Packing Tips & Techniques
Professional Packer – Expert Mover Hong Kong
Expensive Artwork | Oil Painting | Fragile Delicate Items
With a little care and planning, you and your stuff will both arrive good condition. Most damage comes from vibration. Think of a stack of dishes in a moving box on the bed of a bouncing truck. No matter how well the sides are padded, a firm up-and-down jolt could crack the entire stack. On the other hand, dishes packed on edge and surrounded by bubble wrap have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed.
In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy moving boxes, Packing Tape, Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper are worth the money. Supplement with copious amounts of blankets and pillows; even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. There should be no empty space in a box, however don't over pack the moving box either.
Use heavy-duty packing tape (not masking tape) for the boxes as well as for taping things together (like broom handles).
Packing Techniques
Pack one room at a time, labeling each moving box with a description of its contents and its destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier. Keep the weight of your moving boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small moving boxes to make them easier to carry. Don't apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface. Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning. When everything is packed and ready to load, make sure the items you need least are loaded first. Common sense is essential when loading the truck. Place the moving box containing your best china on top of the box of encyclopedias and not vice versa.
Packing Boxes:
We recommend strong boxes that are designed and built specially for moving which we supply. By using these boxes , you will be assured that they are clean and of uniform size. That will make packing the truck much easier & efficient, you will save plenty of time.
Do not overfill:
Please ensure that you do not overfill your boxes or cartons, keep in mind that they have to be lifted. The top and sides of each box should not bulge or swell, nor should they cave in when closed.
Do not underfill:
This may appear unintelligent after the previous tip but partially filled boxes may collapse if heavy items are placed on top of them. Try to distribute your belongings evenly in the available boxes.
Ensure You Have Sufficient Packing Materials:
It is essential that you plenty of packaging materials, don't order less, or you may have to pay additional delivery charges for re-delivery for small amount. To cushion the ups and downs of moving your belongings, packing material provides additional protection. Use packing paper for linens (newspaper will leave black marks) bubble wrap for fragile and breakable items, and lots of scrunched up paper for filling spaces between things in the cartons.
Packing Tape:
Use heavy-duty tape (not masking or scotch) for the cartons as well as for taping things together (like broom handles, etc.).
HOW TO PACK
Appliances
Pack small appliances in original container or a moving box cushioned with Packing Paper (Do not use shredded paper - it can clog the appliance!)
With major appliances, check with the appliance dealer for any special moving instructions. For all large appliances, remove loose fittings and accessories and pack separately. Tie down, tape or wedge all movable parts and doors.
Gas Dryer -
Have gas company disconnect.
Dishwasher/Washing Machine - Stuff towels between machine sides and tub to keep tub from rotating. Pad exterior well. Disconnect hoses, put in plastic bag, place in tub.
Freezer/Refrigerator -
Defrost and dry interiors well. Fill interior spaces with lightweight linens, clothing or stuffed toys. If you want to lay your refrigerator down for moving, check first with the local dealer to determine if your brand can be moved like this. If so, make sure refrigerator stands upright for at least 24 hours before plugging in.
Radios, TVs - Box upright and make sure items are well padded on all sides. For console-size equipment, surround with furniture pads, and then move and load upright. Rugs and Pads - After vacuuming rugs and pads, sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll up and tape.
Household Items
Books - They're heavy, so use small boxes. Don't mix books with other items. Pack books flat, alternating bindings, and fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Clothes - Dresses, coats, suits - anything hanging in closets - travel best in Hanging Boxes, which can be used seasonally as "extra closets" for wardrobe storage.
Comforters, Pillows, Large/Light Items -Large Boxes will be best for packing light bulky items. If you have small fragile items, you can pack a few in between the pillows for extra protection - just don't forget they are there!
Bleeding - Linen and bedding on the morning of the removal should be placed in black plastic liners. If beds are big beds can be disassembled, disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and crosspieces together with rope or tape. Be sure to mark on tape where pieces fit together for reassembly. Use mattress protection bags to keep mattress clean.
Carpets, Rugs and Pads - After vacuuming rugs and pads, sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll up and tie in three places with twine. Tacks should be removed and the carpet then rolled up, try to avoid bending the carpet as this will make it more difficult to relay.
Curtain Rod Hardware - Put the hardware in a plastic bag and tape to rod or pack in dresser drawers.
Dishes/ Glasses - Individually wrap each piece with packing paper. Small boxes will fit most kitchenware without making the box too heavy. Place saucers, plates and platters on edge - DO NOT STACK FLAT. Cups and bowls may be placed inside each other and wrapped three or four in a bundle.
Kitchenware - Pots, pans, etc. can be stacked in a box with packing paper between them. Remember not to make the box too heavy - someone has to carry it!
Silverware - Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulphur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.
Lamps and Lampshades - Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures - Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.
Flammables and Combustibles - Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable.
Stereos, CD & Video Tapes - Separately pack components and pack in well-padded box marked FRAGILE. Pack CDs upright in their cases in a sturdy box with tape-reinforced bottom. Tie CDs in small bundles before packing, then fill air space with packing paper. Mark FRAGILE. Cassettes can be packed in a similar manner, although you can group them in larger bundles.
Tools and Gardening Equipment - Drain hoses, coil and pack in boxes. Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools, etc. Combine rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools together with tape.
Food
When packing food, always ensure you double check that each screw top has been closed properly. Seal open boxes of cereals or other goods with a line of tape. Heavy food items should be packed into a small box for easy carrying. Lighter food items can be packed into a standard carton using packing paper and plate dividers to separate the items and pad out the space.
Canned Food / Other Non-Frozen Food - Pack them upright with no more than 25 cans per carton. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons to avoid leakage.
Frozen Foods and Plants - Frozen food must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.
Medicines - Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.
Importance
Valuables - Set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box contents to be packed in a small container you can keep with you throughout the move.
Box Inventory and Labels
Mark all the boxes with a dark marker & mark on the two broadest sides, opposite one another. That way if a box gets turned, you can still identify its contents.
Number all boxes (eg 1/20, 2/20), so that you could and count the same number of boxes are delivered and chase which box is missing.
Abbreviate room names - Start box labels with the abbreviated name of the room followed by a box number, such as “BTH2-6” for "second bathroom, 6th box." You can then track each box to make sure everything arrived safely.
Label "Open Me First" boxes where it applies.
Mark "Fragile" where appropriate.
Identify contents - Identify the major contents and where they came from, such as "Medicine Cabinet" or "Linen Closet- Towels and Wash Cloths."
Box Inventory - Box Inventory
Verifying delivery - When unloading, check off each box as it gets unloaded at your new place. Then you'll know everything arrived safely.