Moving Tips

Packing Tips for Bedrooms and Bathrooms of Any Size

At Universal’s, we understand that moving can be challenging. To make your move easier, we have compiled some helpful packing tips for bedrooms, nurseries, and bathrooms in your residence. Whether you have a small or large space, these tips will assist you in packing efficiently. Remember, a well-packed move leads to a smoother unpacking process!

Let’s start with the basics. Begin by packing less frequently used guest rooms first. If you have children, involve them in the process by letting them choose their favorite toys and books to keep with them while packing the rest. Encourage them to have fun by placing colorful stickers on boxes to identify their personal belongings.

When it comes to clothing, leave hanging garments on hangers and place them in wardrobe cartons. If you are concerned about wrinkles, consider purchasing special cartons designed for this purpose from your moving company. Alternatively, you can remove each garment from its hanger, fold it neatly, and place it in suitcases or cartons lined with clean paper. Don’t forget about hats! Fill the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper, loosely wrap tissue around the outside, and place them in a carton lined with clean paper. Place the heavier hats at the bottom and label the carton as “FRAGILE.”

Valuables like fine jewelry should not be packed with your household goods. It’s best to keep them in your possession for maximum security. For other items that can be packed, tape toiletries securely and wrap them to prevent leakage before placing them in small cartons.

When it comes to bedding, linens, and towels, wrap your most cherished items in tissue paper and protect the rest by placing them in large plastic bags before packing them in cartons lined with clean paper. As for mattresses and pillows, use mattress cartons for added strength and cleanliness. Pillows can be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons.

For glass mirrors, use special mirror cartons for packing. Wardrobe cartons are ideal for transporting curtains and drapes. Folded draperies and curtains can also be packed in cartons lined with clean paper or wrapped in plastic wrap.

Lastly, leave your area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. Consider having them professionally cleaned before the move, so they are ready to be rolled up and transported. Remember, area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first to allow furniture to be placed directly on top of them.

By following these packing tips, you’ll be able to pack your bedroom, nursery, or bathroom like a professional. Your belongings will be secure and protected during transportation, ensuring a successful move.

Taking care of your dining room items during a move is crucial. Here are some essential tips to ensure the safe packing of your fragile china, crystal stemware, and other valuable possessions.

1. China & Glassware:

   • Wrap each piece of china and glassware individually using clean paper. Start from the corner and wrap diagonally, tucking in overlapping edges.
   • Provide ample paper padding and cushioning for all china and glassware items.
   • Use a double layer of newsprint as outer wrapping.
   • Label the cartons with the room name, contents, and “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP.”

2. Flat China & Flat Glassware:

   • Place cushioning material at the bottom of a carton.
   • Wrap each piece individually with clean paper, then bundle up to three items together using a double layer of newsprint.
   • Arrange these bundled items in a row on edge inside the carton.
   • Larger flat china and glass plates can form the lowest layer in a dish pack.
   • Surround each bundle with crushed paper, ensuring no voids or unfilled spaces.
   • Add two or three inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and create a level base for the next layer.
   • Horizontal cardboard dividers can help maintain level layers.
   • Smaller plates, saucers, and shallow bowls can form a second layer, following the same wrapping and packing method as larger items.

3. Cups:

   • If not using cellular dividers, wrap cups individually with a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer, with all handles facing the same direction.
   • Top off the layer with wadded newsprint.
   • Even when using a dish pack and cellular dividers, individually wrap china cups first and provide an extra layer of clean paper to protect the handles.
   • Pack cups upside down.

4. Silver & Flatware:

   • To prevent tarnishing, completely enclose silver pieces in newsprint or plastic wrap.
   • Wrap hollow ware, such as bowls, tea sets, and serving dishes, with care similar to fragile items and pack them like china.
   • Loose flatware can be wrapped individually or in sets using paper, clear plastic, or small gift boxes secured with tape.
   • Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping each piece individually and rearranging them in the chest. Fill any voids with newsprint to prevent shifting. Optionally, wrap the chest in a large bath towel.

5. Figurines, Curios, and Delicate Items:

   • Ensure these items are well-protected with sufficient cushioning.
   • Wrap them first in tissue paper, paper towels, or facial tissue, then carefully wrap with wadded and flattened paper.
   • Small mirrors, plaques, and pictures should be individually wrapped in tissue paper and covered with newsprint.
   • Use a bath towel or small blanket as outer wrapping and padding for glass.
   • Place flat items on edge inside a carton.

6. Fragile Items:

   • Consult your moving professional for packing exceptionally fragile items.
   • Items with values exceeding $100 per pound should be listed on your “High Value Inventory” form for appropriate valuation coverage.
   • For extremely valuable and delicate items, it may be wise to have them professionally packed using special materials for maximum protection.

7. Lamp Bases:

   • Remove the light bulb and lamp harp.
   • Wrap the base, harp, and bulb separately in newsprint, then place them together in a carton, filling any voids with wadded paper.

8. Lamp Shades:

   • Avoid using newspaper, as the ink may soil the shades. Instead, wrap each shade carefully in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase, or a large lightweight towel.
   • Use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger than the largest shade on all sides. Line the carton with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade as a protective layer (not around the shade).
   • Smaller shades can be nested inside larger ones if they don’t touch.
   • Only one silk shade should be placed per carton to prevent stretching the silk.
   • Do not pack other items with the shades.
   • Label the cartons as “LAMP SHADES – FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY.”

9. Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades:

   • It is best to have your moving professional crate large leaded or glass lamp shades or chandeliers.

10. Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases:

    • Consult your moving company for custom-made cartons and crates suitable for these items.
    • Ensure paper never touches the surface of an oil painting.

11. Table Leaves:

    • Transport table leaves in paper pads, taping them to secure the padding in place (avoid placing tape on the wood surface).
    • Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and damage the wood.

12. Draperies & Curtains:

    • Wardrobe cartons are ideal for moving curtains and drapes. Fold them lengthwise, place them over padded hangers, pin securely, and hang in the wardrobe.
    • Alternatively, fold draperies and curtains and pack them in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

13. Rugs:

    • Leave area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle.
    • Consider having area rugs professionally cleaned before the move, as they will be returned wrapped, rolled, and ready for shipping.
    • Load area rugs last and unload them first, allowing furniture to be placed directly on top.

14. Furniture:

    • Large upholstered items will be shrink-wrapped by the packing crew.
    • Consult your moving professional regarding leather items.
    • Protect table corners with cardboard.
    • Consider packing couch pillows in large boxes for convenience.

Our garage packing tips are designed to make the task of packing up your garage more manageable and efficient. Packing up a cluttered garage or storage room can be time-consuming and challenging, but with the following tips, you’ll be able to streamline the process:

1. Start by safely disposing of items that cannot be shipped, such as pesticides, fertilizers, oil, and gas. Refer to our list of Items That Cannot Be Shipped for guidance.

2. Group items of similar size or shape together. For example, bundle long-handled garden tools with pruning shears and securely fasten them.

3. Remove attachments from power tools and pack them separately. Hand tools can be left in toolboxes, filling any empty spaces with crushed paper. Alternatively, pack hand tools according to general packing rules.

4. When packing heavy tools, always use small cartons to prevent overloading and ensure safe handling.

5. Use old towels to wrap and tape any sharp-edged tools, providing an extra layer of protection.

6. Power tools must be drained of oil and gas before packing them.

7. Shovels, rakes, brooms, and similar items do not necessarily need to be packed individually. Instead, gather them together for your driver to bundle and pad.

8. For lawn and patio furniture, remove cushions and clean the frames. Pack the cushions in a large carton or a wardrobe box for added protection.

9. Safely wrap umbrellas in paper padding or a plastic bag, taping it shut to keep it clean and dry during transport. Do not pack the weighted umbrella stand.

10. Dispose of any unused charcoal before packing the grill. Remove the tank as it cannot be transported in the moving van.

11. Prior to moving day, dismantle any children’s swing sets, TV antennas, or garden sheds you plan to relocate. Place small hardware in a labeled plastic bag or an old coffee can.

12. Pack small ceramic or pottery planters individually, using plenty of cushioning to protect them. If you have large or unusual planters, consult your moving professional for proper packing guidance.

13. Assess the condition of your storage boxes. Discard boxes that are torn, falling apart, or cannot be properly sealed. This is especially important for items found in attics, crawl spaces, seasonal decorations, or old toys.

14. Consider purchasing new garbage cans at your destination to make the process easier. If you plan to take your current cans with you, ensure they are clean. If sealable or rollable, you can use them to pack lighter items, but avoid making them too heavy.

15. If you need to transport vehicles such as cars, mini-vans, pickup trucks, or boats, Universal can arrange for auto transport or onboard transportation in some cases. Ensure automobiles have no more than a quarter tank of fuel and check for any leaks. Boats should be drained of all fuel and oil in the motor.

16. Consult with your moving professional for specific packing guidance on items such as riding mowers, gas leaf blowers, snow blowers, motor scooters, mopeds, trampolines, above-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, satellite dishes, storage sheds, swing sets, jungle gyms, and dog houses or kennels.

We have expert tips to help you pack your home office efficiently and ensure the safety of sensitive documents, electronics, and computers during your relocation. Properly packing your home office is crucial to avoid misplacing files or damaging valuable items.

Universal’s home office packing tips are designed to break down your office into sections and provide guidelines for packing each item. With over a decade of experience in the moving and packing business, we offer our expertise to make your office packing process easier.

Universal’s Packing Tips for Your Home Office:

1. Personal Computer, Printer, Scanner, or Other Equipment

• Disconnect and label all wires and cables for easy assembly at your new location.
• Remove paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and additional hardware as you would for other home electronics.
• Take out toner and ink cartridges.
• Back up all your computer files on DVDs or other storage devices.
• Refer to your PC user manual for additional instructions and precautions.

2. Books

• Pack books of similar size together in small book cartons.
• Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton.
• Avoid packing them with the spine facing upward to prevent damage to the binder.
• For expensive or sentimental volumes, individually wrap them before packing.

3. Office Furniture

• If you have modular office furniture, dismantle it before the moving day.
• Use tape to mark where the pieces go together and keep the hardware, including drawer pulls, in one place, such as a plastic bag or coffee can.

Best Packing Tips for Your Home Office:

Following our home office packing tips will guide you through the process of boxing up your important belongings. When packed correctly, your home office items will arrive at your new location in the same condition they left. By implementing these tips, you can ensure that unpacking will be organized and seamless, allowing you to set up your new office space efficiently.

We understand that packing your living room can be a challenging task due to the variety of items it may contain, such as stereo equipment, books, lamps, and furniture. Our living room packing tips are designed to help you securely and appropriately pack each component of your living room.

In addition to the tips provided below, here are two more helpful hints:

1. Most pictures and mirrors can be wrapped and packed in telescoping mirror cartons.
2. Fragile or valuable fine art may require special crating and should be handled by your moving professional.

Packing Tips for the Living Room:

1. Stereo Equipment:

• For compact disc players, digital video disc players, and stereo turntables, follow these steps:
  • Secure the laser of compact and digital video disc players with transport screws located on the bottom or back of the unit.
  • Most turntables have a plastic lock to hold the tone arm in place. Additionally, tie a piece of string around the arm as a precaution.
  • Tighten the appropriate screws to secure the platter (where the records are placed) on top of the turntable.

2. Speakers:

• Pack speakers in well-cushioned dish packs.
• Large or unusually heavy speakers can be padded and placed directly on the moving truck.
• Servicing is generally not required prior to packing for tape deck, receiver, or speakers.

3. Television:

• Large televisions may need to be crated before the moving day. Inform your moving professional if you have a big screen or plasma television.
• Call your local cable company to discontinue your service. Return any converter box and keep the receipt for future reference. Contact your cable company at your new home to order service.
• When choosing a location for your TV in your new home, place it on a hard surface at least six feet from your normal viewing position. Ensure proper ventilation if placing it in an enclosed space.

4. DVD or VCR Players:

• No special servicing is required to move a DVD or VCR player. When installing at your new location, place it on a hard surface, provide appropriate ventilation, and avoid placing objects on top.

5. Satellite Dish:

• Contact an electrician or technician from a satellite dish distributorship for the disconnection and disassembly of this sensitive equipment. Your moving professional can provide crating if necessary.

6. DVDs, Compact Discs, Tapes, and Records:

• Stand DVDs, compact discs, and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support them at both ends with large, hardcover books or cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Label the box “FRAGILE.”
• Place cassette tapes in their cases and wrap them individually in crumpled paper. Stack them vertically or horizontally on layers of crushed paper.
• If records are not in jackets, individually wrap them in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect against scratches. Pack records in small cartons due to their weight.

7. Books:

• Pack books of similar size together in small book cartons.
• Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Avoid packing with the spine facing upward to prevent damage to the binder.
• Expensively bound volumes or those with sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing.

8. Photographs:

• Pack family photographs, videos, slides, and negatives in separate cartons, not combined with other household items.
• Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, placing them on edge in a carton. Label the cartons for easy identification.
• If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to your new location.

9. Silk or Artificial Flowers:

• Pack artificial flower arrangements in a separate carton. Wrap them carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper, or paper towels. Fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the carton, if possible. Label the carton “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP.”

10. Lamp Bases:

• After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp, and bulb separately in newsprint. Place them together in a carton, filling any empty space with wadded paper.

11. Lamp Shades:

• Avoid wrapping lamp shades in newspaper as the ink may soil the shade. Instead, wrap each shade in tissue paper, a pillowcase, or a large lightweight towel.
• Use a sturdy carton that is at least two inches larger than the largest shade. Line the carton with clean paper, placing crushed paper under the lamp shade for protection. A smaller shade can be nested inside a larger one if they do not touch. Only one silk shade should be placed in a carton to prevent stretching the silk.
• Do not pack other items with lamp shades. Label the cartons “LAMP SHADES – FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY.”

12. Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades:

• It is advisable to have your moving professional crate large leaded or glass lamp shades or chandeliers.

13. Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases:

• Consult your moving professional for custom-made cartons and crates suitable for these items. Ensure that paper does not touch the surface of an oil painting.

14. Rugs:

• Leave area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle.
• Consider having your area rugs professionally cleaned before the move. They will be returned wrapped, rolled, and ready for shipping.
• Load area rugs last and unload them first, allowing furniture to be placed directly on top of the rug.

15. TV Stand/Stereo Cabinet:

• If possible, remove glass doors and pack them in a mirror carton.

16. Furniture:

• Large upholstered items will be shrink-wrapped by your moving professional.
• Discuss leather items with your moving professional in advance.
• Protect table corners with cardboard.
• Consider packing couch pillows in large boxes.

17. Piano:

• Moving a grand or baby grand piano should be handled by a qualified service provider who will take care of the preparations.
• Upright pianos (spinet, console, studio) generally do not require advance preparation.
• All pianos are pad-wrapped to protect the surface. Plan to have your piano tuned at your new location.

18. Pool Table:

• Disassembly and crating of your pool table should be arranged with a third-party service. Contact the store where the pool table was purchased for assistance if possible.
• Crating may be necessary for slate tables. Make arrangements at your new location to have the pool table uncrated, reassembled, and leveled.

Using these packing tips for your living room will help you ensure the safe handling of your belongings, whether you pack them yourself or rely on professional assistance. At Universal, we believe that all your possessions deserve the same care and attention.

Packing Tips for the Kitchen:

1. Food Items:

• Consume or discard all perishable food before moving.
• Dispose of cleaning products and kitchen chemicals safely according to local regulations.
• Boxed or canned goods should be packed in small boxes.
• Discard any open packages and wrap glass jars to prevent breakage.

2. China & Glassware:

• Wrap each piece of china and glassware individually.
• Use clean paper to wrap diagonally, tucking in overlapping edges.
• Provide ample padding and cushioning for fragile items.
• Label cartons with the room, contents, and “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP.”

3. Flat China & Flat Glassware:

• Use larger china and glass plates, platters, and flat pieces as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
• Place cushioning material in the bottom of the carton.
• Individually wrap each piece with clean paper and bundle up to three items together with newsprint.
• Place bundled items in the carton on edge, surrounded by crushed paper to prevent shifting.

4. Bowls and Odd-shaped Items:

• Depending on their weight, these items can be used in the bottom or middle layers.
• Wrap the same way as flat plates.
• Stand shallow bowls on edge in the carton and nest deeper bowls upside down on their rims.
• Wrap lids and similar pieces separately and place them upright in the carton.

5. Pots & Pans:

• Wrap pots, pans, and similar items individually.
• Pack them in medium-sized cartons, considering their weight.

6. Cups:

• Wrap china cups individually, protecting handles with extra paper.
• Pack cups upside down, either in a dish pack with cellular dividers or in a row on an upper layer.
• Top off the layer with wadded newsprint.

7. Silver & Flatware:

• Completely enclose silver pieces in newsprint or plastic wrap to prevent tarnishing.
• Wrap hollow ware items carefully like fragile items and pack them like china.
• Wrap loose flatware individually or in sets and secure them with tape.
• Consider wrapping silverware individually if it’s in a chest, or fill voids in the chest with newsprint.

8. Figurines and Other Delicate Items:

• Provide ample cushioning with tissue paper, paper towels, or facial tissue.
• Wrap items in paper and flatten it out for extra protection.
• Wrap small mirrors, plaques, and pictures individually in tissue paper and newsprint.
• Place items on edge in a carton and use a bath towel or small blanket as outer wrapping.

9. Small Appliances:

• Wrap clocks, small radios, and other small appliances individually.
• Pack them in a carton cushioned with crushed paper.
• If cords disconnect, wrap them in plastic and secure them to the respective appliance.
• Ensure cords are wrapped to prevent scratching or damage.

10. Cookbooks:

• Pack cookbooks of similar size together in small book cartons.
• Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton.
• Avoid packing with the spine facing upward to prevent damage to the binder.