Packing Guidelines

	Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the things you'll need until moving day.


	Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, items not recommended for inclusion in your shipment and anything that would puncture or damage other items.

	Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with pots and pans, for example.

	Keep all parts or pairs together. Examples are curtain rods, mirror bolts and other small hardware items. Place in plastic bags and tape or tie securely attaching to article they belong to.

	Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.

	Wrap items individually in clean paper, use tissue paper, towels or even facial tissue for delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good outer wrapping

	Place a two or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a carton for cushioning

	Build up in layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and the lightest items on top.

	As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets of cardboard cut from cartons as dividers.

	Cushion well with crushed paper, towels or lightweight blankets also may be used for padding. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure no sharp points, edges or rims are left uncovered.

	Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.

	Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting; the cover should close easily without force, but should not bend inward.

	Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items listed on Allstate Moving's High Value Inventory List. These must be left open for van operator's inspection.

	As you finish each carton, list the contents on the side of box (for easy viewing while boxes are stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number or code the cartons as well.

	Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly and assist you with having organized unpacking. Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination.
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