Packing Tips

Materials Required

Packing tape, ink free packing paper, bubble wrap, black felt marker, cartons (as consistent in size as possible).

When packing your home by yourself, you should start at least three weeks in advance of your load date. This should allow you the time to properly pack fragile household items as well as sort out unnecessary contents.

Keep in mind that your final cost of moving is based on the "actual scaled weight". Five boxes of old National Geographics are going to weigh approximately 250 lbs. Only you can decide what items merit the cost of transportation.

Pack Like A Professional

To begin, start in areas of your home that are least accessible, (ie: storage, basement, attic,
closets, etc.)  You will want to sort out these areas first, packing day to day items on the last
few days before loading.  As you pack, label box contents on the top of the carton for ease of
identification, noting what room you want the carton to arrive in at your new home. Also, state
whether the contents are fragile or soft.  Proper cartons for various household items are available,
(ie: china barrels, picture cartons, wardrobes, etc.)  Ask your Qwest Haven representative to assist you in assessing your needs.

Kitchen:

To pack dishes, tape the bottom of your china barrel properly to prevent it from breaking open. Crumple some ink-free packing paper and place it at the bottom of the box for cushioning. All breakables should be securely wrapped in the packing paper and placed in the box. Stuff crumpled paper around the sides and on the top layer of the box, tape securely and label as to where in the new house you want it placed.

Pack a Setup Carton

Furniture: During disassembly of furniture, make sure all screws, nuts and bolts are placed in a zip lock bag and labeled. Place the zip lock bags into a carton labeled "Setup Carton". Wrap table legs with bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent damage. All items not packed into cartons will be blanket wrapped.

Art & Mirrors: Qwest Haven Relocations can, at very little cost, supply picture/mirror cartons which are specially designed for most sizes of mirrors and framed artwork.  Wrap mirrors and artwork with bubble wrap or packing paper and place inside the cartons.

Appliances: Pack small appliances in cartons with packing paper or linens. To pack large appliances, ensure that all cords are wrapped and taped to the
back of the appliance. Tape doors and lids closed with masking tape to prevent damage to the finish. Be sure to drain excess water from washing
machines and dishwashers.Place accessories and hoses inside the machines.

Books: Books should be packed into small boxes (2 cubic feet) only as anything larger will be quite
heavy and possibly break open. Tape securely and label.

Clothing/Linens: Qwest Haven Relocations can, at very little cost, supply you with wardrobe cartons which are great for packing the contents of your closet. Some of your items can be placed in the bottom of these cartons, while the rest will simply hang on a bar just like in your closet. We strongly suggest not packing clothes or linens in garbage bags.

Fragile Items

Pack these items with a lot of bubble wrap or packing paper placed on the bottom, sides and top of the cartons to ensure there will be no movement. Tape very securely and label clearly "FRAGILE".

Plastic (Rubbermaid) Bins: Please ensure that these are taped securely so the lids will not come off.

Suitcases: Please only pack clothes into suitcases and don't overstuff. Make sure the zippers are closed properly.