►
Special Household Items: The
popularity of home electronic items has added a new dimension for
the do-it-yourself packer. Home computers, microwave ovens and
stereo systems require special care to ensure they arrive at
destination safely. If you saved the original cartons and
packing materials in which these items arrived, it is best to
repack using those materials. Should you not have these materials,
you might want to contact a store selling your particular item and
ask if discarded packing materials are available.
Your United agent is
familiar with current techniques for properly packing
electronic items and can assist you with advice or pack the items
for you. It is your responsibility to disconnect electronic items
prior to the packers’ arrival.
► Small Appliances: Items such as
clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped
individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper.
Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed in
the same carton with linens or as extra items with lamp bases.
Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or otherwise
damage items. Steam irons should be emptied of all water,
wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box. Remove all
batteries from small appliances before packing.
►
Rugs: Leave rugs on the floor for
the moving company to handle. If they’ve just been returned from
the cleaners, leave them rolled.
► Clothing: Clothing left on hangers
and placed in wardrobe cartons used by moving companies will
arrive at destination wrinkle-free. You might want to purchase
several of these special cartons from your moving company. One
will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers.
If wardrobe cartons are not
used, each garment should be removed from its hanger, folded and
placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some
lightweight clothing—such as lingerie and sweaters—may be left in
bureau drawers.
Hats may be left in hatboxes
and placed in a large carton. Or, stuff the crown of each
hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the
outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the
heavier hats on the bottom. Don’t pack anything else with hats.
Label the carton “FRAGILE”.
►
Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large
Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases: All are easily
damaged. Glass might shatter, and marble slabs can crack at veins.
Paper never should be permitted to touch the surface of an oil
painting. It’s best to consult with your moving company about
custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind.
► Silver: Because air causes silver
to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely in
clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Holloware—including bowls, tea
sets and serving dishes—should be wrapped carefully as fragile
items and packed like china.
Loose flatware may be
wrapped either individually or in sets, and in clear plastic or
tissue. If silverware is in a chest, you still might want to wrap
the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill
in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper
towels. Wrap the chest with a large bath towel.
► Figurines & Other Delicate Items:
Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then,
wrap carefully in newsprint that has been crushed and flattened
out. Be sure the items are well protected with plenty of
cushioning.
Small mirrors, plaques and
pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath
towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and
padding for glass. Place items on edge in a carton.
Many moving companies use a
material called bubble pack (plastic with bubbles) for
exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely valuable as
well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you.
Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.
► Heat Sensitive Items: Do not pack
heat sensitive items if your shipment will be transported during
the summer. This includes decorative candles, computer diskettes,
videotapes, DVDs, compact discs, record albums and cassette tapes.
During hot weather, consider
these options for heat-sensitive items:
1. taking them with you as
you travel to your new destination,
2. selling or giving them away before moving,
3. or sending them by air freight to reduce transit time.
► For Moving Day: You might find it
helpful to reserve a carton for last-minute items to be packed on
moving day. Include such necessities as:
Soap, Toiletries, Towels,
Facial and Toilet Tissue
The same carton can serve as
an instant aid box for things you might need immediately upon
arrival at your new home, such as:
First Aid Kit, Instant
Coffee/Tea, Instant Soup Mixes, Light Bulbs, Paper plates and
cups, Plastic eating utensils, Plastic trash bags, Powdered
milk/creamer, Screwdriver and hammer, Snacks, Sugar, Small pan
or electric coffee pot for heating water.
Limiting cartons, when possible, to a
maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier.
