Packing Tips – Guide

We usually recommend leaving the packing for the professionals, our movers.

Check the full pack option price, after deducting the cost of boxes, that you are going to need anyhow, you might find the price difference between full pack and no pack options not significant.

If you decide to pack your shipment yourself, plan on at least two to three weeks to pack and get ready for your move. BestGuy Moving offers the following packing suggestions:

Before you start packing, determine the items you want to throw away, give away or sell. Moving is a good time to get rid of items you no longer need. You will save money and have less to pack and unpack. Give yourself enough time to make these decisions.

Don’t just start packing before planning how you will pack. Pack items you seldom use first. Pack items of similar size and weight together. Don’t make any carton too heavy to easily lift.

Always use proper packing cartons and wrapping materials. Use professional packing tape, which is a wide, strong, clear or brown tape. Masking tape is not strong enough to support the weight of a fully packed carton. Tape all cartons closed on the top and bottom, don’t just fold the end flaps closed. Use crumpled, unprinted newspaper to pack items in boxes.

Indicate boxes holding essential items such as cooking utensils, bedding, linens and toiletries that need to be opened first by writing “open first” on the box and making sure these are the last boxes to be loaded onto the moving van.

Non-Allowable Before your possessions are packed and loaded, it is important that you understand which items cannot be shipped because they represent hazardous or are perishable items– Ammonia, Liquid bleach, Cleaning solvents, Gasoline, Paint thinner, Paints, Fireworks, Loaded Guns, Ammunition and other similar materials.

Frozen food, Refrigerated foods, Open or half used foods and Plants (on long distance moves).

Advise your moving consultant in advance of the move of any items that may require special handling. Please let your moving consultant know of big or bulky items that require disassembly, fragile items that require special packing or crating, or other items that may call for special attention.

Some items you will have to carry with you. Moving companies are not

responsible for bills, bullion, coins, currency, deeds, evidence of debts, money,

notes, securities, stamps, precious stones, jewelry or other similar valuables.

Make sure to take these with you.

BestGuy moving delivers your purchased boxes and supplies.  We offer all packing material for very low prices. So, before you start digging garbage out of cartons and collect empty boxes from the local deli check our prices.

You might that it is better to buy good, new and professional packing material in a low price.

Certain possessions require specific care when packing. 

The following are some of the basic packing techniques used by packing professionals:

China
Wrap each item separately in unprinted newspaper, and use a thick, heavy-duty box such as the “dishpak”. Generally, china and glasses are being packed in layers. You should pad the bottom of the box with plenty of crumpled packing paper, and make sure to wrap each item separately. Then place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top. Remember to separate the layers with extra padding of crumbled packing paper. Things of a similar shape should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength. Fill in any voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper.

Don’t put too many items into one box, but try to pack as tightly and neatly as you can so that item’s will not shift during transit.

Stemware
First, wrap the stems for extra protection; then wrap each glass individually and place upside down in a china box.

Mirrors and glass-covered photos and artwork 
Cross the glass with a series of masking tape “Xs” to help strengthen the glass, then wrap in bubble wrap or a generous cushion of clean paper and place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton.

Silverware 
Place utensils in groups of three or four, wrap securely and place in silver chest or cushioned box.

Lamp Shades
Handle shades only by the wire frames; place in large boxes. Shades can be nested together in one box if separated by clean paper. Glass or mosaic shades should be packed in the same method used for china (see above).

Clothes
Clothes can be folded and boxed. For faster unpacking, you can obtain special wardrobe boxes from your mover, allowing you to neatly pack by leaving clothes on hangers, make sure to fasten all buttons so clothes don’t fall from hangers. Keep in mind that a wardrobe box is very tall so there is plenty of empty space left at the bottom of box. You can use this space for cushions, linens, and other non-fragile items that don’t seem to fit anywhere else.

Small appliances, computers and stereo equipment
If possible, pack small appliances, computers, stereo equipment, VCRs and DVD players in their original boxes. Otherwise, cushion appliances with crumpled packing paper. Tape down moving parts, such as stereo turntable tone arms. Please be advised that your moving crew is not allowed to connect or disconnect any appliances or electronics. BestGuy Moving will be happy to arrange this service with a third party provider for your convenience. Please ask your moving consultant for details.

Statuary and figurines 
Wrap generously in bubble pack, wrap in a layer of clean paper and pack in boxes with plenty of crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts” in between items. Objects with delicate appendages, such as candelabras or figurines with extended arms, should be wrapped with extra bubble pack and surrounded by extra packing material.

Record albums, tapes, CDs, DVDs 
Stack these items on end so they can absorb shock with less chance of damage. Pack tightly so they’re secure and can’t shift. We recommend that you use small boxes (such as book boxes) because larger boxes of these items tend to be very heavy.

Antiques, delicate furniture 
BestGuy Moving can supply specially made crates to secure and ship fragile items and antiques.

Labeling

Want to avoid the headache and confusion of trying to guess which box contains which items? Label your boxes like a pro and cut your unpacking time in half.

• Use a broad, felt-tipped marker.
• Clearly mark your name, the room where it belongs and contents on each box.
• Indicate “FRAGILE” on boxes with delicate items; “THIS END UP” where appropriate.