How to Wrap & Pack for Moving Like a Pro

Before packing cartons, you’ll need to wrap most items to protect them from scratching and breakage. Available materials include bubble pack, foam peanuts, and tissue.

However, like most professionals, Walsh uses bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint.

How to Wrap Like a Pro

• Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or counter top.
• Round glasses and jars can be rolled up in two or three sheets of paper; always begin from a corner of the sheet and fold the sides in as you roll.
• Large or odd-shaped items require a similar technique. Place them in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. (It may be necessary to flip the item over and wrap it again from the other side.) If in doubt, use more paper!
• When the corners come together, secure them with tape. Before packing each carton, line the bottom with a few inches of wadded paper for padding. Then place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top.
• Plates, books and things of a similar shape, should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength.
• Don’t overload cartons; keep them to a manageable weight. Fill in any voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper.
• Tape cartons securely to avoid shifting while en route.

Labeling Hints

Think about packing away a truckload of boxes and then having them delivered to your new home. How can you tell what box goes where? Labeled them, follow these tips to prevent confusion.

• Use a broad, felt-tipped marker.
• Clearly mark your name, the room it should go to and contents on each box.
• Indicate “FRAGILE” on delicates; “THIS END UP” where appropriate.
• If available, include your bill of lading (or invoice) number and date on every box.