During Your Move

Moving Materials Checklist

The following checklist includes everything you need prior to packing:

Boxes (Small, Medium, Large)
Box Cutter
Bubble Wrap® Cushioning
Packaging Tape (With Built-In Dispenser)
Marking Pen
Labels (Color Coded)
Roll of Twine
Paper
Strapping Kit (Optional)
Stretch Wrap (Optional)

Are your packing materials sturdy enough to protect your belongings during your move? Here is a list of products that passed our quality test:

Click here to see where you can purchase these products!

Packing 101

Packing is an art. It requires care and attention to detail. Design your packing plan using the following helpful hints:

Use Colors to Your Advantage: Color-code each of the rooms in your current and new homes. Make a master list of these codes for easy reference. You and your movers will find moving easier with colors denoting the destination of each packed item. (eg. Living Room = Blue, Kitchen = Yellow)
Pack by Room: Pack one room at a time, color-coding and labeling each box with the description of its contents and destination. Use colored Duck® brand duct tape to label items and boxes so they can easily be distributed into their designated rooms. (eg. a box full of Kitchen goods should have a Yellow strip of tape on it)
Pack by Weight: Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. Remember to pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
Wrap with Care: Wrap fragile items in Bubble Wrap cushioning or packaging paper to protect them during the move. Avoid using print newspapers for cushioning - the ink is messy on your hands and your belongings.
Protect Your Valuables: Personally transport your photos, financial papers and assets, legal documents, valuables, jewelry and medical family history records. Don't risk loss or damage of these items.
Load with Care: Load lesser-needed items first. Place boxes containing the most fragile items on top of the boxes with sturdier items.

Packing Difficult Items

Ever wonder how to go about wrapping up a kitchen appliance or framed art for shipment? No worries-we have some helpful hints that will make packaging these items a breeze:

Small Appliances: Wrap appliances in packaging paper or Bubble Wrap cushioning. Place a layer of cushion in the bottom of the box for extra security. If your appliance has pieces that may fall off in transport, like a glass coffeepot, tape it on with removable Duck® brand duct tape or a low tack painter's tape.
Large Appliances: Check the owner's manual for special instructions before you begin to pack. Tape down any parts that could come loose, such as electrical cords. Wrap the appliance with furniture blankets and tie securely with twine or a strapping kit.
Electronic Equipment: If possible, pack electronic appliances in their original boxes with original packing. If you haven't saved these items, wrap the equipment in plastic bags and Bubble Wrap cushioning. Place them in a large box with plenty of extra cushion.
Furniture: If you take your furniture apart to make it easier to move, make sure you put all nuts, bolts, and screws in a small sealable bag and tape the bag to the furniture. Tape drawers shut where necessary. Wrap exposed legs in Bubble Wrap. Finally, wrap the item in a furniture blanket and tie it securely with twine or a strapping kit.
Kitchenware: Wrap breakable items in Kraft Paper or Bubble Wrap cushioning. Place Bubble Wrap sheets between each plate or bowl. Place in a box that is also well cushioned. Or, use a Dish Kit or Glass Kit to keep every item safe and in its place. Mark the boxes as "FRAGILE."
Mirrors and Framed Art: Tape an X of masking tape across mirrors and paintings framed with glass. Wrap each item in Bubble Wrap. Make sure you label the box "FRAGILE."

Unpacking the Right Way

Unpacking and getting settled into your new home can be the phase of moving that takes the longest, but can also be the most fun. When you start wading through the sea of boxes, there should be a method to your madness. The following are a few simple steps to make the unpacking process easier. And remember, you don't have to unpack everything right away!

Unpack one room at a time

Kitchen: Begin here so that you can have a snack to fuel your fire. Items that you don't need right away can be set aside to unpack at a later time when you can better plan the right setup. This is also a good time to line your cabinets and drawers with a shelf liner.
Bathroom: Get your toiletries out and make sure the toilet, faucets, etc. are operational and clean. A few things you should definitely have on hand already are a shower curtain, toilet paper and soap.
Bedrooms: Put major pieces of furniture in place before unpacking. Set up an organized closet next. The person whose room it will be should make the area feel comfortable and personal to them. If you don't have time to set up the bedrooms before the first night, have a family campout instead!
Living Room: Check out your home's wiring before unpacking this room. The entertainment center will have to be in close proximity with the cable outlet. Put furniture in place and hook up electronics.
Garage: Creating an organized garage can be a daunting task. Start by setting up shelves and hooks for placement of tools, yard supplies, etc.

More Helpful Hints: Purchase a surge protector for your computer or entertainment equipment.

Don't forget to collapse boxes for storage or recycling.