Packing and Unpacking

It makes no difference what type of move you are planning, good packing is always the key to a successful moving experience. Your moving coordinator can consult with you on just what planning and materials you’ll need to do the best packing job. We recommend you use only strong, corrugated cartons. We can supply you with specially made cartons, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor-quality packing materials. Old newspapers can be for used for packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items.

Here’s a list of packing supplies that will come in handy:

• Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.

• Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or “popcorn”.
• Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
• Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
• Gummed tape (1_ to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
• Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
• Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
• Scissors and/or sharp knife.

 

Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan. For example:

• Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.

• Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
• Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It’s a good idea to leave space in your log for special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
• Be sure to have plenty of “filling” material available.
• Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
• Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
• Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule to remember on carton size — the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

 SeaPort Moving & Storage
2501 SE Columbia Way Suite 110
Vancouver, WA 98661
360-993-5114
www.seaportmoving.com