Once you have acquired basic packing materials such as wardrobe boxes, cardboard boxes, packing tape, permanent markers and bubble wrap, you can then begin the process of actually packing up all of your possessions. Some items can, however, be more difficult to pack for the move than others, and may require special handling.
Driers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves and washers should be clean and dry before they are packed and moved. The door should be left slightly ajar for aeration, though steps should be taken to make sure that the door cannot be opened fully in order to prevent a child climbing inside. If you choose to discard rather than move these items, the doors should be entirely removed.
All dressers should be emptied, with clothing packed into wardrobe boxes as appropriate. Mothballs or similar products should be made use of in order to protect clothing from pests and insects. Furniture doors and drawers should be closed securely, with the use of strong ribbon or rope or tape strongly advised, and if possible furniture legs should also be removed in order to save space and avoid damage. Furniture should be vacuumed prior to relocation.
For crystal, glassware and kitchenware, packing material such as Styrofoam or bubble wrap should be placed in the bottom of every box and each piece should be individually wrapped in tissue paper. Newspaper or Styrofoam should also be placed in any cavities or voids in the box as you pack to prevent jostling.
Jon Huser
