Free Estimate
Prefer detailed estimate?

StarCity Moving Donates

of Profits to Charity

More Information

Packing By Item or Room

As discussed in Packing 101, start packing belongings in order of least important to most important. StarCity’s packing by room/item guide will attempt to follow the same sequence:

How To Pack a Garage/Storage Room

Garages and other storage areas such as attics or basements, typically contain odd-shaped, heavy or sharp items. They can take a considerable amount of time to pack and often require special care. Also, these areas generally contain a large proportion of non-transportable items such as fertilizers, pesticides, oil and gas tanks etc.

To pack a garage efficiently, start by grouping like-sized/shaped items together. Odd shaped things should be boxed with ample cushioning. Boxes in garage/storage areas tend to not be in great shape- try to repack them.

  1. How To Pack Tools - Make sure to bundle long-handed garden tools as well as mops and brooms together securely. Power tools should be drained of oil & gas and their attachments be packed separately. Wrap and tape sharp-edged tools with sheets or tissue paper. Hand tools may be left in their original boxes. Use small boxes for heavy tools.
  2. How To Pack Brooms/Rakes - Brooms, shovels, rakes, etc.. don’t have to be packed- they can simply be wrapped in moving pads by your movers.
  3. How To Pack an Umbrella - Keep it clean and dry during transport by wrapping it in paper padding or plastic wrap. Don’t pack the umbrella stand.
  4. How To Pack Lawn/Patio Furniture - Remove the cushions and clean the frames of your lawn/patio furniture. Place the cushions in a large box.
  5. How To Pack Outdoor Equipment - Prior to your moving day, dismantle garden sheds, swing sets, TV antennas, etc. that you plan to take with you. Place any associated small hardware, such as: screws and bolts in a small plastic bag & attach it to the corresponding piece of equipment. Empty the lawn mower of gasoline.
  6. How To Pack a Grill - Get rid off any remaining charcoal. Remove the tank from the grill, as it cannot be transported.
  7. How To Pack Pots & Planters - Pack small ceramic or pottery planters as you would other delicate items- wrap them individually with ample cushioning.
  8. How To Pack Trash Cans - It may not be worth your while to transport trash cans with you. In case you do decide you’d like to move them, make sure they’re clean.
  9. How To Pack Vehicles - Vehicles can be moved by your household goods mover or separately by an automotive moving company. Automobiles should have one quarter or less gasoline in their tanks. Tanks should be checked for any oil, battery acid or radiator fluid leaks.
  10. Consult With Your Mover If You Have Any Of the Following :
    • Swing Set
    • Portable Basketball Hoop
    • Trampoline
    • Portable Soccer Goal
    • Storage Shed
    • Above-Ground Swimming Pool
    • Dog House or Kennel
    • Hot Tub
    • Moped
    • Motor Scooter
    • Snow Blower
    • Gas Leaf Blower
    • Riding Mower
    • Jungle Gym
    • Satellite Dish

How To Pack Your Home Office/Den

More likely than not, your home office contains important personal and business documents which you should transport yourself. Start by organizing the space: sort through records and files to find the important documents you would like to take yourself come move day.

  1. How To Pack Desks/Bureaus - Empty your desk or bureau one drawer at a time. Pack each drawer’s contents separately. In case your desk doesn’t weigh much, you may leave drawers in as well.
  2. How To Pack a Computer - Start by backing up your work onto an external hard drive, floppy disk, CD, etc. and make sure you carry the backup data with you come moving day. Any associated cords and cables should be labeled and packed in the same box as the appropriate electronic equipment. Pack computer speakers in a well-cushioned box. Larger speakers can simply be wrapped in a moving blanket by your mover. Computers should typically be packed last, so that they can be set up first in your new residence.
  3. How To Pack a Copier - Some of the larger copiers, may have to be serviced by a professional prior to relocation. You should remove the paper tray and cartridge. Also, secure the document cover, alternate paper tray and exit tray before your move.
  4. How To Pack a Printer - The printer’s toner and laser cartridges should be removed and disposed of safely. Depending on the model, a professional may have to secure the printer head for safe transportation.
  5. How to Pack Books - Pack books of similar size together in small book boxes. Pack them either with their spine touching the bottom of the box or lay the books flat. If you pack them facing upward, the glue could break away from the binding. Books that are worth a lot to you, whether monetarily or sentimentally, should be wrapped individually with proper cushioning before being packed.
  6. How To Pack Office Furniture - Whether you let your mover dismantle your office furniture or decide to undertake the task on your own, make sure to keep hardware such as screws, bolts, etc together in a plastic bag and either carry it with you or attach it to the corresponding furniture piece.

How To Pack Your Bedroom/Nursery/Bathroom

Try to start by sorting through and packing items in the least-used bedrooms first. Those would include: guest rooms or spare rooms. It could also make sense to use those rooms, once packed, as a place to store packed boxes. This will make it easier for the movers to have a clear path to the furniture in the main rooms. Each family member should take responsibility and pack their own room. Kids, for instance, can help by sorting through their closets, collection of toys and books to decide what they want to have moved.

  1. How To Pack Clothing - First, try to decide which items of clothing you will need for the move, trip and initial few days after you settle into your new place. This is especially importants for long distance moves, as your items could be in transit for longer than normal.

    Clothing hanging in closets should be left on hangers and placed in wardrobe boxes. A wardrobe box typically holds roughly two feet of compressed clothing on hangers. If wrinkles are not a concern, you can fold each clothing item and place it in a suitcase or box. The same holds true for clothes from dressers, armoires, cabinets, etc. Dresser drawers can either be emptied or left sealed.

  2. How To Pack Shoes - You may leave your shoes in their original boxes and place them in a moving box. In case you don’t have the orginal boxes handy anymore, wrap each shoe with some cushioning. Don’t pack any heavy items on top of your shoes- try to use pilows, blankets, sheets and towels. Proper cushioning will protect the heels and ornaments of your shoes from damage.
  3. How To Pack Jewelry - Try to keep your jewelry somewhere secure and plan to carry it with you during the move. Most movers will not transport valuables, such as jewelry, without proper insurance.
  4. How to pack Linens, Bedding & Towels - Linens, bedding and towels can either be used as cushioning for items or placed in a plastic bag and packed in a separate box.
  5. How to pack Hats - You may leave hats in their original hat boxes and place them in a moving box. In case you no longer have the original boxes, wrap each hat in crumpled paper, with the heavier hats at the bottom of the box. Label the box as ‘Fragile’.
  6. How To Pack Toiletries - As mentioned in the list of non-transportable-items, you should dispose of, or take with you, any aerosol cans such as hair spray or deodorant. Try to carefully seal other bottles and wrap them to prevent leakage.
  7. How To Pack Mattresses and Pillows - Some movers will shrink wrap your mattresses while others will simply ask you to buy the appropriate mattress moving box or mattress moving cover. Pillows may be packed in desk or dresser drawers as well as be used as cushioning in boxes.
  8. How To Pack Bed Frames - In case you haven’t contracted your mover to disassemble your bed frames, make sure you attach any screws, bolts, etc. to their associated bed frames.
  9. How To Pack Mirrors - Glass mirrors should preferrably be packed in special mirror boxes. Crating is recommended for heavy and/or delicate mirrors. More basic mirrors may simply be packed in a moving blanket and secured in the truck by the moving team.
  10. How to pack Draperies and Curtains - Wardrobe boxes are ideal for moving curtains and drapes. Fold them lengthwise, place them over a cushioned hanger, pin them securely and hang them in a wardrobe box. They may also be folded and packed into regular boxes lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.
  11. How To Pack Rugs - Make sure your moving company loads area rugs last and unloads them first so that your furniture can be placed in the new apartment with ease. It may make sense to have your rugs professionally cleaned prior to your move. You’ll get it back wrapped, rolled and ready to be transported.

How To Pack Your Living/Family/Great Room

Packing your living room can be logistically more complex than other areas of your residence, as there are many small items to handle. Like in any other room, start by sorting through items in order to determine what to keep and what to get rid off.

  1. How To Pack Draperies and Wall Decorations - Remove all paintings, mirrors, drapes, sheets and blinds from your walls. Most pictures and mirrors can be wrapped and packed in specialized mirror boxes. Fragile or valuable fine art may require special crating. Drapes and curtains should be placed in wardrobe boxes or carefully folded into a box or drawer.
  2. How To Pack Stereo Equipment - Special preparation is typically required to move CD players, video players and stereo turntables. Make sure you secure the laser of CD and DVD players with transport screws at the bottom or back of the unit. Most turntables have a plastic lock which should be used to hold the tone arm in place. For additional protection, you may tie a piece of string around the arm in case the lock doesn’t hold. Also, secure the platter (where the records are placed), by tightening the appropriate screws. They’re typically located at the top of the turntable- check the owner’s manual for guidance.
  3. How To Pack Speakers - Pack large speakers in anti-static bubble wrap and ask the moving company to further pad it with a blanket when you relocate. Smaller speakers should be wrapped the same way, but can be packed in a dish box along with some cushioning.
  4. How To Pack a Television - In case you don’t own the original TV box, buy a specialized TV box. Alternatively, you could simply have the mover wrap the TV in bubble wrap or moving pads. Make sure you pack all corresponding cables. remote controls, owner’s manuals. etc. in the same box. Don’t forget to call your cable company to have your service discontinued. Some large TV’s may need to be crated prior to moving day.
  5. How To Pack Satellite Dishes and Antennas - Set up an appointment with the satellite dish provider to have the equipment disconnected and disassembled. Depending upon the size and nature of the equipment it may be worth having it crated.
  6. How to Pack Couches. Chairs, Ottomans and Other Upholstered Pieces - Your moving company will shrink-wrap any upholstered items to ensure they don’t get dirty or stained during your move. Any unattached items, such as cushions and pillows should either be packed in a separate box or shrink wrapped as well.
  7. How to Pack Coffee and End Tables - Your mover will shrink and/or blanket wrap these items. Make sure drawers are secure prior to relocation.
  8. How To Pack Compact Discs, Tapes and Records - Stand compact disks and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crumpled paper. Support both ends with cardboard pieces or large hardcover books. The box should be marked as ‘Fragile’. Each layer should be separated with crumpled paper or cardboard. Records that aren’t in their jackets should be wrapped individually with tissue paper or plastic wrap to prevent scratches.
  9. How To Pack Books - Pack like-sized books together in small book boxes. Pack them either with their spine touching the bottom of the box or by laying them flat. If you pack them facing upward, the glue could break away from the binding. Books of great monetary or sentimental value should be wrapped individually with proper cushioning prior to packing.
  10. How To Pack Photographs - Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate boxes, rather than being combined with other household items. Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, as well as by standing them on edge in a box. Carry irreplaceable photos with you rather than having them transported by movers.
  11. How To Pack Silk or Artificial Flowers - Arrangements of artificial flowers should be carefully wrapped in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels and packed in separate moving boxes. Label the box as ‘Fragile’ and ‘This Side Up’.
  12. How To Pack Lamp Bases - After removing the light bulb and lamp harp (frame that holds the bulb), wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. Place them together in a moving box; filling the voids with wadded up paper.
  13. How to pack Lamp Shades - Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper, as the ink will soil the shade. Instead, carefully wrap each shade in three to four sheets of tissue paper, a pillow case or large, light towel. Place the shade in a sturdy box and line it with clean paper, using crumpled up paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer. A smaller shade may be nested inside a larger one. Only one silk shade should be place in a box to avoid stretching the silk. Don’t pack other items with shades. Label the moving boxes ‘Lamp Shades- Fragile- Top Load Only’.
  14. How To Pack Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades - It’s best to have your moving professional crate large leaded or other glass lamp shades or chandeliers.
  15. How To Pack Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues and Large Vases - In order to transport delicate items in the safest manner possible, have your mover create custom-made cartons and crates for you.
  16. How To Pack Rugs - Let your moving company handle area rugs. They should be loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture can be placed on top of the rug in the new place. It may make sense to have your area rugs professionally cleaned before your move.
  17. How To Pack TV Stands/Stereo Cabinets - Remove glass doors if possible and pack them in a mirror moving box with ample cushioning.
  18. How To Pack Pianos - A qualified piano mover should take care of the preparations for grand and baby grand pianos. Upright (spinnet, console, studio) pianos typically don’t require specialized preparation. Pianos are pad-wrapped to protect the surface and body of the piano. Make sure you or your mover doesn’t toll the piano on its casters and uses a piano dolly whenever possible. Plan to have your piano tuned at your new home.
  19. How To Pack Pool Tables - Disassembly and crating of your pool table should be done by a specialized mover. Have a store that sells pool tables refer you to a specialized provider. You will need to make arrangements at the destination to have the pool table uncrated, reassembled and leveled.

How To Pack Your Dining Room

The dining room will typically include your delicate china and crystal stemware. Each item should be carefully wrapped in paper and placed in dish pack boxes; cellular dividers are recommended for stemware. You should also try to include any items with values exceeding $100 per pound on your “high value inventory” form. That will ensure these items will receive proper valuation coverage and be fully protected in transit. Click here to find out more about your insurance options.

  1. How To Pack China and Glassware - All china and glassware items should be wrapped individually. Starting from the corner, Starting from the corner, use several sheets of clean paper to wrap items diagonally and continously tuck in overlapping edges. Use ample paper padding and cushioning. A double layer of newsprint should be used for outer wrapping. Label the moving boxes as “fragile- this side up”.

  2. How To Pack Flat China and Flat Glassware - Place cushioning material at the bottom of the dish pack box. Each piece should be wrapped individually with clean paper abd then wraped up to there in a bundle of double layer newsprint. The bundled items should be placed in a row on edge. Plates, platters and other flat serving pieces should be wrapped individually and packed vertically on their edges as it utilizes their maximum structural strength.

    Larger glass and china plates, platters etc. can serve as an excellent lowest layer in the dish pack box. Each bundle should be surrounded with crushed paper- try to not leave any voids or unfilled spaces. Add 2-3 inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect the rims and make a level base for the next tier. Try to use horizontal cardboard dividers to kep different layers level. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack them the same way you would larger items.

  3. How To Pack Cups and Glasses - Unless you are able to obtain a divided box (used for shipping wine and liquor bottles), use a small to medium-sized box and line it with bubblr wrap.Then place a stack of pre-cut plain newsprint on a table, counter or other flat surface. Wrap two sheets of newsprint around the first glass, making sure you line the inside. Place the second glass inside the first one. This is known as nesting. You can nest up to 3-4 glasses together, depending on their size and weight. Lay the stack of glasses diagonaly acros the pile of newsprint. To further protect the stack of glasses, wrap it in another two sheets of newsprint and/or bubble wrap.

    Obtaining divided boxes will make it easier to safely pack your cups. It may make sense to ask a wine or liquor store whether they carry such boxes and could hand/sell them to you. Cups should typically be packed in a dish pack box with other fragile items. Try to pack them last so they sit on top of the box. Boxes with cups or glasses should not be overpacked. voids should be filled with as much cushioning as possible so as to not allow cups or glasses to shift around. Once you’ve filled the box, label it as “fragile- glassware”.

  4. How To Pack Silver and Flatware - To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap. Holow ware- including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes should be wrapped carefully like delicate items and packed the same way as china. Loose flatware may be wrapped in sets or individually as well as in paper, clear plastic or small gift boxes. Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping the pieces individually and then reposition them safely with ample cushioning. The chest can be wrapped in a large bath towel or moving blanket.
  5. How To Pack Figurines, Curios and Other Delicate Pieces - Be sure these delicate pieces are wel protected with plenty of cushioning prior to moving. Start by wrapping them in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then carefully wrap them in paper that has been wadded and flattened out. Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper with an outer layer of newsprint. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wraping and padding for glass. Place flat items on edge in the moving box.
  6. How To Pack Fragile Items - Consult with your licensed mover on packing extraordinarily fragile items. Items with values exceeding $100 per pound need to be listed on your “high value inventory” form to receive proper valuation coverage. You may want to let your mover pack extremely fragile items for coverage reasons. Click here to find out more about different insurance options.
  7. How To Pack Lamp Bases - Make sure you have large enough moving boxes- you may need to order specialized lamp boxes. Start by removing the light bulb and lamp harp and pack them separately in newsprint. They should be placed together in a moving box, with any voids being filled with wadded or other cushioning. Wrap the cord around the lamp’s base and secure it so it won’t unravel. Label lamp boxes as “fragile- this side up”.
  8. How To Pack Lamp Shades - Make sure your or your mover’s hands are clean and dry before removing lamp shades. Lamp shades are delicate items that can easily stain. Also, never wrap lamp shades in newspaper, as the ink will soil the shade. Insted, carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tisue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel. Use a sturdy moving box that is at least two inches biger al around the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crumpled paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer (but not around the shade). A smaller shade may be nested inside a larger one, provided they don’t touch. Only one silk shade should be placed in a box to avoid stretching the silk. Don’t pack other items with shades. Label the boxes as “lamp shades- fragile- top load only”.
  9. How To Pack Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades - It’s recommended to have your moving company crate large glass lampshades and/or chandeliers.
  10. How To Pack Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues and Large Vases - Your moving company should custom create boxes and crates for these type of items. Paper should never be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.
  11. How To Pack Table Leaves - Table leaves are best transported in paper pads, then taped to hold the padding in place (Note: never place tape on the surface of wood. Don’t use plastic wrap, as moisture may get traped and damage wood.
  12. How To Pack Draperies and Curtains - Draperies and curtains are best moved in wardrobe boxes. Fold them lengthwise and place them over a hangar. Then pin them securely and hang them in the wardrobe. Draperies and curtains may also be folded and packed in boxes lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.
  13. How To Pack Rugs - Leave area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle, It may make sense to have your area rugs professionally cleaned prior to your move, Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture coming off the moving truck can go right on top of the rugs.
  14. How To Pack Furniture - Your professional packers will shrink wrap any large upholstered furniture items. Table corners should be protected with cardboard. Couch pillows and cushions can either be shrink wrapped by the movers or be packed separately in large boxes.

How To Pack Your Kitchen

Once you know you’ll be relocating, you can almost immediately start packing less used serving dishes and seasonal items in your kitchen, Next tackle your large serving bowls, tablecloths and speciality pots and pans. Wait for the last week before you move to pack your everyday dishes, Disposable plates, cups and utensils could come in handy while your dishware is packed.

  1. How To Pack Food Items - Try to use or throw away al perishable items before moving. You will also need to get rid off cleaning products and other kitchen chemicals. Acquaint yourself with the list of non-transportable items. Moving food products in the summer may not be a good idea as they can spoil more easily in the moving truck. Pantry items are typically the most debatable items to move or not to move. You should weigh the cost to move the items versus the time and money it would take to replace them, Small, light items such as spices are worth packing as they are costly and time consuming to replace. Food items such as pasta are light enough and thus worth moving. Unopened prepackaged food items, dried soups and sauces are all worth transporting as well (granted they haven’t spoiled). In most instances, canned goods should be left behind unless you’re not concerned with the weight of your shipment. Just prior to your move, dispose of all perishables and frozen food. Food items should not be packed for long distance moves (only for short distances).
  2. How To Pack China and Glassware - All pieces of china and glasware should be wraped individually. Starting from the corner, use several sheets of clean paper and wrap them diagonally, continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newsprint serves well as outer wrapping. Use a generous amount of paper padding and/or bubble wrap for packing chain and glassware. Label boxes as “fragile- this side up”.
  3. How To Pack China and Flat Glassware - The lowest layer in the dish pack box should be filled with larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat items. Cushioning material should be placed at the bottom of the moving box. Wrap each piece individually with clean paper, then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Place these bundled items in a row on edge in the moving box. Surround each bundle with crumpled paper. Try to fill any voids or unfilled spaces with cushioning so the items can’t move around. Add two to three inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack them the same way you would larger items.
  4. How To Pack Bowls and Odd-Shaped Items - Depending on their weight, these might be used for either the bottom or middle layer. They should be packed the same way as flat plates. Stand shalow bowls (soup, plates etc.) on edge in the box and deeper ones (such as mixing bowls) nested together in stacks of two or three. They should be placed upside down on their rims. Wrap sugar bowl lids in newsprint, turning them upside down on top of bowls. Then, wrap both together in newsprint, folowed by a double outer layer. Wrap sugar bowls, cream pitchers, sauce containers, gravy boats and similar pieces in newsprint and then a double outer wraping. Place all upright in the moving box, then top off the layer with wadded newsprint.
  5. How To Pack Pots and Pans - Pots, pans and like items should be wrapped and packed in medium-sized boxes. Slighly crumpled paper should be placed at the bottom of the box. Stack pots or pans in groups of two or three, nesting the smaller inside the larger ones. Wrap the stack with 2-5 sheets of newsprint. Fold each corner over the stack and then carefuly tape the paper in place. Depending on their weight, pots or pans might be good as either the bottom or middle layers of the moving box.
  6. How To Pack Cups and Glasses - Blank newsprint paper, bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts may be used to pack cups or glasses. Each piece of glassware or cup should be wrapped individually, preferably in bubble wrap. Line the bottom of the dish pack box swith a layer of wadded newsprint paper or styrofoam peanuts. Place wrapped cups or glasses on upright position. Cardboard should be used to divide layers. Each layer should be filled with wadded paper or peanuts. Once packed, label the box as “fragile- cups/glasses- this side up”.
  7. How To Pack Silver and Flatware - Silver and flatware should be wrapped individually in cloth or low-sulfur -content paper to prevent tarnishing. The silver chest can be wrapped with either a large towel or moving pad. Cutlerycan be wrapped with buble wrap, newsprint or tissue paper. Make sure the cutlery is facing the same direction. Mark in which direction the sharp edge of knives is facing to prevent injury when unpacking. Place cutlery in one corner of the paper and then cover and rol the stack while continously tucking in the side. Silver ware should be wraped in acid free paper to prevent it from tarnishing. Wrap pieces individually and bundle up in stacks of four. Roll the bundle while continously tucking in the edges. Place the bundle in the dish pack box and fill any voids and unfilled spaces with crumpled paper.
  8. How To Pack Figurines and Other Delicate Items - Be sure such delicate items are well-protected with ample cushioning. Wrap pieces individually in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tisue. Then wrap them carefully in paper that has been waded and flattened out. Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper and an outer layer of newsprint. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place items on edge in a moving box.
  9. How To Pack Exceptionally Fragile Items - Consult with your moving coordinator on the packing of exceptionally fragile items. . Items with values exceeding $10 per pound wil need to be listed on your “High Value Inventory” form to receive proper valuation coverage. It may make sense to have your mover pack such items for you as they are equipped with specialty moving materials.
  10. How To Pack Small Appliances - Be aware of any small appliances with parts made out of glass or other fragile components. Make you wrap them individually with more cushioning and care. Start by cleaning and drying all appliances thoroughly before packing. remove any loose parts (i.e. glass tray inside the microwave). If there are any instructions on how to reassemble an appliance, write it out on a piece of paper and attach to the part before wrapping. Unless you still have the original box, pack smal appliances in smal to medium-sized boxes.Line the bottom of the cartons with crumpled paper. Wrap each apliances with two to three sheets of paper and then secure it tightly with packing tape. Fill any unfilled spaces with crushed paper or packing peanuts..Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or damage other items you may include in the same box. Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box.
  11. How To Pack Cookbooks - Pack cookbooks of similar size together, in small book boxes. Pack books either flat, or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing upward, as glue can break away from the binder. Expensively bound volumes or those of sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing.

How To Pack Your Large Appliances

In order to be transported or stored safely, large appliances should be serviced by a professional. This can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an ice maker, capping off a gas line, and special handling of satellite dish components. Large appliances should also be cleaned and dried to avoid the build up of mold and mildew. Grease left on a stovetop will catch dust and dirt, and unfortunately, leave spots on anything that it touches. Dry out refrigerators and freezers, especially those that contain an ice maker and are scheduled to be serviced by a third party service provider. Cleaning instructions should be included in the owner’s manual of the associated apliance. If no instructions can be found, use a mild detergent solution. Or, use a solution of three quarts of warm water to which one tablespoon of vinegar has been added. Do not use harsh abrasives that will scratch or mar finishes. A soft cloth or vacuum cleaner will remove excess dust. Soft rags make excellent drying and polishing cloths.

  1. How To Pack a Dishwasher - Clean and dry the dishwasher thoroughly. Wipe off the control panel with a dampened cloth. Shut of the electric and water supplies. Disconnect and drain hoses.. Leave the door open for a few days prior to your relocation. The dishwasher interior typically doesn’t require cleaning unless there is a buildup of food or soap. An appliance polishing wax can be lightly applied to the cabinet finish. Wrap dry hoses in towels and/or packing paper and place them inside the dishwasher.washer. Disconnect and drain the water inlet line and water valve. Sponge any remaining water from the bottom of the dishwasher.
  2. How To Pack a Washing Machine - Use a soft cloth and appliance cleaner to wipe off the washing machine’s exterior. Clean the lint filter and tub of the machine’s inside with soft dry cloth. Let the moisture evaporate by leaving the lid open. Turn off water faucets and drain and disconnect hoses. Wrap the hoses’ metal conector ends in a towel or sheet and lay it inside the washer. Your washing machine should be properly serviced to prevent swaying of the tub. This can either be done by securing the tub following manfucturer guidelines or, if you don’t have them, purchasing a washer kit with a manual that provides instructions on how to secure the tub by tightening it down using screws. You may want to consider having this done by a third party specialized provider. A qualified instaler should instal your washed after you’ve moved in.
  3. How To Pack a Dryer - Start by unplugging the dryer or turning off the electrical power. Then clean the lint with a dry paper (don’t use water onn the screen). Wipe off the dryer’s exterior with an appliance cleaner and soft damp cloth. The interior may be cleaned with a damp sponge if necessary. if the dryer drum has lost its color, try a mild liquid household cleaner or paste of laundry detergent coupled with warm water. Rub and wife until discoloration is removed. Then reconnect dryer and load it with old rags to remove any soap residue and thoroughly dry the drum. Then remove rags. Before plugging in your electric dryer at your new place, make sure power supply complies with the dryer’s elctrical requirements. For gas dryers, the appliance should be disconnected by having the gas line capped off by a qualified technician.
  4. How To Pack a Stove Top/Range/Oven - Wpe off the outer surface of such appliances with a mild detergent. Then detach and wash any removable parts such as knobs, grates, drip pans, broiler pan and oven racks in hot soapy water (note: plug-in coils for an electric range should not be cleaned in water). Clean the area underneath the range top with hot soapy water if possible. Some ovens may have self-cleaning mechanisms that will spare you the time of cleaning them. Be sure to follow the owner’s manual of the specific appliance you are loking to clean and/or service. Gas ranges must be disconnected by a qualified service technician. Electric ranges will typically not require any servicing.

  5. How To Pack a Refrigerator - Start by using up and/or disposing of al perishables. Acquaint yourself with the list of non-transportable items. Unplug the power cord and wash all removable parts such as shelves and drawers with a mild detergent or in a solution of warm water and baking soda. Wash the interior with the same. Allow the parts, including the interior of the refrigerator to dry thoroughly to allow moisture to evaporate. Loose parts such as bins and shelves should be removed and carefully packed in a moving box. Double check that the refrigerator is clean. Vacuum the condenser or compressor. Consider buying products to help keep your refrigerator clean, dry, and mildew free while in transit. Check your local hardware or grocery store.

    Servicing-wise, turn off the water and disconnect the water line. You should also empty the water reservoir. At destination, try to not operate the refrigerator for at least 24 hours after move-in. This allows the oild time to setle, preventing possible damage to the compressor. Ice makers and water dispensers must be connected to a water line.

  6. How To Pack a Freezer - Freezers should be emptied prior to moving. The weight of the food can either crack plastic shelves or the molding inside the freezer. Frozen foods are perishable and will thus most likely spoils; this is especially true for long distance moving.
  7. How To Pack a Microwave Oven - Start by removing any glass trays from the microwave oven. Wrap them with ample cushioning and pack them securely in their original or, is not available a well-cushioned box. Your mover may also pad in a moving blanket. Try not place cardboard in the door opening because it can spring the door during transit. Take care not to block the exhaust vent when installing it at your new home.