DIY Packing Tips

Use Allied's packing tips to assist you throughout a do-it-yourself packing experience. With quality packing materials and some of Allied's packing expertise, you can pack your entire home as if the professionals would. You can benefit from a safer move by utilizing Allied's packing tips and our suggestions for organizing your household goods during the packing process.

Planning

Start a successful do-it-yourself pack with the right packing materials, including:

• Tissue paper
• Packing paper (plain newsprint)
• 2" packing tape
• Masking tape
• A utility knife
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Professional quality boxes

Allied's Packing Supplies

Allied sells professional packing materials to assist you in organizing and protecting your belongings. These items include:

• China Barrel or Dishpack: Durable cartons used for dishes/china, crystal and glassware
• Double-wall cartons: Extra protective cartons made especially for fine china, crystal and other fragile items
• 2 cu. ft. cartons: Small carton for heavy items such as books, CDs, DVDs, etc.
• 4 cu. ft. cartons: Medium cartons used for pots and pans, toys, small appliances, etc.
• 5 cu. ft. cartons: Larger cartons for bulky but lightweight items including linens, towels, toys, etc.
• 6 cu. ft. cartons: For large, bulky yet lightweight articles including pillows or large lampshades
• Wardrobe cartons: Large cartons that feature a metal bar on which you can hang clothing, draperies, linens, etc.
• Mirror cartons: Telescoping cartons in several sizes to pack mirrors, tabletops, etc.
• Mattress cartons or bags: Available in queen/king, double, single (twin) and crib sizes
• Stretch wrap: A special plastic covering that safely adheres to furniture and protects it from snags, tears and dirt

Please contact your local Allied agent and inquire about what materials are available for purchase.

Packing Tips: Basic Training

Make sure you complete packing all of your belongings before moving day. This way, on moving day, everything will be prepared to be loaded onto the truck. It will help if you keep the following basic packing tips in mind:

• Follow a timetable, as it takes longer to pack up your home than you would expect
• Start with items you won't need right away, such as the attic, garage, kitchen, guest rooms, etc.
• Get organized by packing room by room
• Separate each room into areas
• Sort boxes by light, medium and heavy weights as your complete packing each room
• Don't pack a carton to weigh more than 50 pounds

Let your moving company pack the following:

• Marble or glass tabletops, heavy wall ornaments and mirrors 40" x 60" or larger
• Pool tables and pianos
• Bulky, fragile items like large trophies, statues, chandeliers, etc.
• Major appliances
• Flat Screen TV's

Expert Techniques

Before your boxes are loaded on the moving truck, an Allied professional will check the items to ensure they are packed appropriately and safe for transport. If the believe that they are vulnerable to damage, you will be asked to repack your items. To avoid this from happening, please follow these expert packing techniques:

• Ensure that you have an abundant amount if cushioning in the box. Fill all holes or spaces with extra cushioning like waded paper
• Protect fragile items before packing them
• Organize each carton by weight. Heavier items should be placed on the bottom while lighter items will be protected on the top.
• Use sturdy cartons that can be sealed safely with tape
• Label your boxes properly with your name, the room the belong in, and a brief description of its content

Electronics Care

If you need to pack a TV, plasma TV, or other electronics adhere to these tips:

• If you no longer have its original box and packing material, use a sturdy carton lined with adequate cushioning.
• Seal the carton securely and mark with "Extremely Fragile"

When packing your personal computer, printer, scanner or other equipment:

• Disconnect all wires and mark for easier reconnect
• Detach paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and additional hardware
• Remove toner and ink cartridges
• Back up all of your computer files
• Consult your PC user manual for additional instructions and precautions

What NOT To Pack

Your moving company will not carry any non-transportable items along with your regular shipment. Non-transportable items are deemed as so due to their hazardous nature that could harm your driver or your belongings.  Hazardous materials include poisons, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, explosives, oxidizers, corrosives and radioactive materials.

Examples of Hazardous Non-Transportable Items Include:

• Nail polish remover
• Paints and paint thinners
• Lighter fluid
• Gasoline
• Fireworks
• Oxygen bottles
• Propane cylinders
• Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals
• Radio-pharmaceuticals
• Matches

Other items not recommended for transport on the van include:

• Firearms
• Family photos
• Jewelry
• Perishable foods and foods in glass jars
• Prescription drugs

Labeling Your Cartons

Make sure to properly label each carton that you pack to make the unloading process more organized.

• Mark boxes with a broad, felt-tipped permanent marker
• Write "FRAGILE" on delicates and "THIS END UP" where appropriate
• Include the bill of lading number on each carton, if possible
• List the contents of each carton on the side of the box
• Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels so the cartons into the proper rooms quickly
• Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at your new residence

Advice from the Professionals

• Empty drawers of all contents and pack these items separately
• Pack similar items together to ensure their safety during transport
• Keep all parts or pairs of things together in plastic bags or coffee canisters such as mirror bolts, small hardware items and the like
• Wrap items individually in clean tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Use colored wrapping paper to draw attention to very small things that might otherwise get lost in a carton. Use a double layer of newsprint for a good outer wrapping
• Cover all sharp objects with towels
• Pack items firmly so they do not shift during the move, but do not over pack them.

It is our hope that with these tips, you can pack your home in the most organized and efficient way possible. At Allied, we believe that your belongs should be handled with care no matter who is responsible for packing them. We complied these tips after more than 85 years of experience as expert packers, but they are even helpful if you choose to do it yourself.