Movers Guide: 3

Free Boxing Lessons

Here are some tips on packing to remember before you slip your moving gloves on.

• Pack breakables loosely with plenty of cushion material. (Bubble pack is good for such items as lamps and small statues.)

• Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes that won't be too heavy.

• Save old newspapers for padding not only inside your boxes and around glass, but around table and chair legs.

• Use pillows, cushions, towels, older linens, and even T-shirts, socks and other cotton clothing for padding.

• Use the smallest boxes for up to 30 lbs. of books. Pack them flat, and alternate the bindings so they'll pack more evenly.

• Pack record albums upright and cushion them with newspaper. Keep album boxes below 30 lbs., too.

• Whenever possible, pack small appliances and electronic equipment (computers, camcorders, VCRs) in the boxes they came in, and tape them securely closed.

• Mark your boxes clearly by room, so you'll know immediately where to put them in your new home.

• Mark "FRAGILE" on all boxes containing glassware, china or other delicate breakables. Draw arrows pointing up the sides to the top. And be sure to stack these boxes on top.

Tips about packing the big things

Beds: Mark the pieces so they're easy to reassemble. Bed frames should be tied together with tape or rope.

Bureaus: Fill the drawers with clothes or wrapped items such as picture frames, small clocks, calculators, etc. Cover the entire bureau with a blanket or pad and rope it securely. Don't tape the drawers shut-tape could damage the finish.

Tables: Cover with pads to protect the finish. If possible, remove the legs and wrap the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag tied to a leg.

Washing Machines: Fill interiors with stuffed animals, towels or other linens to keep the tub from rotating during travel.

Refrigerators: Secure all drawers, ice containers, and other parts which might come loose or break during transport. Pad any exposed coils to protect them during the move.

Tips about packing the awkward things

Many of these hard-to-handle items require special preparation before moving day.

Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep oil and grease off other items.

Mirrors: Wrap small mirrors in newspaper and pack them in boxes. Cover wall mirrors, large paintings and other artwork with cardboard, tape securely, and stand them along the sides of the truck or if they fit, inside wardrobe boxes.

Lawn Furniture: If these pieces are too heavy or bulky to move intact, disassemble, put nuts and bolts in a plastic bag, tape to a furniture piece, and tie the pieces together.

Rugs: Roll up carpets and throw rugs with rope or tape.

Valuables: Keep your valuables with you throughout your move.

Power Tools/Tool Chests: Make sure all sharp edges or attachments are taped together and wrapped to prevent injury. Power tools should be packed with plenty of cushioning, and tool chests should be taped or tied securely.

Garden Tools: Pack small tools in boxes along with hoses. Tape long-handled tools together. lawnmowers, yard edger's: Empty gasoline from all tanks and check for oil leaks.

Garage/Attic: Use medium-sized boxes for such items as spray paints, paint brushes, car waxes, unopened motor oil cans, fertilizers, insecticides, etc.

Do not take oil rags: Dispose of them to avoid spontaneous combustion. Empty all gasoline cans, air them out then recap tightly. Be sure nothing you move can release dangerous fumes which can taint your other belongings - or cause a fire.

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