Welcome to Andrews Moving Resource Center

Packing Tips

At Andrews Moving and Storage, we have certified packers who can do some or all of the packing of your belongings.   For those who choose to do some or all of your own packing, it’s especially important to be familiar with the techniques that will best protect your possessions.   Most items can be packed by following the packing pointers below.  For more complete packing information, contact Andrews and ask for the booklet “Doing Your Own Packing”.  

Before the Move – Sorting & Purging

• Clear out unwanted goods – hold a moving or garage sale.
• Get rid of flammables – paint, petrol, gas cylinders.
• Clothes – do you need them all? Charity shops and organizations may want them.
• Deplete all frozen foods.
• If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.

Packing Materials

Andrews Moving carries a complete supply of specially made cartons, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The use of approved cartons protects your household goods during the move.  See Packing Supplies for a complete list of cartons and packing materials available.    

Packing materials can be purchased from Andrews Moving & Storage

Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Getting Organized

• Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the things you'll need until moving day.
• Pack one room at a time. This will help when it comes time to unpack.
• Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
• Pack similar items together.
• Keep all parts and pairs together.  For example, small hardware pieces like bolts and curtain rod hangers should be placed in a small plastic bag and taped to the item.
• Empty drawers of breakables and anything that would leak, puncture or damage other items.  Blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft, lightweight goods may be left in the drawers.  (If furniture is going to be stored, all items should be removed and packed in boxes)

Getting Started

• Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
• Use packing tape rather than masking tape.
• Use clean packing paper instead of newspaper. 
• Place a two- or three-inch layer of crumbled paper in the bottom of a carton for cushioning.
• Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top.  As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crumbled paper to make a level base for the next layer. 
• The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed.
• Be sure no sharp points, edges or rims are left uncovered.
• Repack electronics, small appliances, and fragile items into original cartons and packing materials, if available.
• Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.
• Linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of items.
• Try to keep a per-box weight to 50 pounds or less.  A general rule to remember on carton size -- the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.
• Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.
  

 Labeling and Sealing Cartons

• As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while cartons are stacked). 
• On the SIDE of each carton, write your name, date and the room to which each carton should be delivered at your new residence.
• Label cartons you want to unpack first with LAST ON, FIRST OFF.
• All boxes with "fragile" items should be marked accordingly.
• ALL boxes must be closed and sealed tightly with tape.
  EXCEPTION: Leave cartons open that contain items listed on United's High-Value Inventory form. These must be left open for the van operator's inspection.

Packing  Basics

Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks -- Wrap grates and briquettes separately in packing paper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks cannot be transported in our moving trucks.

Books - Pack them in a small carton either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton.  Pack books of the same general size together. Expensively bound volumes or those of special sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing.

China, Dishes and Glassware

• Use a dish pack -- an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of double-wall construction — for china, glassware and other fragile items.
• Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in packing paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges.  A double layer of packing paper serves well as an outer wrapping. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge. 
• Stuff glasses and stem ware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
• Place glasses and stem ware toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box.
• Delicate glassware and stem ware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.
• Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their rims.
• A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Label cartons, "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP."

Clocks -- Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by an expert service representative.

Clothing - Leave on hangers and place in wardrobe cartons provided by Andrews Moving. Each wardrobe carton will hold about two feet of clothing.  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.

Drapes and Curtains – Place drapes and curtains over heavy duty hangers and place in wardrobe cartons or fold and put in clean cartons.

DVDs, CDs, tapes and records - Stand on edge, never flat, on a layer of crumbled paper in small cartons. If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect them from being scratched.

Figurines and delicate items - Wrap first in tissue paper, then carefully in packing paper.  Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning.  Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items in small boxes, cushioning with bubble wrap or crumbled paper.  For extra protection, put smaller boxes into a larger sturdy box filling spaces with crumbled paper. 

Firearms - Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.

Flammables and Combustibles -- Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode.

Floral Arrangements - An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own carton. Wrap carefully in tissue paper . If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the carton. Label the carton "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP."

Food - Take only food items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing.  Pack canned goods upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton.  Open boxes of dried or powdered foods should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, 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.

Glass Tops, Marble Slabs and Statues - It's best to consult with your Andrews representative about custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind.

Lamps and Lampshades -- Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord.  Pack lamps separately and place upright in a dish pack carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.  Do not pack other items with shades. Label cartons "LAMP SHADES — FRAGILE."

It is best to have the moving company crate large Tiffany-type, other glass lamp shades and chandeliers.

Linens & Bedding - 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.  Pillows may be placed in drawers or packed in cartons.

Major Appliances - Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment -- or contact your Andrews Move Coordinator to arrange for authorized third party service.

Mattresses/ box springs – For local moves, Andrews will provide poly bags to protect during transport.  For long distance moves, they should be put in special cartons for added protection.   

Medicines – Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. Carry needed medications with you. 

Mirrors, plaques and pictures (small) - Should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place items on edge in a carton.

Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures (large) - Tell your Andrews Relocation Consultant about valuable paintings that need special care. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to better protect against damage.

Outdoor Equipment - Before moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds.  Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a plastic bag and securely attach to corresponding equipment.

Personal Computers and Electronics - Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Wrap cords separately; label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped.

Plants – Consult the Department of Agriculture or contact Andrews for a free brochure “Moving with House Plants” for helpful suggestions and regulations.

Photographs - Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons.  If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you.

Rugs - Leave large rugs on the floor for the movers to handle. If they've just been returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled.

Silverware - Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, and in clear plastic or tissue.   Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.  

Tools - Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together securely. Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crumbled paper.   Drain fuel from power tools including lawn mower.