Need additional info? Review our Residential Moving Checklist, read our complete Mark’s Moving & Storage Guide, or contact us directly. Please let us know how we can help with your next project.

How to Pack Professionally

Careful packing is one of the most important aspects of your move. Well-packed household goods stand little chance of being damaged. Also, packing room by room can help make unpacking and storage easier. Whether you have us do the packing or you do it yourself depends on the circumstances. Some people simply do not have the time to devote to what can be an intimidating task. In such cases, we provide the finest in safe and professional packing services. For the family on a budget, self-packing can mean considerable savings. Even if you choose to do the packing yourself, you might still consider having us pack the more delicate items, such as dishes, crystal, lamps, etc. You will still enjoy the security of having the more costly items professionally packed while reducing your costs by doing the bulk of the work yourself.

Self-Packing and Cushioning

The most important aspect of packing is good wrapping and cushioning material. Never use newspapers! Newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on everything it touches and can be almost impossible to remove from items like china. We use “newsprint” (unprinted paper) as cushioning material. You can get newsprint as well as other needed supplies from us. The amount of newsprint you use depends on the items being packed. Obviously, towels or sheets in a carton need no packing material at all. For dishes or fragile items, a layer of crumpled paper should be used to line the bottom of the carton to a depth of about four inches. Items should be individually wrapped with crushed paper between them as needed. Use the paper generously. A correctly packed carton will be completely full and prevent the items inside from shifting.

Packing Supplies Available

 

BOOK (1.5 cu. ft.) 12 5/8” x 12 5/8” x 16 5/8

Designed for heavy items, such as books.

MEDIUM (3.0 cu. ft.) 18 1/2” x 16 1/2” x 18 1/2

Designed for non-fragile items, such as pots, pans, board games and clothing.

LARGE (4.5 cu. ft.) 18” x 18” x 24 1/2” 

Designed for very light and bulky items, such as pillows, comforters and lamp shades.

DISH PACK (5.0 cu. ft.) 18” x 18” x 27” 

These are extra thick-walled cartons designed for dishes and other fragile items.

MIRROR/PICTURE CARTONS

Narrow cartons which adjust in length and width to accommodate different sized mirrors, pictures and other fragile, flat items.

WARDROBE CARTONS

Equipped with a metal bar so that clothing hangs naturally.

PACKING PAPER, BUBBLE WRAP AND TAPE

Movers use either a plastic tape called “PVC” or “strapping tape.” For best results, make a narrow “x” over the long seams with the tape extending four inches over the side of the carton.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Mattress cartons, custom wooden crates, labels and much more.

Packing Specific Items

 

PLATES, SAUCERS AND FLAT CHINA

Wrap individually and bundle three or four together. Stand on end in carton. Never lay flat. Use the larger items as a bottom layer and place crumpled paper as cushioning between each layer.

FLOWERS

Dry flowers should be packed alone in appropriately sized cartons, loosely cushioned with paper. We cannot accept liability for live plants.

CRYSTAL AND GLASSWARE

Always wrap and use as top layer. Never put one piece inside another. If items are particularly fragile, pack first in smaller carton, then place that carton inside a larger carton with cushioning all around.

LAMPS

Lamp bases should be wrapped, cushioned and packed in Dish Pack (5.0 cu. ft.) cartons. Lamp shades should be packed individually in appropriately sized cartons. Be careful not to put too much paper in the lamp shade carton as the shade could dent easily. Cushion carefully.

CLOTHING

Hanging items should go into Wardrobe cartons and hung on metal bars. Clothing may stay in small dressers if dressers are sturdy. All other folded clothing should be packed in Medium (3.0 cu. ft.) cartons.

BOOKS

Pack upright with open edges and bound ends alternating. If any have fragile covers, wrap in paper.

HATS

If in a hat box, pack in a Large (4.5 cu. ft.) carton. If not, loosely stuff with crushed paper and pack in the smallest carton either alone or with other hats.

MIRRORS, MARBLE AND GLASS TOPS, AND PICTURES

All mirrors, pictures, and marble or glass tops should be packed in Mirror/Picture cartons, unless they are very small. The small items may be wrapped and packed in Dish Pack (5.0 cu. ft.) cartons and placed to the side of the carton. Very large marble or glass tops should be crated by professional packers. Their weight makes them impractical to be moved in cartons.

STEREOS AND RADIOS

Components and small electronics should be well wrapped and cushioned in either Medium (3.0 cu. ft.) cartons or Large (4.5 cu. ft.) cartons. Large console stereo and televisions should not be packed. They will be padded by your moving team and loaded as furniture.

CUPS, GLASSES AND BOWLS

Cups and glasses should go on top, rim down and individually wrapped. Bowls should also be individually wrapped and should constitute the upper layers. Place on rim in carton with the bottom facing up.

FOOD

Boxed dry food should be packed in Medium (3.0 cu. ft.) cartons with openings taped shut. Jars or canned goods should be packed in Book (1.5 cu. ft.) cartons with all jars wrapped and cushioned. Never pack or move perishable or frozen foods.

Labeling

Use a heavy marking pen for easy reading. On carton top, list major items such as “Good China” or “Crystal.” On carton side near top, mark which room the carton should be moved into. If carton contains fragile items, mark “Fragile” on all four sides and mark “This End Up” on the carton top with arrows pointing up on all four sides.

Packing Reminders

– Use cartons of adequate size and strength.

– Wrap fragile items separately with several layers of paper.

– Heavier items in lower layers, lighter items in upper layers.

– Paper cushioning absorbs shock. Be generous.

– Loose packing creates damage. Firmly pack all items.

– Don’t overfill carton. Top should close without bulging.

– Use PVC or strapping tape to prevent carton from opening.

– Cushion bottom of carton when packing fragile items.

– Call us with any additional questions: 1.800.966.MARK

Extraordinary Value Items

All stocks, bonds, currency, jewelry, furs, stamps, coins, securities, negotiables, insurance policies and valuable papers should not be packed for transit in the truck. Either transport these items yourself or make arrangements with your banker for transfer. If you have any questions about what could be considered extraordinary value, contact your Mark’s Moving & Storage project manager.

Acceptance of Packing

For your protection, our drivers are required to inspect each carton tendered for shipment. Any improperly packed cartons must be repacked by the mover (which adds to the cost of the move) or by you. To avoid delay, use the guidelines listed on this sheet. If you have any questions at all, be sure to ask your Mark’s Moving & Storage project manager. He or she has all the answers.

Not to Pack

– Paint, thinner, oil, varnish

– Ammunitions and firearms

– Bottled gas, propane, etc.

– Lamp oil

– All flammables, explosives and corrosives

– Motor fuel and oil

– Nail polish remover

– Bleach

– Sterno

– All aerosol

About Mark’s Moving & Storage: Mark’s Moving & Storage has been helping people move since 1979. The company operates more than 150,000 square feet of storage space and more than 25 trucks and trailers. With the simple philosophy that customers must be made 100 percent satisfied, Mark’s Moving & Storage provides a wide range of services including local and long-distance moving, long and short-term storage and commercial relocation. Learn more at www.marksmoving.com.

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