Delmarva Moving

SELF-PACK GUIDE

If you decide to do the packing yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move - including that of having everything properly packed and ready for loading when the moving van arrives. All packing must be completed by the evening before moving day...only the things you will need that night and the next morning should be left for last minute packing.

In addition, your packing will be expected to meet specific standards. This means complying with the principles of good packing as outlined here, as well as following the suggestions relative to items that should not be included in the shipment.

Good packing means…

Wrapping items carefully
Using sturdy cartons that close.
Making sure of a firm pack that will not rattle, crush, bulge outward, or bend inward.

How to pack. . . .

China & Glassware

Place cushioning material in bottom of carton. Then wrap each piece individually using several sheets of paper. Start from the corner, wrapping diagonally, continuously tucking in overlapping edges.

Make sure boxes are completely full. This will provide the box the stability it needs. Fill the box with paper if box is not completely full.

The larger china and glass plates, platters, and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in the box.

Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items, making sure to rest them in the box upright, using sufficient cushioning..

Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundles to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Always remember, the heavier pieces go on the bottom!

Cups and glassware should be wrapped in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer within the box with all the handles facing in the same direction.

Silverware

Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, in clear plastic or tissue. If the silverware is in a chest, you still may want to wrap the pieces individually and replace in the chest, or fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper toweling.

Books

Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons. Pack on edge, alternating bound edge to open edge. Pack books of same general size together.

Lamps

After removing the light bulb and shade, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately, in newsprint, and place together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. Never wrap the lamp shade in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of fresh tissue paper, a pillow case or large lightweight towel.

Clothing

Footwear may be left in shoe boxes and placed into large cartons. Or, wrap each shoe individually, then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage occurring to high heals or ornaments. Do not pack heavy items on top of shoes.

Clothing may be left on hangers and transported in Wardrobe cartons, which can be purchased from Delmarva. If wardrobes are not used, each garment should be removed from the hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing such as hose, lingerie and sweaters may be left in dresser drawers.

Linen and Bedding

Because they are lightweight, these items can be folded and packed in larger cartons. Place in cartons, lined with clean paper, and label appropriately.

Draperies, Curtains and Rugs

Draperies and curtains may also be folded and packed in larger cartons, lined with clean paper. Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. Carpets will be rolled and secured, prior to placing them on the moving van.

Small Appliances

Small clocks, radios and similar items can be packing in the same carton, or in with the linens. These items should be wrapped individually, using several pieces of paper, and should be placed in the packed carton with plenty of crushed paper.

Food

Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing into a larger container. Cover holes of shaker type containers and seal with tape.

Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited. It is good practice to pack canned goods like boxes in small 1.5 boxes.

Take only those items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing, i.e. spaghetti sauce in glass jars.

What types of cartons should I use?

The boxes you use to pack your household goods are important in more way than one. Make sure the cartons you use are suitable for transporting your goods in order to minimize damage. Also ensure that you are not packing boxes too heavy as they can break open, or too light as they can crush as they are stacked in the moving van. Use only durable cartons constructed for the packaging of items. Your sales representative can assist you in locating and purchasing the appropriate cartons.

Some general-purpose cartons available at any moving company or box supply outlet are:

1.5 cubic foot cartons (the book or small carton)

This is the smallest of the general-purpose containers. As a rule of thumb, the smallest and heaviest items are generally packed in the 1.5 container. Such items would include:

Books, records, VCR tapes, CD's
Canned goods
Heavy Tools

3.0 cubic foot carton (medium carton)

This is the workhorse container. Smaller and heavier items are usually packed in these containers. Some examples are:

Small kitchen appliances
Lamp shades
Small outdoor tools
Pots and pans
Electronic gadgets

4.5 cubic foot carton

As the size of the container increases, the weight of the individual items going into the container should decrease. This carton is another of the workhorse cartons. This carton should be considered for the following:

Non hanging clothes
Lamp shades
Linens
Non-breakable kitchen goods (Tupperware, baking sheets, etc.)
Children's toys

6.0 or 6.5 cubic foot carton (Large carton)

This is the largest of the general purpose cartons. This carton should only be considered for the lightest and bulkiest items such as:

Stuffed toys
Blankets, pillows
Area rugs
Winter coats
Dry Flowers
Wreathes
Large Lamp Shades

Dish-pack (Barrel or Dish Barrel)

This is the safest of all the cartons because of its extra-strength, multi-layer construction. All breakable kitchenware, china and crystal should be packed in these cartons for safety. Lamp bases and small antiques are also packed in dish-packs.

Mattress Carton

Just as mattresses and box springs come in different sizes, so do the cartons for shipping them in. Standard sizes are crib, twin, double, queen and king. Other than the beds in a residence, be aware, that some waterbeds, futons and sleep sofas may also require cartons for shipping. For king-size beds, double check that the box springs are either king-size or two singles.

Mirror Carton

As with mattress cartons, mirror cartons come in a number of sizes. Many mirror cartons pieces can be fitted together to offer a great deal of flexibility for such items as: pictures, mirrors or small glass table tops.

Wardrobe Cartons

These are the largest of the standard cartons and will either be standup or lay-down (usually used for international). The cartons are constructed in such a manner that hanging clothes will remain hanging during the move. You may want to consider the wardrobe for shipping drapes and curtains (neatly folded and on hangers) to help reduce wrinkling during shipment.

Other

There are specialized cartons for very specific needs, such as pole lamp cartons, bicycle cartons, grandfather clock boxes and crates. The ultimate specialty carton is a crate, which is for extremely fragile pieces, such as marble and glass. These cartons are built to order and need to be ordered prior to your move.