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Packing Tips for Your Washington DC Move

Good packing is essential for a good move. If you choose to do some or all of your own packing in preparation for your relocation, it's especially important that you be familiar with the techniques and boxes that will best protect your possessions.

Ready, set, pack!
Good packing means...

   • Limiting cartons, when possible, to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier.
   • Wrapping items carefully.
   • Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock.
   • Using sturdy cartons that close.
   • Making sure cartons are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward.
   • Not mixing items from different rooms in the same carton, when possible.

Checklist of the basics

   • Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the
things you'll need until moving day.
   • Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, items not recommended for inclusion in your
shipment and anything that would puncture or damage other items. However, blankets,
sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft, lightweight goods may be left in
drawers.
   • Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton
with cast-iron frying pans, for example.
   • Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror
bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic or cloth bags
(which can be purchased from the moving company) and taped or tied securely to the
article to which they belong.
   • Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.
   • Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue
for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very
small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good outer wrapping.
   • Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a carton for cushioning.
   • Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on
top.
   • As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more
crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets or cardboard cut
from cartons as dividers.
   • Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets also may be used for
padding and cushioning. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure
no sharp points, edges or rims are lift uncovered.
   • Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small
boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper.
   • Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.
   • Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting;
the cover should close easily without force, but should not bend inward.
   • Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items listed on United's
   • High-Value Inventory form. These must be left open for the van operator's inspection.
   • As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing
while cartons are stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or
code the cartons as well.
   • Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination.
   • Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels
so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly.
   • Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination.

How to pack

China, glassware & silverware

   • Moving company packers use a dish pack -- an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of
double- wall construction — for china, glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches
in size. Unless cartons of similar strength and construction are valuable, you might want to
purchase several dish packs from the moving company.
   • Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several sheets
of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping
edges. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount
of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Label cartons,
"FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP."

Flat china & glassware

   • Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer
in a dish pack.
   • Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually then wrap up
to three in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton
in a row on edge.
   • 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 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 can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in
the same way as larger items.

Bowls & odd-shaped items

   • Depending on their weight, these might be used either as the bottom or middle layers. Wrap
the same way as flat plates.
   • Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as
mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their rims.
   • Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down on top of the bowl. Then, wrap
both together in clean paper, followed by an outer double layer of newspaper. Wrap
cream pitchers in clean paper and then a double outer wrapping. Place sugar bowls,
cream pitchers, sauce containers and similar pieces upright in the carton. Complete
the layer as for plates.

Cups

   • Even when using a dish pack and mini-cells for china, wrap cups individually, protecting
handles with an extra layer of paper. Then, pack cups upside down.
   • If not using a dish pack or cells, wrap cups as previously described in a double layer of
paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles
facing the same direction. Complete the layer as for plates.

Silver

   • Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely
in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Holloware — including bowls, tea sets
and serving dishes — should be wrapped carefully as fragile items and packed
like china.
   • Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, and in clear plastic or tissue.
   • If silverware is in a chest, you still might want to wrap the pieces individually and reposition
them in the chest. Or, fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper
towels. Wrap the chest with a large bath towel.

Figurines & other delicate items

   • Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in newsprint
that has been crushed and flattened out. Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty
of cushioning.
   • Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath
towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place
items on edge in a carton.

Fragile items

   • Many moving companies use a material called bubble pack (plastic with bubbles) for
exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate,
it might be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials might be needed for
maximum protection.

Artificial flowers

   • An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own carton. Wrap carefully in
plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of the floral
piece to the bottom of the carton. Label the carton "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP."
   • For instructions on moving live plants, ask your agent for a "Moving With House Plants"
brochure.

Lamp bases

   • After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in
newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.) Place them together in a carton, filling
spaces with crushed paper. More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a
carton.

Lamp shades

   • Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets
of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
   • To allow for movement, use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger all around than
the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade
to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A small shade can be nested
inside a large one, if you are sure they will not touch. Only one silk shade should
be placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk.
   • Do not pack other items with shades. Label cartons "LAMP SHADES — FRAGILE."
   • It is best to have the moving company crate large Tiffany-type or other glass lamp shades
or chandeliers.

Glass table tops, marble slabs, large mirrors, paintings,
statues & large vases

   • All are easily damaged. Glass might shatter, and marble slabs can crack at veins. Paper
never should be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.
   • It's best to consult with your moving company about custom-made cartons and crates for
items of this kind.

Books

   • Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with
spine facing up, as glue can break away from the binder. Pack books of the same general
size together.
   • Expensively bound volumes or those of special sentimental value should be individually
wrapped before packing.
   • Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons.

Photographs

   • Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons
rather than being combined with other household items.
   • Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton.
Label cartons clearly for easy identification.
   • If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to destination.

Compact discs, tapes & records

   • Remove these items from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind records are heavy
and should be packed in small cartons.
   • If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to
protect them from being scratched.
   • Stand compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper.
Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of cardboard
cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on the
outside of the box and mark "FRAGILE."
   • Cassette tapes should be placed in the protective plastic box in which they came, if
possible, and then wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual
tapes either vertically or horizontally on a couple of layers of crushed paper.

Clothing

   • Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobe cartons used by moving companies will
arrive at destination wrinkle-free. You might want to purchase several of these special
cartons from your moving company. One will hold about two feet of compressed clothing
on hangers.
   • If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed from its hanger, folded
and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing —
such as lingerie and sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers.
   • Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, stuff the crown of each
hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the outside and place in a
carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats on the bottom. Don't pack anything
else with hats. Label the carton "FRAGILE."
   • Footwear may be left in shoeboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, wrap each shoe
individually and then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage to heels
or ornaments. Don't pack heavy items on top of shoes.
   • It is recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having them moved on
the van.

Linens & bedding

   • Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a
large plastic bag and packed in a carton that has been lined with clean paper.
   • Wrap your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning
or padding many types of items.
   • Special mattress cartons in various sizes are available from your moving company for a
nominal charge. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons.

Draperies & curtains

   • Clothing wardrobes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies. Fold them lengthwise,
place over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe.
   • Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper
or plastic wrap.

Rugs

   • Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they've just been returned from
the cleaners, leave them rolled.

Major appliances

   • Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. Set an appointment with a
service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment -- or have your
agent send someone out who is authorized to perform this service.

Small appliances

   • Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped
individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper.
   • Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed in the same carton with
linens or as extra items with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to
scratch or otherwise damage items.
   • Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom
of a box.
   • Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.

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 because tools
usually are heavy.

Outdoor equipment

   • Before moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds.
Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a cloth bag
and securely attach to corresponding equipment.
   • Prepare lawn mower by draining gasoline prior to the day of loading.

Food

   • Take only food items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the
winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing.
   • 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, bouillon cubes,
gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing
in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape.
   • Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited.

A word about special household items

The popularity of home electronic items has added a new dimension for the do-it-yourself packer. Home computers, microwave ovens and stereo systems require special care to ensure they arrive at destination safely.

If you saved the original cartons and packing materials in which these items arrived, it is best to repack using those materials. Should you not have these materials, you might want to contact a store selling your particular item and ask if discarded packing materials are available.

Your United agent is familiar with current techniques for properly packing electronic items and can assist you with advice or pack the items for you. It is your responsibility to disconnect electronic items prior to packers' arrival.

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