Packing Tips

“A Small Company With Big Muscles”

Denver Phone (303) 800-6683

Colorado Springs (719) 577-4922

 

Here is what you can do to make moving day smooth

 

Prepare for the movers:  Elevators can be reserved for your move.  Contact your leasing office to make arrangements.  Ask to have the elevator padded for the day, lessening the chance of damage to your items.  And remember, this applies to both the origin and destination!

 

Parking can be an issue as well.  It is your responsibility to clear a path for our team to your home or office.  Reserve space if necessary in the parking area.  Clear all obstacles and/or debris from parking areas and walkways.  Parking meters must be capped.

 

Oversized and Unique items:  Some items like large screen TV’s, pianos, organs, pool tables, copiers, safes or other similar items require special services to be moved.  Please contact our office regarding these items so that we may arrange the appropriate service to move these goods.  This may include an additional charge.  We will only transport and handle items of greater value ($3500 and over) or extremely frail goods, if prior arrangements have been made in writing.  You need to know that if prior arrangements have not been made, we will assume no responsibility for loss or damage to these items.

 

If you need assistance in assembling/disassembling your items, our team of movers and packers will be glad to help you!  They are knowledgeable and skilled and will perform these services upon your request; however, you will assume full responsibility and liability.

 

No file cabinets may remain packed.  Damage will occur to file cabinets if items remain in the drawers.  Lateral files must also be emptied prior to your move.  Clothing may remain in dressers, though it is wise to remove any fragile items and pack appropriately in boxes.  Please remove valuable items such as jewelry, books, papers, etc.

 

If your clothing is on hangers, it must be packed in a box.  You may purchase wardrobe boxes for this purpose.  Contact our office for these supplies so that our team can provide them on the day of your move.

 

We will need you to empty all contents of refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances prior to your move date.  Upon request, our team will disconnect and/or reconnect washers and dryers if necessary.

 

We keep our packers and movers safe.  Therefore, due to licensing and liabilities, we will not move flammables, firearms, or explosives – i.e., propane tanks, etc.  In the case of inclement weather, we will happily provide disposable floor runners for an additional cost.  We give our team members the right to refuse to move items that are deemed unsanitary. Please click on the our Your Check List for helpful time lines and information.

 

Packing for the Moving Truck - an Overview

 

Start with out-of-season items and things you use infrequently.

Try to keep your box weight under 50 pounds.

Wrap items carefully and provide plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. Remember, the more fragile the item, the more protection it needs. You can use crumpled paper or soft items like towels or light blankets for padding.

Wrap items individually in clean paper such as tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. You can also double wrap with newspaper for a sturdy outer wrapping. Just be careful because newspaper ink can rub off onto your items. It’s a good idea to use a layer of tissue first, or purchase our unprinted newsprint paper for packing.

Place 2 to 3 inches of crumpled paper at the bottom of a carton for cushioning.

Pack your box in layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom and lightest things on top. Be sure to pack similar things together. For example, you wouldn’t want to put fragile items in with your power tools.

After each layer, fill in empty space with crumpled paper. Then use a cardboard divider or more crumpled paper to make a flat, level surface for your next layer.

Another good idea is to wrap small, fragile items and place them in small boxes for added protection. Then put the smaller boxes in a normal carton with paper around them.

Seal boxes securely with tape.

Use sturdy cartons that are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward, or bend inward.

Pack items from only one room in a carton—it will make your unpacking much easier!

Empty drawers of things that may break or spill. Remember to take out items that are not allowed on the moving truck, such as batteries and some cleaners Soft, lightweight items, such as sweaters or blankets may be left in drawers.

Keep pairs and parts together. We suggest placing screws and hardware items in plastic bags taped to the matching item.

Wind and fasten electrical cords so they don’t dangle.

Keep an inventory as you pack. Make a list of what you have packed on the side of the box or keep an inventory notebook. It may also help to number or code your boxes. Also, remember to clearly print your name and the room to which you want that box delivered at your new home. You can help your movers by putting signs up at your new home with each room’s “name.”

 

Make a Home Move Survival Kit 

 

Weber/Wright recommends that you keep one box aside for last minute items and items that will help you when you arrive at your new home. Your survival kit could include:

Soap and toiletries

Towels

Facial and toilet tissue

First-aid kit

Instant coffee or tea

Powdered milk or creamer and sugar

Snacks and instant foods

Paper plates and plastic utensils

Small pan or coffee pot to heat water

Trash bags

Light bulbs

Screwdriver and hammer

 

Welcome Home - An Easy End To Your Home Move

 

 Packing Special Items For Your Home Move

 

Some things like china and glassware require a little extra care. See the information below to help you take care of these important items.

 

Dishware

 

Weber/Wright uses specially constructed dish pack cartons to provide the special protection that fragile dishes and glassware need. You can purchase dish pack cartons from your local Weber/Wright service center. Gently used boxes may also be available at a reduced price; ask your Weber/Wright Customer Service Coordinator for details.

When packing your dishes, remember to wrap each piece individually using clean paper. Start at the corner of your paper and wrap the item diagonally, tucking in loose edges as you go. You may choose to use several sheets of paper, and then add a double layer of newspaper for extra protection.

Be sure to use plenty of crumpled paper as cushioning when packing dishes and glassware.

Large pieces such as glass platters and dinner plates make excellent bottom layers. Wrap pieces individually, and then wrap up to three together in a bundle. Place bundles in the box on their edges. Then put crumpled paper around your bundles to fill in the empty spaces and create a new layer (you can use cardboard dividers) to separate the bundles from the next level.

Small plates, saucers and shallow bowls are excellent for a second layer. Wrap them in the same way and remember to leave room at the top of your box for crumpled paper.

Bowls should be wrapped the same way as plates. You can use them on either the bottom or second layer, depending on size and weight.

Stand shallow bowls on edge, just like plates. Deep bowls should be wrapped and nested, then placed upside down in your box.

Wrap sugar bowls and similar dishes with their lids upside down on top of the bowl. Wrap each piece individually and then together in a bundle. You should place these right side up in the carton.

 

Glassware

 

As with dishware, Weber/Wright offers special cell pack cartons for glasses and cups. Cell pack cartons are similar to dish pack boxes in weight, but they have cardboard inserts to separate your glasses.

Wrap glasses individually. You can provide extra protection to cup handles by putting an extra layer of paper around them. Place the wrapped pieces upside down.

If you are not using a cell pack box, place your glasses upside down in a single layer on the upper layer of one of your boxes. If there are handles, place them all facing in the same direction.

 

Silver

 

Hollowware, such as bowls, tea sets and serving dishes should be wrapped and packed like china. To help prevent tarnish, you may want to wrap silver in plastic as well.

Wrap flatware individually, or as a set, in either plastic or tissue

You may want to wrap flatware in a chest to prevent jostling during transit. Fill in empty spaces in your chest with crumpled paper or paper towels and wrap your chest in a large towel to protect it from scratches.

 

Other Fragile Items

 

Consider our professional packing service for fragile items that are precious or of high value. Weber/Wright has perfected special packing and crating techniques to properly protect your valuables. For other fragile items, use the following guidelines.

For figurines or similar bric-a-brac, pack them into their original boxes if possible. If you no longer have original boxes, wrap the item in soft tissue and then in bubble wrap. Make sure these items are well cushioned, with all empty spaces filled in.

Wrap small mirrors, pictures and other similar items individually in tissue paper, and then in a bath towel or small blanket. Place these items on edge in your box.

Large items such as glass tabletops, marble slabs, mirrors, paintings, statues and vases are easily damaged in transit. Glass may shatter, marble can crack and oil paintings can be damaged by contact with paper. Weber/Wright highly suggests custom crating services for these fragile, high-value items. Ask your Coordinator or Sales Person for details.

 

Photos

 

Pack photos, videos, slides and negatives separately from other items.

Wrap framed photos and place them on edge in the box, using plenty of cushioning.

You may want to consider carrying these irreplaceable items with you to your new home.

 

Lamps

 

Remove light bulbs and lamp harps from the base. Wrap each separately in newsprint and place them together in your box, filling all empty space with crumpled paper.

Do not wrap lampshades in newspaper, as the ink may smear. We suggest using tissue paper, a pillowcase, or a large, lightweight towel.

Pack lampshades in a box at least two inches larger than your lampshade. Wrap it with clean paper and put crumpled paper inside the lampshade, but not around it. You can place smaller shades inside larger shades as long as they do not touch. If you have silk lampshades, pack them one per box.

Do not pack other items with lampshades.

Label boxes “Fragile.”

If you have Tiffany-type lamps or glass lampshades, it is best to use crating services.

 

Books

 

Pack books of the same size together and place them upright in the carton as you would find them on your bookshelf. Do not pack with the spine up, as damage to the binding can occur.

Before packing, wrap any expensive books or books of personal value.

When packing books, remember to stay under 50 lbs. per box by using small cartons.

 

Multimedia

 

Be sure to remove CDs, DVDs, VHS cassettes, tapes and records from your equipment or storage cabinets before the move.

Pack records individually in their jackets, in tissue paper or in plastic wrap.

Stand CDs, DVDs and records on top of crumpled paper and on edge in your box. Use crumpled paper along with cardboard dividers or large, hardcover books to separate layers.

Pack tapes in their boxes and then wrap them individually in crumpled paper. Tapes can be placed vertically or horizontally on top of crumpled paper.

 

Clothing

 

Wardrobe cartons are a great way to transport your clothing to your new home wrinkle-free. Cartons can be purchased from your local Weber/Wright Service Center. In some cases, gently used cartons may be available. Ask your Coordinator for details. Each carton holds approximately two feet of clothing on hangers. Hang items in the wardrobe carton just as you would in your closet. Do not pack items in the bottom of your wardrobe carton.

If wardrobe cartons are not used, remove each item from the hanger, fold it and place it in a suitcase or a clean carton lined with paper. Some lightweight items such as lingerie or sweaters can be left in drawers.

Place hats in hatboxes and then pack them in a carton, or wrap and stuff them with tissue paper and place in a box lined with clean paper. Don’t pack anything else with hats, and be sure to mark the box “Fragile.”

Pack shoes in shoeboxes or wrap them in tissue—individually, and then in pairs. Use cushioning to avoid damage to heals and never put heavy items on top of shoes.

 

Linens and Bedding

 

Pack linen items in plastic and then in a carton lined with clean paper. This is ideal for items such as blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels and pillowcases. Wrap delicate linens in tissue first. Don’t forget that you can also use these items as padding for breakables.

Mattress cartons are available for purchase from your local Weber/Wright service center.

 

Draperies and Curtains

 

A great way to move draperies is to use an additional clothing wardrobe. Fold your draperies and place them over a padded hanger, pin them in place and hang in the wardrobe.

You can also fold them and pack them in a carton lined with clean paper.

 

Rugs

 

 Weber/Wright will move your area rugs for you; simply leave them on the floor. Leave them rolled if you had them cleaned before your move.

 

Appliances and Electronics

 

Wrap small appliances and pack them in a box with crumpled paper. Be sure to securely wrap the cords.

Remove all batteries before packing; they cannot go on the moving truck.

Be sure steam irons don’t have water in them before packing.

Large appliances such as refrigerators and stoves will likely need servicing before they are safe to transport. For more information, consult your PreMove kit provided during your in-home estimate or ask your Customer Service Coordinator.

When possible, pack electronics in their original boxes. If you no longer have the original box, you can contact local stores to see if they have discarded boxes available or you can seek help from your Weber/Wright Customer Service Coordinator.

To prevent data loss home computers may need special preparation before they can be moved.

 

Tools

 

Long-handled tools such as rakes, mops and brooms should be bundled. Remove all attachments and pack them separately.

You may pack hand tools in your toolbox. Add crumpled paper to fill in empty spaces.

If you prefer, you can remove the tools and pack them in regular cartons. Be sure to wrap them and add cushioning. Use smaller boxes to prevent them from getting too heavy.

 

Food

 

Do not take anything perishable. You should pack food only if you are sure it will travel well. In the winter, do not pack anything that could freeze during the move.

Tape open boxes or containers of food securely. Small containers are best placed in smaller boxes and then into your moving carton.

To keep the weight of the boxes down, limit the amount of canned items per box.

 

Outdoor Equipment

 

Dismantle large yard items such as swing sets and garden sheds. Bundle the pieces together with nylon cord. We suggest you place hardware in a plastic bag and tape it securely with the rest of the item.

Drain all fluids from your lawn mower before moving day.