All specialized packing materials can be purchased for free delivery within 15 miles through First-Rate Moving

  • Strong packing boxes of various sizes
  • Bubble wrap or ink-free packing paper for packing fragile items
  • Knife for opening boxes Several broad-tip markers to label boxes Rolls of packing tape

General Packing Guide and Tips

  • Get more boxes than you think you will need.
  • Pack books and heavy items in smaller boxes, bigger boxes for toys and lighter items.
  • Pack room-by-room, keeping similar items together.
  • Reinforce the bottom of boxes with at least 2 strips of packing tape over the seams.
  • Pack boxes completely to prevent contents from shaking around within the box.
  • Use crumpled paper for padding at the bottom and top of the box.
  • Seal boxes tightly with tape.
  • Pack records and CDs vertically in boxes. Don’t stack them flat.
  • Place heavier items in the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Dresser and bureau drawers should be emptied and boxed prior to move day.
  • Remove lids from jars and ceramics and wrap each breakable separately.
  • Seal any opened boxes and bottles before packing them to avoid spills and leakage
  • Use towels, linens, curtains, etc. to pad boxes of fragile items.
  • Clearly mark these boxes “FRAGILE.”
  • If disassembling furniture, etc. put the hardware into a plastic bag along with assembly instructions and tape it onto the item itself.
  • First-Rate will be prepared to and includes disassembly & reassembly of all common furniture on move day.
  • Piece by Piece will provide wardrobe cartons to transport hanging clothes on move day at your request
  • Make a master inventory of all household items and your belongings.
  • Number boxes when they are packed and sealed. Clearly indicate on the box its room destination.
  • Make a box of ESSENTIALS and label it “Open Me First.” Put this box to the side to be loaded last (so it’s unloaded first) or move it yourself. Your Essential box will include: Basic tools such as flashlights, pocket knife, tape measure, and light bulbs Bathroom essentials such as a hand towel, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, and shower curtains. Kitchen items such as paper towels, coffeemaker and filters, paper plates, cups, utensils and trash bags
  • Remember not to pack or lose track of your checkbook, purse, or wallet.

ITEMS NOT TO PACK

  • Any aerosol can including, but not limited to: Hair spray, Shaving cream, Deodorants, Insecticides, Cleaning products, Spray starch, Spray paint.
  • Other flammable products: Oilbased paints, Gasoline, Kerosene, Tar remover, Matches, Ammunition, Paint thinners, Turpentine, Auto batteries, Lacquer remover, Bleach, Acids, Lighter fluid, Corrosives, Explosives, Nail polish remover, Lighters, Bottled gas.
  • Any ammunition, firearms, illegal substances, or anything that may cause harm to your shipment.