Local Houston Mover - All My Son's Packing Tips Lesson #2

I thought I'd give some more packing details that will only help you pack your belongings carefully. Whether you plan on moving these items yourself - or having a great local mover - like All My Sons Moving and Storage of Houston move your family - these tips will help you!

Now that you know you are relocating you can begin packing your kitchen first. Start with your rarely used serving dishes, seasonal items and minor appliances. Make sure you check all your cabinets and the dishwasher to make sure you have gotten everything.

Next, pack your large serving bowls and any specialty pots or pans. I recommend that you buy some disposable plates, cups, and utensils for those last couple of days in your home. The last thing you are going to pack in your kitchen is your food and any cleaning items. Below is some tips on how to pack certain things from your kitchen:

Dishes & China

Select a medium-sized carton (or a dish pack provided by your local mover) and line the bottom of the carton with 2 -3 inches of crushed packing paper for cushioning.

Have your packing paper stacked neatly either on a table or on the counter top, center one plate on the paper.

Grasp a corner of several sheets and pull the paper over the plate until the plate is completely covered.

Stack a second plate on the first and grasp another corner of several sheets and pull them over the second plate.

Stack a third plate. Grasp the remaining two corners and fold using two sheets, one corner at a time over the plate.

Turn the wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your paper. Re-wrap the entire bundle with a couple more sheets. Starting with one corner of packing paper and pulling the sheets over the bundle, cover the bundle with the next corner, then the third corner; and finally the fourth. Seal the bundle with packing tape(packing tape can be bought from your local mover).

Place the bundle of plates in the box (or dish pack) so that the plates are standing on edge. This will allow you to utilize their own maximum structural strength. Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no voids or unfilled spaces.

Add 2 - 3 inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next layer.

Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls should make up a second layer.

Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.

Once you have finished filling the box add 2 - 3 inches of crushed paper on top and seal the top with tape.

I always recommend that you pack your delicate china and glassware in dish packs which you can purchase from your local All My Sons. These boxes are specifically designed for your dishes and are double corrugated for more protection. Make sure you label these boxes "Fragile - or This Side Up".

Glasses / Cups / Stemware

Before wrapping any of the glasses, cups or stemware, fill the inside of the glass or cup with crushed paper.

Lay the glass, cup or stemware on the corner of your packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size).

Pull the two side corners of the paper up and over the glass one at a time and tuck the corners inside the top of the glass, cup, or stemware and continue rolling to the far corner.

Place cups in a vertical position, lips down (Not on their sides), near the top of the box. Do not stack heavy items on top of the cups.

Remember, as you pack each layer of a box, use crushed packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever there is a gap. All boxes that contain fragile items should be marked Fragile.

Bowls and Odd-shaped Items

Depending on their weight, these might be used for either the bottom or middle layers.

Wrap the same way as flat plates. Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the moving carton and deeper ones (such as mixing bowls) can be placed two or three together, upside down and on their rims.

Wrap sugar-bowl lids in newsprint, turning them upside down on top of bowls. Then wrap both together in newsprint, followed by a double outer layer.

Wrap sauce containers, gravy boats and similar pieces in newsprint and then a double outer wrapping.

Place all these items upright in the moving carton, then top off the layer with 2 - 3 inches of crushed newsprint to protect the items and make a level base for the next layer

Flatware / Silverware

Loose flatware should be wrapped individually or in sets, in paper, clear plastic bags, or in small boxes that are then secured with tape.

Remember, air causes silver to tarnish so make sure all silver pieces are enclosed completely in clean newsprint and then placed in plastic bags or plastic wrap.

If you have silverware that is in a chest, consider wrapping each piece individually and repositioning them in the chest, or fill all voids in the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting while moving. The chest can then be wrapped in a blanket when the movers come to prevent any damages to the chest.

If you are traveling long distance or if your goods are going into storage for a long period of time I recommend that you wrap each piece in cloth or low-sulfur-content paper(ask your local mover) to prevent tarnishing over time.

Small Appliances

Use the original manufacturer's carton if available; if it is not available, follow instructions below.
Remove any loose items from inside any appliances like microwave ovens, such as cookware, glass shelves and carousels.

Wrap loose articles and place in a separate container.

Each appliance needs to be wrapped individually.

Tape any doors or movable objects shut.

Place tape in an "X"-pattern to protect any glass on the doors.

If their cords disconnect, wrap them in plastic and secure them to the appliance they belong to. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or damage items while moving.

Place the items in a sturdy medium sized box cushioned with crushed paper with the heavier items in the bottom.

Have an authorized serviceman prepare all large appliances (refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, etc.) for moving. * Be sure to prepare major appliances (defrosting them, cleaning them and drying them as needed) before your local movers arrive.

Food Items
Do not take anything perishable. In other words either use or donate all your perishables before moving.
Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a larger carton.

Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape.

Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape.

Dispose of any open packages and or opened glass jars to prevent breakage or spillage during your move.

Do not risk moving food products during the summer. The inside of a moving van (especially in Florida, Nevada & Arizona) can reach 155 degrees causing food to either spoil or explode.
In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing.

Canned goods and other non-frozen foods should be packed upright in small boxes (1.5 cu. ft. book boxes) with no more than 24 to 30 cans per carton.
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