If you decide not to select a professional mover to pack your household goods, follow these tips to ensure your belongings arrive at your new home safely.

Plates and flat china
Individually wrap each piece in several pieces of clean newsprint. Stack three to five pieces together and wrap the bundle. Always stand each bundle on its side. Never lay them flat. Create a second level by placing 3-4 inches of crumbled paper over bundles. Always pack larger items on the bottom and smaller items toward to top of the carton.

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 2-3 bowls together before re-wrapping the entire bundle. Place the bundle in a carton on its side or flat and creating layers as you go.

Glasses and cups
Individually wrap 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 table tops.

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.

Lamps
Remove the shade, bulb and harp. Wrap bulb, harp and base and place the base in an appropriate sized carton. Fit one shade 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.

Bedding and draperies
Cover mattresses to protect them from soil and damage in appropriate sized boxes or bags, available at our agency. Fold sheets, spreads and draperies and place them in boxes or hang in wardrobe cartons.