How to pack specialty items
Our professional movers want your valuables to look the same after relocation as they did before. General packing guidelines can be followed for most items, but some things require special care in preparation for shipment. Do not hesitate to ask the team at Aladdin Transfer Premier Moving & Storage for additional assistance.
Breakables
Plates and flat china
Individually wrap each piece in several pieces of clean newsprint. Stack three to five pieces together and then wrap the bundle. Always stand each bundle on its side. Never lay them flat. Create a second level by placing three to four inches of crumbled paper over bundles. Always pack larger items on the bottom and smaller items toward to top of the carton. Often, it's helpful to add a cardboard divider between levels.
Glassware and crystal
Individually wrap and pack rim-down on the very top layer of your carton. Never place one piece inside of another. Pack especially fragile items in a smaller carton and place the entire carton in a larger, cushioned one.
Bowls
Wrap individually, nesting two to three bowls together before re-wrapping the entire bundle. Place the bundle in a carton on its side or flat, creating layers as you go.
Glasses and cups
Individually wrap each glass or cup taking extra care to cushion handles with more newsprint. Pack with rims down creating layers within the carton.
Mirrors, glass/marble tabletops, pictures, paintings, etc.
We can provide you with special cartons that accommodate most items in this category. Place only one article in each container. Professional crating may be necessary for oversized or especially heavy items, such as tabletops.
Lamps
Remove the shade, bulb and harp. Double wrap the bulb and harp assembly. Wrap the base and cushion it in a dishpack or similar box. For lampshades, select the carton size as close to the shade measurements as possible. Fit one lampshade in similar-sized carton without placing newsprint in or around it. Take extra care with glass shades and chandeliers by having them professionally packed in sturdy crates.
Appliances
Many appliances require servicing, disconnecting and preparation before moving. Upon request, your agent will gladly schedule a third party to provide these services, though you may be able to perform most of the requirements yourself.
Refrigerators and freezers
Empty all food and secure or remove and wrap shelves. Disconnect and drain icemaker line, remove and containerize any auxiliary hoses. Tape the electrical cord to the back of the refrigerator.
Washing machines
Remove and containerize the hoses. If placing the hoses in the drum, wrap them in cloth or clean newsprint to prevent damage to the drum. Tape the electrical cord to the back of the washer. On top-loading washers, the washer drum should be secured. The drums in front-loading washers must be secured with bolts provided by the manufacturer. If the bolts have been lost, contact your local dealer.
Dryers
Remove and containerize the vent hose. Tape the electrical cord to the back of the dryer.
Small appliances
Individually wrap and pack clocks, radios and other smaller appliances in cartons with linens, towels or clean newsprint.
Electronics and clocks
Original manufacturer's packaging provides the best protection for moving electronic goods. If you no longer have the original package, wrap items and place them in medium or large boxes. Large home electronics, such as plasma, LCD and flat panel televisions, should be packed in the original container if possible. If the original packaging is not available, the monitor or television should be wrapped and crated for maximum protection. Computers and grandfather clocks require special pre-move preparation. Consult your agent to determine requirements for moving these items.
Softgoods
Clothing
Leave foldable clothes in dresser drawers or pack in suitcases or medium-sized boxes. Leave hanging clothes on hangers and place in wardrobe cartons, or remove hangers and pack in lined cartons if you prefer. Leave hats in their boxes and place in a moving carton. If hats are not stored in a box, use a small box and surround them with clean newsprint.
Bedding and draperies
Cover mattresses to protect them from soil and damage in appropriate-sized boxes, which are available from your agent. Fold sheets, spreads and draperies and place in boxes or hang in wardrobe cartons.
Hardgoods
Books
Pack similar-sized books together in smaller boxes alternating open edges with the bindings. Wrap hardback books and ones with fragile covers in clean newsprint.
Tools
Drain power tools of gasoline and oil. Bundle long-handled tools together to save space. Wrap and pack hand tools in layers with larger, heavier items on the bottom.
Flowers and plants
Live plants and potted flowers will likely not survive a long-distance relocation and are generally not moved. Wrap artificial arrangements and box individually, securing the arrangement to the bottom of the carton if possible.
Food
Jars should be taped shut and wrapped. Use smaller cartons for jars and cans due to their weight. Never pack open or perishable food items, aerosol kitchen products or frozen food. Ask your agent about donating open food items to Move For Hunger.
We are committed to a job well done, every day, for every customer. And we know that satisfied families and businesses are our best form of advertising, because a large proportion of our business is repeat and by referral.