How many boxes will I need? 

 

Here's an example of what would be needed to properly pack a 5-6 room home of approximately 2800 square feet.

 

    • 20 Small Moving Boxes
    • 11 Medium Moving Boxes
    • 10 Large Moving Boxes
    • 4 X-Large Moving Boxes
    • 5 Heavy Duty Boxes
    • 6 Wardrobe Boxes
    • 1 Electronics Box
    • 2 Unprinted News-wraps or Clean Newspaper
    • 1 Roll of Bubble Wrap
    • 2 Permanent Box Marker
    • 8-12 Rolls of Sealing Tape

 

 

 

General Packing Hints:

 

  • Keep boxes to 50 lbs or less.

 

  • Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.

 

  • Keep it light. Pack nonbreakable tightly in smaller boxes.

 

  •  Plan how you will pack. Pack items first that you don’t use often.

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  • Write “Open First” on cartons containing  essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.

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    • Buy clean newsprint to wrap items and bubble wrap for padding.

     

    • Separate breakables and nonbreakable.  Pack breakables loosely  with lots of bubble wrap.

     

    • Rent furniture pads.

     

    • Mark your boxes by room, so you know exactly where everything goes. Color coding or using a number system works great!

     

    • List contents and room on the outside of the carton.

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      • Write "FRAGILE" on all boxes with breakables and stack these boxes on top.  Double box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.

       

       

       

      Tips for Packing & Preparing your Items:

       

      • Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope and label the pieces so they're easy to reassemble.

       

      • Big appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags. Stuff towels between washer sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie.

       

      • Books: Pack them flat in small cartons, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs.

       

      • Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.

       

      • Cd's: Pack upright and cushion with newspaper.
         
      • Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection.

       

      • Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers.

       

      • Collectibles: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely.

       

      • Computers, TVs, & Electronics: Use original packaging, or buy electronic specific boxes.

       

      • Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with cups & bowls placed around them.

       

      • Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans, and cushion with paper. Put a few of these items in the "open first" box.

       

      • Lawn furniture: If heavy or bulky, disassemble. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tie together.

       

      • Lawn mowers/yard edgers: Empty gasoline from all tanks, and check for oil leaks.

       

      • Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap small pieces in newsprint and pack in mirror boxes. Cover larger pieces with cardboard, tape securely and stand them along the truck's sides or inside wardrobe boxes

       

      • Power and garden tools: Wrap all sharp edges and use plenty of cushioning to prevent injury. Tape long handled tools together and place small ones in boxes.

       

      • Rugs: Roll up and secure with rope or tape.

       

      • Small appliances: Put your microwave, VCR, etc. into boxes, and cushion with wadded paper.

       

      • Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.