Moving In Santa Fe?

Here are some packing tips for you:

Getting Started:

Before packing cartons, you’ll need to wrap most items to protect them from scratching and breakage. There are a variety of materials available, including bubble pack, foam peanuts and tissue. However, most professional moving companies use bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint (available at your moving supply store).

Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or countertop. Round glasses and jars can be rolled up in two or three sheets of paper; always begin from a corner of the sheet and fold the sides in as you roll.

Large or odd-shaped items require a similar technique. Place them in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. It may be necessary to flip the item over and wrap it again from the other side. If in doubt, use more paper! When the corners are brought together, secure them with tape.

Before packing each carton, line the bottom with a few inches of wadded paper for padding. Then place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top.

Plates, books and things of a similar shape, should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength. Don’t overload cartons; keep them to a manageable weight. Fill in any voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper. Then tape cartons securely to avoid shifting while en route.

Packing Tips:

Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until the last minute things you’ll need until moving day.

• Do not use masking tape or narrow cellophane tape. You will find PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) to be the most effective.
• Use newspapers only for cushioning not for wrapping items. The ink on the newspapers will rub off and can stain items such as fine china.
• Label each and every carton. Use a broad, felt-tipped marker, clearly marking room and contents. Indicate “FRAGILE” on delicates; “THIS END UP” where appropriate, and, if available, include your bill of lading number on every box.
• Limit cartons to a maximum weight of 50 pounds
• Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, non-transportable items and anything that would puncture or damage other items.
• 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 bags and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong.
• Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets may also be used for padding and cushioning. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure no sharp points, edges or rims are left 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 that 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 stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well. Use a broad, felt-tipped marker; Indicate “FRAGILE” on delicates; “THIS END UP” where appropriate; If available, include your bill of lading number on every box.
• 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.

 

 

 

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