Plates and Fine China
This is one job you do not want to mess up. Here’s what you do. Begin with the larger items. Smaller items can go toward the top. Wrap each piece individually with several pieces of newsprint. Next, wrap three to five previously wrapped plates together and stand each bundle on its edge. Never lay them flat. Add 3-4 inches of crumpled paper and a cardboard divider before creating a second level.
Glassware and
Crystal
Again, one mistake here could mean glass shards everywhere. Always individually wrap each piece and never put one piece inside another. Place on the very top level of your carton and pack rim down. Very fragile items should be packed in a separate carton and then packed in a larger carton surrounded by cushioning.
Ceramic Bowls
Wrap individually and then nest two to three together and wrap as an entire package. Place on end or flat. Use crumpled paper and a cardboard divider before adding layers.
Lamps
First you’ll want to remove shades, bulbs and harp assembly. Double wrap the bulb and harp assembly. Wrap the base and cushion it in a dish pack or similar type box. For lampshades, select the carton size close to the shade measurements. Pack only one shade per container. Don't use newsprint inside or around the outside of the shade it will smear ink all over the shade. Glass lampshades and chandeliers should be professionally packed in sturdy crates.
Food
Never pack perishable items, aerosol kitchen products or frozen food. Box dry foods in medium-sized cartons after taping any openings or tops closed. Jars should also be taped shut and wrapped as well as cushioned. No matter how tight you put on those lids, liquid can and will escape. Pack cans and jars in smaller cartons.
Clothing
Really you can leave them in sturdy dressers or packed in suitcases. Other foldable clothing should be packed in medium-sized cartons. Hanging clothing should be packed in wardrobe cartons available from local moving companies. If wardrobe cartons are not used, be sure to remove hangers and pack in lined cartons. Hats should be left in their boxes and packed in moving cartons. Small cartons loosely filled with newsprint also help protect hats.
Mirrors, Glass Table Tops, Pictures, Paintings, etc.
We recommend purchasing special moving boxes for all but the smallest items in this category. Mirror and picture cartons can handle most items. Only one article should be packed in each carton. You will want to consider professional packing companies for oversized or heavy items such as table tops.
Glasses and Cups
Wrap individually. Cups with handles should be cushioned with another layer of paper. Pack with rims down. Cushion and layer with crumpled paper.
Books
Pack in smaller boxes with open edges alternating with the bindings. Hardback or leather-bound books should be wrapped for protection.
Draperies and Curtains
Wardrobe cartons are excellent for hanging curtains and drapes. You can also fold them and pack in cartons that have been lined with clean newsprint.
Mattresses and Box-springs
Mattresses must be covered to protect them from soil and damage. Appropriate sized mattress cartons are recommended and available many moving companies.
Small Appliances
Clocks, radios and other small appliances should be individually wrapped and packed along with linens or towels or surrounded with crumpled packing paper for protection.
Electronics and Clocks
Original manufacturers packaging with Styrofoam inserts provides the best protection for moving electronic goods. If these are not available large or medium cartons should be used and the item well wrapped and cushioned. Computers and grandfather clocks require special pre-move preparation. Larger home electronics such as consoles and large screen TVs should not be packed and will be moved as furniture. Consult with your moving company or a local dealer to determine what is required for moving these items.
Washing Machines
Washing machines should have all hoses disconnected and places in containers. If you place hoses in the tub or drum, be sure to wrap the metal couplings with cloth or paper to avoid damage to the tub's surface. Unplug the electric cord and tape to the back. Secure the washer drum with packaging tape.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators should be emptied of all food. Shelves should be secured in place or detached and wrapped separately. The electric cord should be unplugged and taped to the back. If there is an icemaker, it should be disconnected from the water line and drained in advance.
Tools
Any power tools containing gasoline or oil should be drained before moving. Long handled tools can be bundled. Hand tools should be carefully wrapped and packed so no sharp edges are sticking out.