These are some of the essential packing tips especially for international moves.
Remember, the further you move the better you need to pack!
First please visit out Dallas moving boxes page so that you fully understand what to pack in each box.
Select a medium-sized and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.
Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until the sheets completely cover the plate. Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
Stack a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner, one at a time, over the plate.
Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle, cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.
Seal the bundle with packing tape.
Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge.
With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup.
Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should “nest” itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cup).
Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.
Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
Delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time.
Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
Lay on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box. Heavier items should be placed toward the bottom of the box. Glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.
Wrap grates and briquettes separately in a newspaper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained and serviced before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method. (Cannot be shipped Internationally)
Don’t overload. Too heavy a load can cause damage. Only clothing and soft lightweight articles should be in dressers.
Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for
moving by expert servicemen.
Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons.
Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or dresser drawers.
Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. If you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, will be held liable. The US government imposes up to $25,000 in fines for each occurrence.
Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
If needed during travel, carry with you. Clearly mark boxes that contain medications for quick access if you should need them.
Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. 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. Do not place newspaper or packing directly against oil paintings. (* declare all high value artwork)
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. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is “parked” and ready for transport.
Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulfur content paper to prevent tarnishing.
Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons.
Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems
with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner’s manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.
