The rules:
1) Start with out-of-season items. These you can put aside and worry about them later.
2) Pack things used infrequently
3) Pack the things you’ll need until moving day in clear bins.
4) Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, and anything that would puncture or damage other items. These delicate items can be wrapped in socks, or if you suspect leakage, place them in a zip lock bag and place them up-right in a separate box.
5) Blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft, lightweight goods may be left in drawers, since they are light and easy to carry.
6) Always pack similar items together.
7) Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic zip lock bags and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong.
8) Any type of electrical cords should be wound and fastened so they do not dangle or tangle.
9) Invest in a large role of bubble wrap. Its worth it. When purchasing the wrap ask to see 2-3 rolls. Most merchants use a portion of the larger commercial roles to sell smaller rolls in their retail store. Then they try to sell you the left over roll as a “full” roll. No one gets over on The “O” Boss!
10) Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a carton for cushioning.
11) Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top.
12) As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper. It is also a good idea to add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer or use sheets or cardboard cut from cartons as dividers.
13) Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets also may be used for padding and cushioning.
14) Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with wash clothes or dish towels.
15) Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting. The cover should close easily without force, but should not bend inward.
16) As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while cartons are stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well.
17) Indicate the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination on the label. Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly.
18) Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination.
19) Tip the movers prior to your move, you take care of them, they will take care of you!
