Packing
Do you have a lot ahead of you? DON’T wait till the last minute!
It is important to plan ahead, whether you are packing for yourself
or letting someone else do it for you. Here are some pointers
to help you pack with ease. |
| |
Before
you start….
It would be useful to have an informal
schedule of what items to pack when. You would like to prepare
a box for essentials that you need upon arrival in your new
home. |
|
|
Medication/First-aid
kit |
|
|
Essential
toiletries (e.g. soap, shampoo, toothbrush etc) |
|
|
Pillows,
towels, bed sheets |
|
|
Utility
knife, scissors, masking tape, can opener |
|
|
Dishes,
cups, towels |
|
|
Forks,
spoons, knives |
|
|
Flashlights,
light bulbs, hammer |
|
|
Phone
books, stationery |
|
|
Telephones,
batteries, radio |
|
|
Packing
supplies
If
you are packing on your own, here is
a checklist you might need: |
|
|
Masking
tape. They are good for labelling too! |
|
|
Sturdy
cord for tying up boxes and framed items |
|
|
Boxes.
You’ll need many of these in assorted sizes. Do get them in
good condition and with covers so that they can be sealed up. |
|
|
Labels
for easy identification of your boxes |
|
|
Wrapping
paper/newspaper, however, do take note that newspapers might
leave ink stains on your goods. Wrapping paper would be a better
choice for items you would want to keep clean. |
|
|
Small
tools, like hammer or screwdriver for disassembly |
|
|
Notepad
to keep a record of what you packed. |
|
|
| Packing
tips |
|
|
Start
early with a few boxes each day, on a room-by-room basis. This
will prevent confusion when it is time to unpack. It also helps
to pack in areas where items are less frequently used. |
|
|
Label
every box. It’ll be easier for you to identify and unpack. |
|
|
Distribute
the heavier items, with these items going in the box first.
|
|
|
Cover
clothing with plastic to protect against moisture and dust. |
|
|
Drawers
should be empty. Too much weight in the drawers could cause
damage. |
|
|
Small,
heavy items should go in smaller boxes while bulkier but not-so-heavy
items in slightly larger boxes. Very bulky and lightweight items,
like pillows, toys etc, should go in the largest boxes. |
|
|
Do
not pack any flammables, combustibles or explosives. |
|
|
| It
is definitely more economical doing it yourself but it would
save a lot more time if you consider a moving service. Yes,
it might cost but you’ll receive a professional packing job.
You might also be covered by the mover’s insurance. |
|
|
| Packing
furniture |
|
|
Wrap
with blankets or bubble wrap |
|
|
Remove
legs from furniture if possible. Place screws in plastic bags
and tape to the underside of the furniture. Remember not to
use tape directly on wood or painted surfaces. |
|
|
Remove
legs from furniture if possible. Place screws in plastic bags
and tape to the underside of the furniture. Remember not to
use tape directly on wood or painted surfaces. |
|
|
Coat
fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches |
|
|
| Packing
small kitchen appliances |
|
|
It
will be much convenient for you to pack these items such as
blenders, coffee makers etc. together in one or two boxes rather
than in other boxes with other goods. |
|
|
Wrap
each appliance individually with two or three sheets of packing
paper. After packing all the appliances in a box, fill up the
empty spaces with crushed packing paper. However, if you should
have a substantial amount of space left over, do pack other
things (preferably from the kitchen) so as not to waste the
space. |
|
|
| Packing
pots and pans |
|
|
Approximately
three pots or pans can be nested, one inside the other. Line
the interior of the pans with packing paper. |
|
|
Wrap
the pans with at least three sheets of packing paper and seal
with tape to prevent the bundle from coming apart. Pack in medium-sized
box. |
|
|
The
same procedure can be followed in large bowls too. |
|
|
| Packing
dishes and glassware |
|
|
As
above, cups and glasses may be nested, one inside the other,
and wrapped in a bundle. Use at least a couple of small sheets
between each glass or cup as protective lining. Be sure these
articles are toward the top of the box they are packed in. |
|
|
Pack
all dishes and plates on their edges. |
|
|
Potholders
and dishtowels could be used to cushion the bottom and sides
of your boxes. Newspaper could also be used to fill the extra
spaces in the boxes. |
|
|
Fine
silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper. |
|
|
| Packing
lamps and décor |
|
|
Remove
all bulbs and shades from lamps. Wrap cords around the bases
of the lamps. Pack in sturdy cartons labelled “fragile”. |
|
|
If
you have several table lamps, alternating them (such that the
base of one lamp is next to the top of the next) will make them
fit better in the box. |
|
|
Wrap
each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap, blankets or
towels. Pack flat items on their edges. |
|
|
For
large mirrors or pictures, cover both sides with bubble wrap
and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape. |
|
|
| Moving
plants |
|
|
A
couple of weeks before your move, prune plants to facilitate
packing. Consult a florist or plant book for instructions. |
|
|
A
week before your move, put your plants in a black plastic bag
with a bug/pest strip, bug powder or flea collar inside before
you put your plant in. close the bag and cool in an area overnight.
This will kill any pests on the plant or in the soil. |
|
|
On
the day before your move, place the plants in cardboard containers
and make sure they are held in place by dampened newspaper or
packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final
layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. |
|
|
Do
remember to water the plants as you would normally. |
|
|
On
the day of your move, set the boxes aside and label “do not
load” so they would not be take on the moving van. Close the
boxes; punch air holes in the top and load in your car. |
|
|
When
on the road, remember to park your car in a shady area |
|
|
Unpack
the plants as soon as you can after arriving. Remove the plants
through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems. |
|
|
Do
not expose the plants to too much sunlight at first. Let them
get accustomed to more light gradually. |
|
|
If
you have to leave your plants behind, then take cuttings. Put
them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them. |
|
|
