Packing: Costs and options for filling those boxes.

Ok, so just how do I pack? As I said before, if you are paying movers for the relocation, defray the packing costs by packing all the non-breakables yourself. Use the small and medium sized cartons you have secured to pack books, bedding, linens, toys, tools, papers, pots & pans, plastics, etc. Use newsprint only to keep items from rubbing against each other in the carton, or to tighten up the carton's contents. All boxes must be filled to the top, lest they crush down and collapse when stacked. If you are moving yourself, or just want to pack it all in any event, please change your packing order: save the above mentioned items, the "easy" stuff for last. While you have the time, energy and carton resources pack the high value, fragile and difficult items first. As you walk into each room with your tape, paper, and cartons look around. Identify whatever it is you don't want to pack...and do those items first! Anyone can pack books and blankets! Leave them for last.

The specifics: There is not enough space in this column to address each item you might have to pack. Let me explain a few basics.

Dish barrels: use these for lamps, small pictures, dishes, cups, glasses, stemware, nicnacs, etc. Place a light cushion of newsprint on the bottom of the box, then wrap and place the heaviest and tallest items in first. All items should be wrapped in paper to prevent damage. Fill the bottom completely, then place another cushion of newsprint in, and start another layer of wrapped items until full, then repeat process with lighter items until barrel is full. Always start heavy in the bottom and finish light.

Plates, small pictures, china: wrap in-groups of three of four, with paper in between each piece. Place on edge in the box, not flat!

Stemware: wrap and place vertically in the carton, not on its side, top facing down.

Carton size and weight: heavy items, small cartons. Use your larger cartons for light bulky items, or you will be unable to pick them up.

I hope this has helped, and as always, start early and plan. You have many options available, as time and resources will permit.

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