Non-Transportable Items (DO NOT PACK)

• Combustible Liquids
• Corrosive Liquids
• Rubbing Alcohol Acids
• Antifreeze compounds Bleach
• Cleaning liquids Auto batteries (not in vehicle)
• Explosives
• Flammables
• Black powder, primers Adhesives (glue, cement)
• Fireworks Aerosol cans
• Ammunition Cleaning fluids
• Dynamite or any type of explosive Gasoline/Diesel Fuel
• Hand signal flares
• Gases, Compressed
• Weed killer
• Engine starting fluids Kerosene
• Gases used in welding Lighter fluids
• Scuba Diving tanks (unpurged) Matches
• Propane tanks (unpurged) Paint removers or thinners
• Stain, lacquer, varnish
• Valuables
• Stocks
• Food Items
• Currency Perishable foods
• Jewelry
• Stamp, coin or other collections
• Houseplants
• Medications Living plants of any kind

Country Wide Moving & Storage...Woman owned and Family Operated specializing in
Families Moving Families.