Professional packing is an added expense, but it often pays for itself in convenience and safety. Your mover has the expertise and materials to protect your possessions. Even if you have the time and energy to pack, consider leaving your delicate or fragile items (china, glassware, silver, clocks, etc.) for the professionals. If you’re a determined do-it-yourselfer, do it right. Ask your Wheaton agent about the specially designed containers and materials. You can buy them at minimum cost to assure maximum protection of your household goods.
Here are some other packing tidbits to make your moving experience a smooth one:
- Don’t use newsprint for packing. Newsprint fades, and the ink runs easily, possibly ruining the items it was supposed to protect. Instead, use newsprint, which is unprinted newspaper. It’s available at a reasonable cost from your Wheaton agent.
- Pack toiletries separately in small containers. Be sure caps are secure.
- Don’t pack too compactly. Give fragile items “breathing room” to avoid breakage. You can leave clothing in drawers, but be aware that overstuffing can cause drawers to warp.
- Leave fitted sheets on mattresses to protect them.
- Spread your linens around. Instead of putting them all in one carton, use your linens as fillers to cushion other items.
- Put heavy items on the bottom and then fill up with lighter items. Use smaller cartons for books, cast-iron cookware, etc.
- Indicate contents on the outside of the carton. If possible, designate which room the carton should go in — it’ll simplify things at your destination. Be sure to indicate on the outside of the carton if the contents are fragile.
