Doing Your Own Packing Supplies

Sturdy Boxes or bins that can be stacked – watch out for bins with cracks or boxes that have been damaged.  Damaged boxes or bins can lead to crushed items.

Tissue paper, bubble wrap, paper towels – if using recycled packing materials, make sure it is clean.

Newspapers  – ONLY use newspapers after the items have been wrapped with plain paper, bubble or tissue wrap. Newsprint has been known to permanently stain many items including china. Be sure to wash your hands frequently to prevent smudging ink on other items that you are packing.

Scissors and/or box knife – do not use a kitchen knife because most are too thin and can break.

Notebook with pen or pencil - to catalog each box and its contents as you pack.

Easy to see white labels to stick on the boxes – tip: label them with the room they should go in when they get to your new home. This will help the moving crew put them in the right place for you and make your move go a lot quicker.

Thick black permanent marker – (like a Sharpie) can also be used to mark boxes clearly.

Rolls of Packing Tape – to seal boxes shut.  Be sure to seal the bottoms of cardboard boxes well.

Plastic Baggies – (like Ziploc) to help pack small items like screws, equipment cords, cables, keys to file cabinets or curtain hardware parts.  Tip: Tape them to or in the item they belong to.

Tips for Doing Your Own Packing

• Wrap each item individually.
• Place a two or three inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the box or carton for extra cushioning.
• Pack in layers with the heavier items on the bottom of the box.
• Fill in gaps with crumpled paper, towels or lightweight blankets.
• Cover all sharp points, edges and rims to prevent them from puncturing through the boxes.
• Avoid overloading boxes but look to pack each box firmly.
• When possible, limit the box or carton to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier for you and the move crew.
• Carefully inspect any items that have been stored outside before packing them. Pests, such as Gypsy Moths are a serious threat in the Northeast.  Please click here for a PDF on how not to move with Gypsy Moths  distributed by the US Department of Agriculture.  For more detailed information, please visit the USDA’s: http://www.yourmovegypsymothfree.com/   If you are moving from a region where Gypsy Moths are a problem, you are required to carry a certificate of inspection and keep it with you in your vehicle.
• Put a special mark on boxes you want to unpack first when they arrive at your new home like bed sheets, kitchen utensils and drinking glasses. Tip: bring your daily toiletries with you in your car on move day.

For a list of items to take with you on moving day, please visit our page for your free downloadable, “Moving Day Take-with-me Inventory” sheet.

What to Pack First

Bedrooms…
Start by packing out of season clothing and toys.  When you start packing it is also a good idea to look at this as an opportunity to lighten the load.  Clothing you will never wear again can be donated to charity and in many cases, can even be a tax deduction!

Kitchen…
Pots and pans that are rarely used can sometimes make good places to put carefully wrapped smaller decorative kitchen items.  Use tissue or kitchen towels as cushioning.

Bathrooms…
Pack your excess towels, spare drapes, extra bed linens and small decorations.

Don’t forget to label your boxes!