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In choosing to
do your own packing, you've accepted a major responsibility and challenge. A
challenge that, when met properly, can save you money on the total cost of
your move. The packing tips provided here are tried-and-true suggestions
made by experienced packers to minimize shifting of household goods in
transit: shifting may cause damage during the move.
Please take the time to review this page carefully. It could save you a lot
of energy, time and frustration. As with any mover, Atlas has the right to
inspect packed-by-owner (PBO) items to make sure packing is adequate to
protect your goods during transit. If, in the mover's judgment, a container
is packed improperly, the carrier may ask the customer to repack it; or, the
carrier representative may choose to repack the container and charge you for
the service. If any PBO container is damaged in transit, mover's liability
may be affected.
Let your Atlas representative help you. As a professional in the field, our
Atlas representative can give you suggestions on proper selection of packing
materials and containers and can provide helpful hints for protecting your
goods. Customer involvement leads to customer satisfaction. Letting Atlas
help you makes for a successful move.
Selecting Your Packing Material (top)
When selecting packing material for your goods, use only strong, corrugated
cartons with tops. Boxes, wrapping paper and tissue paper are available from
different sources. For a fee, your local Atlas agency can supply the best
quality materials and specially made cartons for all household goods
including mattresses, clothing and mirrors. The added protection of
mover-provided cartons may help avoid damage that results from use of poorer
quality packing materials.
An alternate, cost-saving approach is to collect boxes discarded by your
grocery store. Be careful when choosing used boxes. It's not uncommon to
find insects and other pests in them. Also save old newspapers for packing
material, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other
items.
Other packing supplies you may need include:
Plastic bags and labels for parts storage and identification.
Foam peanuts, styrofoam pellets or "popcorn" for added protection.
Tissue and kraft paper.
Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
Heavy-duty packaging tape (1-1/2 to 2 inches wide) for sealing cartons.
Atlas does not recommend using duct tape or masking tape.
Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
Scissors and/or a sharp knife.
The Work Area And More (top)
After you collect your materials, select a work area of sufficient space to
handle various size cartons. A strong table with a protective cover will
save you time and frustration during the packing process. (We suggest you
not use your good dining room table.) Keep your marking pens, tape and
scissors conveniently nearby. Spread a neatly stacked, generous amount of
packing paper flat on your table.
You're almost ready. Only a few more suggestions.
Pack one room at a time. It will help when the time to unpack arrives.
Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move, and watch
how easy packing becomes.
Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Your carton identification
log should show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of
cartons packed. (Your Atlas driver will provide an official inventory during
loading.) You may want to leave space in your log for a "special comments"
section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. (Please
notify your mover of any high value items. You may want the mover to pack
these items.)
Be sure to have plenty of "filling" material available. When in doubt, use
more rather than less.
Take extra care to make sure the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will
hold the weight of the contents.
Always pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items
toward the top. Try to maintain a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it
makes moving much easier.
A general rule on carton size — the heavier the item, the smaller the
carton.
Packing Methods (top)
Having selected the room to pack first and having prepared the work area and
table, you are now ready to begin packing. Here are some basic
recommendations for packing various items. More "tips" can be found in the
"Specialized Packing Tips" section of this page.
Dishware
Select a medium-sized carton (or a mover-provided dishpack) and line the
bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
With packing paper stacked neatly in place on the work table, center one
plate on the paper. Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and
pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover plate.
Stack second plate on first and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and
pull sheets over the second plate.
Stack third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each
corner (one at a time) over plate.
Turn wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your paper.
Re-wrap entire bundle: Start with one corner of packing paper and pull two
sheets over the bundle; cover bundle with next corner, then the third
corner; and finally, the fourth. (Non-fragile plates may be packed 5 or 6 to
a bundle.)
Seal bundle with packing tape.
Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-sized box (or dishpack) so that the
plates are standing on edge. Use this technique on all saucers, bread and
butter dishes and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may
choose to stack in greater quantity.
Cups
With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight
inches from one of the corners.
Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup.
Then nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup
should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cups).
Pull your two side corners up and over one at a time and tuck corners inside
the top cup.
Hold bottom and top cups in position and roll cups to the remaining corner.
Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
Place cups in a vertical position, lips down, near the top of your box. Do
not stack heavy items on top of cups.
More delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique
glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a
time.
Glasses and Stemware
Glasses and stemware should be stuffed with crumpled tissue or packing paper
before wrapping.
Lay glass or stemware on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two
full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over
glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper
rolls may be used for added protection.
Glasses and stemware should be placed toward the top of your box. Heavier
items (dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the
box. Very delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in a vertical
position, lips down, not on their sides.
As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper to assure a snug
fit wherever there's a gap. All boxes that contain "fragile" items should be
so marked.
Specialized Packing Tips (top)
The remaining section of this page suggests how individual household items
can be better prepared for moving. When wrapping items with packing paper,
remember that the methods for packing dishware, cups, glassware and stemware
are fundamental and have similar applications to many other household items.
Appliances and Utensils — Wrap and place small appliances and utensils in
sturdy cartons with heavier items on the bottom. Have an authorized
serviceman prepare all large appliances (refrigerator, stove, freezer,
washer, dryer, etc.) for moving. Be sure to defrost, clean and dry
applicable appliances before movers arrive.
Barbeque Grills and Propane Tanks — Wrap grates and briquets separately in
newspaper (or place all briquets into a grocery bag) and place parts in
carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks
will not be accepted even if they have been "purged" by an authorized gas
grill distributor.
Bedding — Fold and pack all pillowcases, sheets and towels in clean,
medium-sized, 3 cu. ft. cartons; and blankets, quilts and comforters in
large, 4.5 cu. ft. cartons. Most beds will be dismantled by Atlas and set up
in your new home. When requested, mattresses will be placed in special
cartons by the mover. You can help protect mattresses by covering them with
old sheets or mattress covers.
Books — Pack on edge in small, 1.5 cu. ft. cartons. Alternate bindings.
Don't overload cartons. (A good rule of thumb is to limit individual carton
weight to 50 pounds.)
Bureau Drawers — Don't overload. Too heavy a load in drawers can cause
damage to bureau during move. Remove valuables and any items that might
break or leak.
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Foods — Pack upright in a 1.5 cu. ft.
carton with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don't attempt to move
perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in
small cartons.
Cars and Motorcycles — Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should
be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be
disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against
severe cold in winter.
China and Glassware — Atlas recommends that you pack your delicate china and
glassware in mover-provided dishpacks. Glassware and china cups should be
stuffed with tissue. Don't nest unwrapped glasses. Pack plates, platters and
saucers on edges, not flat, and layer with padding between each layer as
well as on the top and bottom of the carton (label these boxes "Fragile").
Clocks — Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks
should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.
Clothing — Place clothes on hangers in wardrobe cartons (available from your
Atlas agency). Fold and pack other clothing in clean cartons.
Drapes and Curtains — Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or
pack, folded, in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in
cartons or bureau drawers.
Firearms — All handguns and ammunition must be transported by the customer.
Other unloaded firearms bearing legible serial numbers must be registered
with your Atlas representative before the move.
Flammables and Combustibles — Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be
packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even
explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these
items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover,
will be held liable.
Frozen Foods and Plants — Because of the delicate and perishable nature of
these items, movers are prohibited from accepting these packed items when
your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will
not be accomplished within 24 hours from the time of loading. Frozen food
shipped within these guidelines should be packed in a cooler with dry ice,
not in your freezer. Transporting freezers containing frozen food could
crack the liners, shelves, or baskets. Please consult with your Atlas
representative for further advice about moving these items.
Lamps and Lampshades — Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack
lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean,
tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing
paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in
tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue-lined cartons.
Linens — Fold neatly and place in clean cartons or in bureau drawers. (Don't
overload.)
Medicines — Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small
cartons. Some prescription drugs, such as insulin, lose their potency if
exposed to heat. Check with your pharmacist before transporting with your
shipment. Atlas recommends that you carry all medications with you.
Microwave Ovens — Remove all loose articles inside the oven, such as
cookware, glass shelves and carousels. Wrap loose articles and place in a
separate container. Tape the door shut with an "X"-pattern over door and
glass to protect the glass. Use the original manufacturer's carton if
available. When the original carton is not available, follow instructions
for packing "Personal Computers and Diskettes" below.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures — Tell your Atlas representative about
valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings
and frames in unprinted newspaper or paper pads (available from your Atlas
agency) and place on edge in cartons or mirror cartons. Never place printed
newspaper directly against paintings. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be
taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons.
Personal Computers and Diskettes — Pack computer equipment in original
cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place
protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Be sure your hard drive is
"parked" and ready for transport (newer models may not require "parking").
Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its
carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer. Wrap
cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away
from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place
cords between the padded computer and the carton.
Computer diskettes can be wrapped in tissue paper and placed in a small
carton. Do not pack any magnetized items such as radios, batteries, computer
equipment, etc. with your diskettes. It could erase your data.
If you choose to include them with your shipment, Atlas recommends that you
make a back-up copy of the diskettes containing important information to
hand-carry to your destination. The inside of a trailer gets very warm,
especially in the summer. Since diskettes are heat sensitive, shipping them
is at your own risk.
Phonographs and Compact Disc Players — Use original cartons and packing
materials when available. Secure changer and tonearm of phonograph. Tighten
down screws (located on the top of turntable) to stabilize platter. Wrap
dust cover in soft tissue or pad with old linen to protect against surface
scratches. Wrap unit with an old blanket and place upright in carton. Label
box "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP." To stabilize the laser on a compact disc
player, replace the transport screws (normally located on the bottom of the
unit). Refer to your owner's manual for further information.
Records, Tapes and CDs — Layer the bottom of a small carton with shredded or
crushed paper. Records without sleeves should be wrapped with tissue paper
or plastic wrap to prevent scratching. Pack records and CDs on edge (do not
lay flat). Brace at both ends using a hardback book or layer pieces of
cardboard to provide a snug fit. Cassette tapes should be in their
protective cases. If not, wrap individual tapes in paper. Place either
vertically or horizontally on layers of shredded or crushed paper. Fill in
with paper as needed. Mark box "FRAGILE".
Rugs — Leave large rugs to be rolled up by movers.
Silverware — Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulphur content paper
(available from your Atlas agency) to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket
or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.
Tools and Lawn Equipment — Drain oil and fuel from power tools such as leaf
blowers, trimmers and chain saws (do not ship flammables under any
circumstances). Pack hand tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if
valuable.
Video Tapes — Place videos on edge in a small carton. When stacking, layer
with paper in between to protect from scratching. Fill in around edges with
crumpled paper to secure.
Waterbed Mattresses — Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping
internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a
time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles.
Consult your owner's manual for special instructions concerning the care and
transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with
sharp or pointed objects. For further information, request a copy of "How To
Move Your Waterbed."
Materials That Can Be Purchased
From Your Atlas Agent (top)
Cartons
1.5 cube (small)
For heavier items like books, files, magazines, photo albums, canned goods,
grain products, hand tools and other sturdy items.
3 cube (medium)
For small lamp shades, small kitchen appliances (such as toaster, coffee
maker, can opener or iron), pots and pans, shoes, hats or small breakables.
4.5 cube (large)
For medium lamp shades, and small or medium kitchen appliances (such as
upright mixer or a wok).
6 cube (extra large)
For large lampshades or items that are too big to fit in 4.5 cube cartons.
Dishpack (china barrel)
For dinner place settings, stemware, crystal or glassware, figurines, table
lamps, vases, small pictures, mirrors or glass shelves.
Mirror (2 or 4 section)
For pictures, artwork, glass table tops (less than 7 sq. ft.), dresser
mirrors or other high value items.
Upright Wardrobe
For garments or floor-to-ceiling drapes.
Mattress
For crib, twin, double and queen/king mattresses.
Miscellaneous
For pole lamps, golf clubs, fishing rods, rifles or shotguns.
Materials Guide
Corrugated or Interleaved Sheets
For placing between dishes, saucers or other flat items. Can be used to
construct cylinders for delicate items.
Tissue Paper
For stuffing fragile cups and goblets, and wrapping delicate figurines or
artificial flower arrangements.
Non-tarnish Paper
For silverware, brass and pewter items.
Brown Kraft Paper
For large items such as pictures, mirrors or lamp bases.
Cushioned Paper
For easily scratched items.
Wax Paper
For oil paintings.
Bubble Pack or Foam Peanuts
For high value porcelain figures, model ships or large crystal carvings.
After you collect your materials, select a work area of sufficient space to
handle various size cartons. A strong table with a protective cover will
save you time and frustration during the packing process.
Some items around your house require special packing methods. Find tips for
specific items in the "Specialized Packing Tips" section on this page.
