MOVING TIPS

• Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing up, as glue can break away from the binder. Pack books of the same general size together.
• Expensively bound volumes or those of special sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing.
• Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons.

• Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons rather than being combined with other household items.
• Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton. Label cartons clearly for easy identification. If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to destination.

• Remove these items from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind records are heavy and should be packed in small cartons.
• If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect them from being scratched.
• Stand compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and mark FRAGILE.
• Cassette tapes should be placed in the protective plastic box in which they came, if possible, and then wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual tapes either vertically or
  horizontally on a couple of layers of crushed paper.

• Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobe cartons will arrive at destination wrinkle-free. Each wardrobe carton will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers.
• If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed from its hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing — such as lingerie and sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers.
• Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, stuff the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats on the bottom. Don’t pack anything else with hats. Label the carton FRAGILE.
• Footwear may be left in shoeboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, wrap each shoe individually and then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage to heels or ornaments. Don’t pack heavy items on top of shoes.
• It is recommended that you take your furs with you.

• Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton that has been lined with clean paper.
• Wrap your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of items.
• Special mattress cartons in various sizes are available to protect your bedding. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons.

• Clothing wardrobes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe.
• Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your appliances for movement.

• Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper.
• Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed in the same carton with linens or as extra items with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or otherwise damage items.
• Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box.
• Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.

• 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.
• Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing rules. Always use small cartons because tools are usually heavy.

• Dismantle children’s swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds. Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a cloth bag and securely attach to corresponding equipment.
• Prepare lawn mower and other gas powered equipment by draining gasoline.

• Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and pices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape.
• Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited.

Home computers, microwave ovens and stereo systems require special care to ensure they arrive at destination safely. If you saved the original cartons and packing materials in which these items arrived, it is best to repack using those materials. Should you not have these materials, you might want to contact a store selling your particular item and ask if discarded packing materials are available.