Packing Tips

Pack as much or as little as you prefer.  Scott Relocation is willing to do the whole job, or any part of the packing job.  Whatever you decide, we want your part of the move process to go as smoothly as possible. These packing tips will help.

If you decide to pack yourself plan on at least six weeks to pack and get ready for your move.  Scott Relocation offers the following packing suggestions:

Preparations

How to Pack:
China
Silverware/Silver
Stemware
Shoes
Clothes
Lamp Shades and Bases
Books
Record Albums/CD's/Tapes
Statuary and Figurines
Bottles
Mirrors and Glass
Stereos and Other Electronics
Computers
Totes

Packing Material and Crates

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Preparations

• Plan how you will pack. Pack items first that you don't use often.
• Start packing as soon as you find out you are moving.
• Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items.
• Use generous amounts of paper inside the carton on the top and bottom to provide a good cushion.
• List contents and room on the outside of the carton.
• Clearly mark "Fragile" on the outside of cartons that contain delicate items.
• Use clean newsprint paper.  Old newspapers may work, but ink may rub off onto your items.  Clean "newsprint" paper is available from Scott Relocation.
• Write "Open First" on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.
• Separate breakables and non-breakables.
• Pack all cartons tightly.
• Use professional packing tape. Masking tape is not strong enough to support fully packed cartons.

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China

• Carefully wrap china in sheets of clean newsprint paper.  Place newsprint paper in the bottom of a dishpack for cushioning.  Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a bundle with several layers of paper.  Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
• Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces.  Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier.  Saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer.  Wrap and pack in the same way as the larger items.

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Silverware/Silver

• Nest utensils in groups of three or four, wrap securely and place in silverware chest or cushioned box.

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Stemware

• First, wrap the stems for extra protection; then wrap each glass individually and place upside down in a dishpack.

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Shoes

• Pack shoes in their original shoebox, if possible, and place in a larger carton.  If shoeboxes are not available, individually wrap them to prevent abrasive damage.

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Clothes

• Clothes can be folded and boxed.  For faster unpacking, you can obtain special wardrobe boxes from Scott Relocation, allowing you to neatly pack by leaving clothes on hangers.

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Lamp Shades and Bases

• Handle lampshades by their wire frames only and place in a carton lined with paper.  Surround the shade with protective paper.  Lamp shades are best packaged individually.
• Lamp bases should be wrapped with several sheets of paper.

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Books

• Lay books flat in the carton, alternating the spine and open side of the book.  Books should be packed in a book carton provided by Scott Relocation. Fill all holes with paper.

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Record Albums/CD's/Tapes

• Stack items on end to absorb shock.  Pack tightly to avoid shifting.  Fill all holes with paper.

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Statuary and Figurines

• Wrap statuary and figurines with bubble wrap, then snuggly wrap with clean paper.  If bubble wrap is not available, use clean paper to wrap the article until it is adequately cushioned.

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Bottles

• Bottles are taped shut and wrapped in clean newsprint.  For extra security, place bottles in a reseal able, watertight bag before wrapping and placing in carton.  Please review our Non-Allowable list.

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Mirrors and Glass

• Wrap the picture or mirror in a generous cushion of clean paper.  Place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton.  Carefully tape and seal the carton.  Always stand glass, pictures and mirrors on their edge.  Do not lay flat.

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Stereos and Other Electronics

• If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons.  As long as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap, newsprint, foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.), electronics can be safely packed in sturdy boxes.
  • – Start by padding the bottom of the carton with a generous amount of packing material.
  • – Wrap electronic with paper and place in carton.
  • – Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent damage.
  • – Firmly seal the carton.
  • – Label the carton as "Fragile - Top Load".

Note: When you unpack your electronics, let them reach room temperature before plugging them in.

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Computers

• If possible, pack computers in their original cartons.  As long as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap, newsprint, foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.), computers can be safely packed in sturdy boxes.
  • – Start by padding the bottom of the carton with a generous amount of packing material.
  • – Wrap computer parts generously with paper and place in carton.
  • – Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent damage.
  • – Firmly seal the carton.
  • – Label the carton as "Fragile - Top Load".
• Discuss safe transportation of electronics with your Scott Relocation consultant.

REMEMBER: To back-up data files and pictures prior to loading.

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Totes

• Pack all plastic totes tightly to prevent shifting.  Tape each tote to prevent covers from separating.

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Packing Materials and Crates

• Scott Relocation has all the materials you need to properly pack your belongings.  Unprinted newsprint, assorted crates, tufted paper padding, bubble wrap and packing tape.
• Items such as antique furniture, marble and glass top tables, trophies and chandeliers are best transported in custom-made crates.  Scott Relocation can crate these types of items for you.

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