You’ll need the following materials:

• Tissue paper
• Packing paper (plain newsprint)
• 2″ packing tape
• Masking tape
• A utility knife
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Professional quality boxes

• Dishpack (or China Barrel): Heavy duty carton used for dishes/china, crystal and glassware
• 1.5 cu. ft. cartons: Small carton for heavy items such as books, files, music CDs and DVDs/video tapes
• 3.0 cu. ft. cartons: Medium utility carton often used for pots and pans, toys, and small appliances
• 4.5 cu. ft. cartons: For bulky items, such as linens, towels or toys
• 6.0 cu. ft. cartons: For large, bulky, or lightweight articles, such as pillows or large lampshades
• Wardrobe cartons: A “portable closet” that keeps clothes or draperies hanging on a built-in bar
• Mirror cartons: Several sizes of telescoping cartons for framed pictures, mirrors or glass
• Mattress cartons: Available in queen/king, double, single (twin) and crib sizes. A separate carton is necessary for box springs
• Stretchwrap: A special plastic covering that safely adheres to furniture and protects it from snags, tears, and dirt

• Follow a timetable – people often underestimate how long it takes to pack!
• Start with items you won’t need right away, such as belongings stored in the basement, garage or attic
• Packing room-by-room will help you stay organized
• Establish work areas in each room
• As you complete a room, sort packed boxes by weight (light, medium, heavy) to make loading the moving van easier and quicker
• Limit cartons to a maximum weight of 50 pounds
• For best results, have your mover pack:
• Marble or glass tabletops, heavy wall ornaments and mirrors 40″ x 60″ or larger
• Pool tables and pianos
• Bulky, fragile items like large trophies, statues, chandeliers, etc.
• Major appliances

• Provide plenty of cushioning by packing loosely crumpled, plain newsprint in the bottom of boxes – leave room at the top for more crumpled paper
• Wrap all fragile, breakable items in paper before packing them in boxes
• Pack large and heavy items first, smaller items next, filling in all empty spaces with plain newsprint
• Use only sturdy cartons that can be easily closed (don’t over stuff), then tape top seams securely – do not use plastic containers to pack your belongings
• Label boxes clearly: Your name, room where the box should go in your new home and a brief description of the contents

• When packing a large screen TV and other electronics:
• If you no longer have the original carton and packing materials, carefully pack the item in a sturdy carton that has been lined with newsprint or styrofoam “peanuts”
• Securely seal the carton and mark the outside “Extremely Fragile”
• When packing your personal computer, printer, scanner, or other equipment:
• Disconnect and mark all wires and cables for easy assembly
• Detach paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and additional hardware as you would other home electronics
• Remove toner and ink cartridges
• Back up all of your computer files on DVDs or other file storage disks/devices
• Consult your PC user manual for additional instructions and precautions

Garage packing tips are especially useful considering how time-consuming and difficult packing up those spaces can be. Garages and storage sheds typically take the longest to pack, as they are filled with odd-shaped, sharp or heavy items that require special care to pack correctly.

Slidell’s Packing Tips for the Garage

Start by safely disposing of items that cannot be shipped, like pesticides, fertilizers, oil and gas. Next, group items of a similar size or shape together, like long-handled tools with pruning shears. Then, make sure you have an assortment of boxes and newsprint to properly wrap and cushion items.

Tools

Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together securely. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately.

• Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing rules. Always use small cartons for heavy tools.
• Use old towels to wrap and tape any sharp-edged tools.
• Power tools must be safely drained of oil and gas before hand.

Rakes & Brooms

Shovels, rakes, brooms and the like need not be packed; gather them together for your driver to bundle in a pad.

Lawn & Patio Furniture

Remove cushions and clean frames. Pack cushions in large carton or wardrobe.

Umbrella

Keep it clean and dry during transport by wrapping it in paper padding or a plastic bag and taping shut. Do not pack the weighted umbrella stand.

Grill

Dispose of any unused charcoal. Remove tank – it cannot be transported in the moving van. See our list of Items That Cannot Be Shipped.

Outdoor Equipment

Before moving day, dismantle children’s swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds you plan to take with you.

• Place small hardware in a plastic bag or old coffee can and label.
• If the parts bag can be securely attached to corresponding equipment, all the better.
• Prepare lawn mower by safely draining gasoline prior to loading day.

Pots and Planters

Pack small ceramic or pottery planters like any fragile item – individually wrapped with plenty of cushioning. If you plan to move any large or unusual planters, consult your moving professional. You’ll need to re-pack items in boxes that are torn, falling apart or cannot be sealed. This is usually the case with items found in attics and crawl spaces, like seasonal decorations or old toys.