Moving Tips

Selecting Your Packing Material
When selecting packing material for your goods, remember:

Use only strong, corrugated cartons with tops or flaps that fold shut.
Collecting boxes discarded by your local grocery store can save you money.
Make sure boxes are clean of insects and other pests.
Save old newspapers for packing material, but be careful - the ink may rub off and stain certain items. Your Atlas Agent can provide, for a fee, specially made cartons for all your household goods, including mattresses, clothing and mirrors. The added protection of these cartons may help you avoid damage resulting from poor quality packing material.

Other packing supplies you may need to include:

Plastic bags and labels for parts storage and identification.
Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or "popcorn" for added protection.
Tissue and kraft paper.
Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
Heavy-duty packaging tape (1-1/2 to 2 inches wide) for sealing cartons.
Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
A notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
Scissors and/or a sharp knife.

Before Packing
After you collect your materials, select a work area that is large enough to handle various sizes of cartons. Also, choose a strong table with a protective cover as your work surface. (We recommend that you do not use your good dining room table.) Keep your marking pens, tape and scissors nearby. Spread a neatly stacked, generous amount of packing paper flat on your table.

You're almost ready. Here are a few more suggestions before getting started.

Pack one room at a time; it will help when the time comes to unpack.
Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
Mark all boxes with room and box number.
Keep a carton identification log that shows the number of boxes packed per room and the total number of cartons packed. • Leave space in your log for a "special comments" section to note carton conditions or the location of high-value goods.
Be sure to have plenty of "filling" material available; when in doubt, use more.
Take extra care to make sure the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
Always pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try not to exceed a weight of 50 pounds per box; it makes moving them a lot easier.
Remember - the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

Packing Methods
Once you have prepared your work area and selected a room, you can begin packing. Here are some basic recommendations for packing various items.

Dishware

Select a medium-sized carton (or a mover-provided dishpack) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
With packing paper stacked neatly in place on the work table, center one plate on the paper. Grasp a corner of several sheets and pull the paper over the plate until the plate is completely covered.
Stack a second plate on the first and, moving clockwise, grasp another corner of several sheets and pull them over the second plate.
Stack a third plate. Grasp the remaining two corners and fold using two sheets, one corner at a time over the plate.
Turn the wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your paper.
Re-wrap the entire bundle. Start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle; cover the bundle with the next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth. (Non-fragile plates may be packed five or six to a bundle.)
Seal the bundle with packing tape.
Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-sized box (or dishpack) so that the plates are standing on edge.
Use this technique on all saucers, bread and butter dishes and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantities.

Cups

Position one cup 6 to 8 inches from one of the corners of your packing paper.
Pull the nearest corner of the paper up and over the cup.
Nest a second cup directly on top, with the handle to the left (the second cup should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cup).
Pull the two side corners up and over one at a time and tuck the corners inside the top cup.
Hold the bottom and top cups in position and roll the cups to the remaining corner. (Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.)
Place cups in a vertical position, lips down, near the top of the box. Do not stack heavy items on top of the cups. More delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time as well.

Glasses and Stemware

Before wrapping, stuff glassware and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper.
Lay glass or stemware on the corner of the packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull the sides of the packing paper up and over the glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls may be used for added protection.
Glasses and stemware should be placed toward the top of the box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom. Very delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in a vertical position, lips down - not on their sides.

As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever there is a gap. All boxes that contain fragile items should be marked "Fragile."

Specialized Packing Tips
The remaining section of this brochure suggests how individual household items can be better prepared for moving. Remember that the methods for packing dishware, cups, glassware and stemware are fundamental and have similar applications to many other household items.

Appliances and Utensils - Wrap and place small appliances and utensils in sturdy cartons with heavier items on the bottom. Have an authorized serviceman prepare all large appliances (refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, etc.) for moving. Be sure to prepare major appliances (defrost, clean and dry as needed) before the carrier's arrival.

Barbeque Grills and Propane Tanks - Wrap grates and briquettes separately in newspaper (or place all briquettes in a grocery bag) and place in a carton. Pad the carton with paper to reduce movement of the contents. Propane tanks will not be accepted - even if they have been "purged" by an authorized gas grill distributor.

Bedding - Fold and pack all pillowcases, sheets and towels in clean, medium-sized cartons. Pack blankets, quilts and comforters in large cartons. You can help protect mattresses by covering them with old sheets or mattress covers.

Books - Pack on edge in small cartons. Alternate bindings; however, don't overload cartons.

Bureau Drawers - Don't overload. Drawers that are overloaded can cause damage to the bureau during the move. Remove valuables and any items that might break or leak.

Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Foods - Pack upright in 1.5-cube cartons with no more than 24 to 30 cans per carton. Do not attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.

Cars and Motorcycles - Cars and motorcycles being shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold during the winter months.

China and Glassware - Glassware and china cups should be stuffed with tissue. Do not nest unwrapped glasses. Pack plates, platters and saucers on edges and layer with padding between each layer as well as on the top and bottom of the carton. Be sure to label these boxes "Fragile."

Clocks - Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by an expert serviceman.

Clothing - Place clothes on hangers in wardrobe cartons. Fold and pack other clothing in clean cartons.

Digital Video Disk (DVD) Players, Compact Disc (CD) Players and Phonographs - Use original packing materials when available. If original packing materials are not available, refer to the owner's manuals for further information. Wrap DVD players, CD players and phonographs with an old blanket and place them upright in the carton. To stabilize the laser on a CD player, replace the transport screws (normally located on the bottom of the unit). For phonographs, stabilize the platter to secure the changer and tone arm by tightening screws located on the top of the turntable. Label boxes "Fragile" and "This Side Up."

Drapes and Curtains - Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons or fold and pack in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods; fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.

DVDs, CDs, Software Discs, Records, Audio Cassette Tapes and Video Tapes - Layer the bottom of a small carton with shredded or crushed paper. Pack DVDs, CDs, software discs, records and audio cassettes in their protective sleeves or cases. If sleeves or cases are not available, wrap the items in tissue paper or plastic wrap to prevent scratching. Stand CDs, software discs and records on edge in cartons (do not lay flat). Brace at both ends using a hardback book or layer pieces of cardboard to provide a snug fit. Audio cassettes and video tapes may be packed vertically or horizontally on layers of shredded or crushed paper. Fill in with paper as needed. Be sure to mark the box "Fragile."

Flammables and Combustibles - Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak or even explode.

Frozen Foods and Plants - Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, carriers are prohibited from accepting these packed items unless the shipment is transported less than 150 miles and/or delivery will be accomplished within 24 hours of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines should be packed in a cooler with dry ice, not in a freezer.

Home Theater Systems, Plasma and Big-Screen TVs, Surround Sound Systems and Entertainment System Components - It is best to use the original packaging when available. Consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on your equipment.

Lamps and Lampshades - Remove bulbs, harps and shades and roll up the cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in a clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to the inside wall of the carton that contains the shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper, and place upright in large, tissue-lined cartons.

Linens - Fold neatly and place in clean cartons or in bureau drawers, but be careful not to overload.

Medicines - Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. Some prescription drugs, such as insulin, lose their potency if exposed to heat. Check with your pharmacist before transporting them with your shipment. Atlas, however, recommends that you carry all medications with you.

Memory Foam and Extra-Thick Mattresses - Memory foam mattresses should be packed, transported and stored laying flat. Do not stand them on end for more than a few minutes as that will cause the mattress layers to separate. The mattresses can be packed in special mattress cartons. Be sure to mark the mattress "Lay Flat - Memory Foam." Extra-thick mattresses can be packed in cartons that are specially made for mattresses thicker than 10 inches. Some king and queen mattresses have built-in hinges that can be folded temporarily for relocation.

Microwave Ovens - Remove all loose articles inside the oven, such as cookware, glass shelves and carousels. Wrap loose articles and place in a separate container. Tape the door shut in an "X"-pattern to protect the glass. Use the original manufacturer's carton if available; if it is not available, follow instructions below for packing "Personal Computers."

Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures - Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings and frames in unprinted newspaper or paper pads and place on edge in cartons or mirror cartons. Never place printed newspaper directly against paintings.

Personal Computers — Pack computer equipment — PCs, scanners, printers, etc. — in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Be sure your hard drive is "parked" and ready for transport (newer models may not require "parking"). Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in a carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer. Wrap cords separately, label them to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords also should be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer and the carton.

Silverware — Wrap each piece in cloth or low-sulfur-content paper to prevent tarnishing. Wrap the silver chest in an old blanket or moving pad to prevent scratching.

Tools and Lawn Equipment — Drain oil and fuel from power tools such as leaf blowers, trimmers and chain saws (do not ship flammables under any circumstances). Pack hand tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.

Waterbed Mattresses — Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping the internal baffle system with the external vinyl, fold the mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner's manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.