Packing Tips

Packing

COMMON NEEDS

Small Boxes:  Books, china, heavy items

Medium Boxes:  China, dishes, glassware

Large Boxes:  Linens, lamps, lightweight items

Mirror Boxes:  Pictures and mirrors

Wardrobes Boxes:  Hanging clothes

Clear 2″ Packing Tape (Not Masking Tape)

Magic Markers

Packing Paper / Newsprint / Bubble wrap

GUIDELINES

  1. Pack books, encyclopedias and heaviest items in small boxes.
  2. Pack china, glassware and fragile items in boxes marked fragile.
  3. DO NOT pack aerosol cans, unsealed liquids, chemicals or flammables in boxes to be taken by Virginia Varsity Self Transfer.  We will not be responsible for damage resulting from such items.
  4. When packing china, dishes and other breakables, use two to three layers of packing paper and extra paper between items.
  5. Generally, when you are very concerned about a certain possession, you should transport it before moving day in your own vehicle.  Otherwise, use multiple layers of paper on and between such pieces.
  6. When full, seal boxes with sealing tape and label the room destination in the upper left corner of the box.  (Example: kitchen, dining room, bedroom.)  Also mark contents for easier unpacking and designate FRAGILE on boxes to which it applies.

GENERALAssembling Boxes

  1. In preparing boxes, seal and proper tape, using two or more layers for containers with heavier contents.  BOXES MUST BE CLOSED.
  2. When packing plates and saucers, line bottom of boxes with a generous quantity of crumpled paper.  Place plates in center of a roughly square piece of paper with enough overhang on each side to fold halfway over plate. (Use same method as wrapping Christmas presents.)  When both sides have been folded over, fold the third and fourth sides toward the center so that plate is tightly wrapped.  Repeat this process with the set, stacking plate upon plate, to create a tightly-wrapped, sealed stack.
  3. When  preparing glasses and mugs:  Glass or mug should be places on its side at one end of a large (roughly 12×18) rectangle of paper.  Rolling tightly from one end to the other, at about the halfway point, fold the paper into the glass on the open side and in front of the glass on the bottom side.  Continue rolling until at the end; fold excess paper into the top.  Repeat if very fragile.
  4. When preparing bowls, Pyrex pieces and pitchers:  Using a piece of paper at least twice the size of the item, fold all sides tightly in.  Casserole dishes should follow the same procedure, using a second or third wrapping layer, depending on delicate nature of piece.
  5. Keep a master list of each box, its contents and moving location.
  6. Remember, boxes packed by the customer are NOT INSURED.