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Packing 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 Red Ball. Good packing means:
Getting Ready
Prepare a convenient place to work and gather all packing materials
in one location. If there is a spare room available, consider
setting it up as your packing headquarters.
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.
What types of cartons should you use?
The boxes you use to pack your household goods are important in more
way than one. Make sure the cartons you use are suitable for
transporting your goods in order to minimize damage. Also ensure
that you are not packing boxes too heavy as they can break open, or
too light as they can crush as they are stacked in the moving van.
Use only durable cartons constructed for the packaging of items.
Your sales representative can assist you in locating and purchasing
the appropriate cartons.
Some general-purpose cartons available through Country Wide are: 1.5 cubic foot cartons (the book or small carton)
This is the smallest of the general-purpose containers. As a rule of
thumb, the smallest and heaviest items are generally packed in the
1.5 cubic foot carton. Such items would include:
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:
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:
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:
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.
Mirror Carton
As with mattress cartons, mirror cartons come in a number of sizes.
Many mirror cartons pieces can be fitted together to offer a great
deal of flexibility for such items as: pictures, mirrors or small
glass table tops.
Wardrobe Cartons
These are the largest of the standard cartons and will either be
standup or lay-down (usually used for international). The cartons
are constructed in such a manner that hanging clothes will remain
hanging during the move. You may want to consider the wardrobe for
shipping drapes and curtains (neatly folded and on hangers) to help
reduce wrinkling during shipment.
Other
There are specialized cartons for very specific needs, such as golf
club cartons, bicycle cartons, grandfather clock boxes and crates.
The ultimate specialty carton is a crate, which is for extremely
fragile pieces, such as marble and glass. These cartons are built to
order and need to be ordered prior to your move. Ask your
representative for details.
So let's get started...A Checklist of the Basics
Ready, Set, Pack!
China & Glassware
Professional packers use a dish pack carton for china and glassware.
Place plenty of cushioning material in bottom of carton. Then wrap
each piece individually using several sheets of paper. Start from
the corner, wrapping diagonally, continuously tucking in overlapping
edges. After wrapping each piece individually, then wrap four to six
in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled
items in the carton in a row, standing them on edge.
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.
Silverware
Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, in
clear plastic or tissue. If the silverware is in a chest, you still
may want to wrap the pieces individually and replace in the chest,
or fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper
toweling.
Silverplate or Sterling Silver
Since air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be c
completely enclosed in fresh, clean tissue paper or plastic wrap.
Holloware, including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes, should be
carefully wrapped as fragile items and packed the same as china.
Books
Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons. Pack on edge,
alternating bound edge to open edge. Pack books of same general size
together.
Lamps
After removing the light bulb, wrap the base, harp and bulb
separately, in newsprint, (never use newspaper) and place together
in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. Carefully wrap each
shade in three or four sheets of fresh tissue paper, a pillowcase or
large lightweight towel. More than one lamp or shade can be packed
in a carton if properly protected. Large, Tiffany-style lamp shades
and chandeliers should be crated by American Red Ball.
Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Mirrors, Paintings, etc.
Leave it to the professionals. It is best to consult with your move
coordinator about obtaining custom made cartons or crates for these
types of items. All are easily damaged. Glass may shatter; marble
slabs can crack at veins. Paper should never be permitted to touch
the surface of an oil painting.
Clothing
Footwear may be left in shoe boxes and placed into large cartons.
Or, wrap each shoe individually, then in pairs. Footwear should be
cushioned to avoid damage occurring to high heels or ornaments. Do
not pack heavy items on top of shoes.
Clothing may be left on hangers and transported in Red Ball's 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 Red Ball representative. Pillows may be placed in dresser drawers or packed in cartons.
Draperies, Curtains and Rugs
Draperies and curtains may also be folded and packed in larger
cartons, lined with clean paper. Another alternative is to place on
hangers, and pack curtains and drapes in a wardrobe carton. Leave
rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they have
just returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled. Carpets will be
rolled and secured prior to placing them on the moving van.
Photographs and Valuables
If possible, carry all valuables and photos with you to destination.
If you must pack photographs, wrap framed photos with padding and
cushioning, and like your dishes, stand them on edge in the box.
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.
Small Appliances
Small clocks, radios and similar items can be packed in the same
carton, or in with the linens. These items should be wrapped
individually, using several pieces of paper, and should be placed in
the packed carton with plenty of crushed paper.
Larger Appliances
Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. All
appliances must be dry before loading. Be sure to discuss with your
Red Ball representative.
Tools
Hand tools may be left in toolboxes, the spaces filled with crushed
paper, or the tools may be packed according to general packing
rules. Always use small cartons because the tools are generally
heavy.
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.
Food
Take only those things you are sure will travel well. Do not take
anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything that
may freeze and burst. For long distance relocations, we recommend
giving away canned and perishable foods and replenishing your supply
upon arrival at your new home.
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.
Moving Day Carton
If you are traveling by car to your new destination, be sure to pack
a "Moving Day Box." Place your last minute items in the box, along
with things you'll need right away at your new destination. Keep a
folder with all of your moving paperwork with you at all items. You
may want to take along:
Non-Transportable Items (DO NOT PACK)
Loss and Damage Protection
Be sure to discuss valuation coverage with your Red Ball moving
representative. In the event an item does get broken, you'll want to
be sure that you have adequate coverage to repair or replace the
item.
Happy Moving!
Country Wide Moving & Storage |
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