How To Not Break Your Things While Moving

Packing

One of the most common mistakes is packing dishes incorrectly. When packing dishes, they should be packed in a “dish pack” box which is standard for professional moving companies. Plates should be wrapped individually in packing paper then stacked together, vertically on their edge. This improves pressure distribution to the stronger parts of the plates instead of downward force being pushed directly onto the sloped plate edge. A divider should then be added and cups or silverware packed towards the top of the box completely filling the space using packing paper so there is no room for items to move around during transit.

Artwork and Mirrors

Items that are hung on the wall should be packed in a “mirror box” which is a flat rectangular container that fits 2–3 items. Each picture should be individually wrapped with packing paper and placed in the box back-to-back and front-to-front so that hanging hardware does not scratch the front of the picture. If you do not have a mirror box, a flat piece of cardboard encasing the pictures will suffice. Always pack pictures vertically and never lay them flat in a box.

TVs

It is ideal to pack TVs in the original box they came in although it is uncommon to retain that packaging. Moving companies often stock TV boxes of various sizes to solve this problem. When packing a TV in a TV box, only apply packing paper or bubble wrap to the non-screen edges of the TV. You want to avoid pressure being created between the box and the screen so that there is no warping or cracking caused during transport. Fully and tightly packing the edges creates an air pocket around the screen while holding the TV firmly in place inside the box. If you do not have a TV box you can use a moving pad to cover the TV completely (two pads are advised) then use a flat piece of cardboard to cover the outside of the pad covering the screen to protect the screen.

Couches

Couches should always be wrapped in a plastic cover – bed covers or moving shrink wrap will suffice. All cushions should be removed and carried separately. When moving a couch always carry it from the arm rests, the couch should be positioned so that the front of the arm rests face the ground and the back of the couch is in the air. This provides for the most stable weight distribution, and a firm grip hold when carrying.

Beds

Often one of the trickier items to move, beds should be carried on end vertically to allow them to fit through doorways easily. An easy tip to move beds efficiently is to use a strap or piece of rope that goes under the edge of the bed and into the hand of each person on either side. This allows you to lift the weight of the bed from the bottom without straining yourself while your second hand can manage the balance.

Dressers/Cabinets

Rule #1 – always empty the drawers and remove shelves unless your professional mover says otherwise. Be sure to add shrink wrap around the drawers or doors to ensure they do not open during transit. Always lift from the bottom of the piece because it is often that the top of the item will separate.