Gather all materials and supplies that you will need before you begin – boxes, tape and packing materials. This will save time and help you to stay organized.
USE THE CORRECT BOX:
Small: (1.5 cubic foot) for books, CDs, DVDs 16 ¾” x 12 ½” x 12 ½”
Medium: (3.0 cubic foot) for general use.
Large: (4.5 cubic foot) for general use, kitchen items, folded clothing and linens.
File: 15” x 12 ½” x 10 ½” –or- 17 1/2” x 12 5/8” x 12 3/8” these sizes will accommodate hanging files.
Dish Pack: 18” x 18” x 28”
Wardrobes: 24” x 20” x 47 3/8” each carton will accommodate 2’ of hanging clothes.
Electronics: (double walled box) 22 ½” x 21 ½” x 21 ½”
Mirror / Picture Pack: are multi-piece cartons that can accommodate pictures / mirrors up to 48” x 60”
DON’T OVERLOAD:
Boxes are rated in both burst and edge crush values. Most common boxes are of single wall construction. Below is a chart that lists maximum content weight in relationship to box ratings.
| Max Box Content weight in pounds | Min. Burst Test Rating (single wall box) (lbs. per sq. in.)* | Min. Edge Crush Rating (ECT) (lbs. per in. width) |
| 20 | 125 | 23 |
| 35 | 150 | 26 |
| 50 | 175 | 29 |
| 65 | 200 | 32 |
| 80 | 250 | 40 |
| 95 | 275 | 44 |
| 120 | 350 | 55 |
USE CARE:
Pack small fragile breakable items carefully wrapped in bubble wrap or foam wrap rather than packing paper. Dishes should be packed horizontally. Dish pack insert cell kits are recommended.
TAPE CLOSED:
Tape all boxes closed. Use two strips of overlapping tape on bottoms for extra strength.
LABEL BOXES:
Mark boxes according to the specific room they will go into at your new location. If you combine different weigh items in one box mark the box “This End Up.”
HANG CLOTHES:
Wardrobe boxes will save packing / unpacking time and prevent excessive wrinkles.
NO GARBAGE BAGS:
Garbage and lawn bags are an unsafe and difficult way to move items and clothing for obvious reasons. Most moving companies will not move items in bags because they are difficult to dolly and stack for transport.
