How To Pack For Your Next Move

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.

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.

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.

Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Hollow are — 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.

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 bat towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Plac items on edge in a carton.

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.

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 shoe boxes 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.

Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by 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.

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.

Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by 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.

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.

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.