How to Pack Boxes for a Move

Wrapping How Tos

Before packing cartons, you’ll need to wrap most items to protect them from scratching and breakage. There are a variety of materials available, including bubble pack, foam peanuts, and tissue. However, most professionals use bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint.

Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or countertop. 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. Then tape cartons securely to avoid shifting while en route.

Box Labeling Hints

Imagine packing away a truckload of boxes and then having them delivered to your new home. How can you tell what box goes where? 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.

Give Method to the Madness with These Packing Tips

Build Your Moving Tool Kit

• Razor knife and/or scissors
• Note pad
• Dark, water-resistant marker
• Boxes of all sizes
• Packing tape
• Wrapping paper
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Packing peanuts
• Use the proper packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, wrapping paper, and packing paper can all be purchased at Walsh.  Boxes can also be retrieved from wholesale companies, at no charge, after a shipment. Other great types of reasonably priced padding for your boxes include wadded-up newspaper, old pillows, and blankets.
• Do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil-based paints, and certain cleaning fluids.
• Wrap items individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper.
• Build up the layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on top.
• Make sure cartons are firmly packed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets of cardboard cut from cartons as dividers..
• Put heavy items in small boxes so that they’re easier to carry.
• Pack according to the season if you’ll be putting some boxes in storage. Mark the boxes accordingly.