Packing Tips

General Moving Tips

• Stay away from the end of months (particularly June, July, and August) if possible. Movers are stretched beyond their limits at that time. If you must move at a month's end, make your moving arrangements 6-8 weeks prior to the moving date.
• Never plan to move in on your “closing” day. Sometimes there are delays in the closing or the former owners may be later moving out.
• Go through your home from top to bottom before the moving consultant comes to do their survey. Decide what is being moved and what will be sold or discarded. Make a list of items kept at another location including items loaned.
• If you are doing some/all of your own packing, arrange to get started well in advance of the move. Packing is much harder than most people expect.
• If you are doing some/all of your own packing, arrange to purchase cartons and other supplies from your Atlas representative. They are available at a nominal cost and are much stronger than discarded cartons from the grocery store.
• Dispose of all flammables such as cleaning fluids and aerosol cans. Your Atlas representative can provide you with a list of “non-admissible” items.
• Use up food from your freezer and pantry. Clean your freezer and refrigerator 24-48 hours prior to the move to give these appliances time to properly dry. Put a charcoal filter or baking soda fridge pack inside to keep the appliance fresh. Leave lids and doors open until they are dry.
• Make sure you have/or obtain a written appraisal for antiques, high-value artwork, etc. to verify their value prior to the move. Provide a copy to your Atlas moving consultant.
• Appliances like washers and items like grandfather clocks need special servicing before and after the move. Make arrangements with a licensed service person or ask your Atlas representative to make the arrangements for you.
• Movers do not remove items affixed to ceilings and walls. Remove drapery tracks, curtain rods, blinds, or other such items, before the packers/movers arrive.
• You can leave lightweight items in dresser drawers but do not put books, linens, or other heavy items in them. Be sure to remove valuables like jewelry and fragile items.

Furniture

• Wrap with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to furniture. Do not use tape directly on wood or painted surfaces.
• Remove legs from furniture if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to the underside of furniture.
• Coat fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches.
• Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking. Secure drawers from opening during transit.
• If you are moving a piano, consider hiring a specialist to pack and load it.

Electronics

• Whenever possible use original shipping boxes for computers, printers, and other electronic items. You might even consider double boxing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for moving when available.
• Immobilize moving parts and remove all detachable cables and wires. Color code or label wiring for easier reinstallation. Tape electrical cords to the back of the appliance to prevent plug damage and wrap each piece with bubble wrap.
• CDs and software do not survive high temperatures. If you are shipping your goods during the warmer seasons, consider keeping these items with you.

Major Appliances

• Clean and dry all appliances at least 24 hours before your move date. Consider using empty space in your appliances to move lightweight or crushable items.
• Remove the broiler pan and racks from your oven. Tape burners or coil elements to the top of your stove and tape down all knobs.
• Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses and store them inside the machine. Immobilize the tub with a brace or by placing towels between the tub and the sidewall.
• Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed.

Dishes and Glassware

• Wrap breakables in tissue paper and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in boxes.
• Pack plates on their edges. Consider using pot holders and dish towels to cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes.
• For greater protection, consider purchasing "dish packs" sold by packaging stores.
• Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper.

Lamps and Décor

• Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps. Pack in sturdy cartons labeled "fragile".
• Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. Pack flat items on
• their edges.
• For large mirrors or pictures, cover both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape.

Lawn and Garage Items

• Drain all gasoline and oil from lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and other equipment.
• Disconnect all batteries.
• Empty propane tanks from the BBQ grill and properly purge the hose. Secure the lid and immobilize moving parts.
• Strap long garden tools together into a bundle. Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper.