MOVING TIPS TO MAKE YOUR TRANSITION FROM THE US TO EUROPE & INDIA A SUCCESS

Dining room packing tips are very important to consider for a few reasons

Primarily, the dining room will generally include your most fragile china and crystal stemware. Each item should be carefully wrapped in paper and placed in dish-pack cartons; cellular dividers are recommended for stemware.

Beyond Packing Tips for the Dining Room

Aside from dining room packing tips, there are some other things you will want to remember. You will want to include any items with values exceeding $100 per pound on your “High Value Inventory” form to receive proper valuation coverage. It’s important to do this so that in the unlikelihood that something should happen, you can receive compensation for your damage or loss.

Universal’s Packing Tips for the Dining Room

China & Glassware

• Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually. Using several sheets of clean paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges.
• A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware.
• A double layer of newsprint serves well as outer wrapping.
• Label cartons with room, contents and “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”.

Flat China & Flat Glassware

• Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually with clean paper, then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
• Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
• Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no voids or unfilled spaces.
• Add two or three inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier.
• Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level.
• Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.

Cups

• If not using cellular dividers, wrap cups individually first in a double layer of paper and place those upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction.
• Top off the layer with wadded newsprint.
• Even when using a dish pack and cellular dividers, wrap china cups individually first, protecting handles with an extra layer of clean paper.
• Then, pack cups upside down.

Silver & Flatware

• To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.
• Hollow ware — including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes – should be wrapped carefully like fragile items and packed like china.
• Loose flatware may be wrapped individually or in sets, and in paper, clear plastic or small gift boxes that are then secured with tape.
• Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill all voids in the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting. The chest can be wrapped in a large bath towel.

Figurines, Curios and Other Delicate Items

• Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning.
• Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in paper that has been wadded and flattened out.
• Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper with an outer layer of newsprint.
• A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass.
• Place flat items on edge in a carton.

Fragile Items

Consult with your Moving Professional on the packing of exceptionally fragile items. Items with values exceeding $100 per pound need to be listed on your “High Value Inventory” form to receive proper valuation coverage. If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.

Lamp Bases

After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. Place them together in a carton, filling voids with wadded paper.

Lamp Shades

• Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper, as the ink will soil the shade. Instead, carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
• Use a sturdy carton at least two inches bigger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade.
• A smaller shade may be nested inside a larger one, provided they do not touch.
• Only one silk shade should be placed in carton to avoid stretching the silk.
• Do not pack other items with shades.
• Label cartons “LAMP SHADES – FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY”.

Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades

It is best to have your moving professional crate large leaded or other glass lamp shades or chandeliers.

Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases

It’s best to consult with your moving company about custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind. Paper should never be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.

Table Leaves

Table leaves are best transported in paper pads, then taped to hold the padding in place. (Note: never place tape on the surface of wood.) Don’t use plastic wrap, as moisture may get trapped and damage wood.

Draperies & Curtains

Wardrobe cartons are ideal for moving curtains and drapes. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

Rugs

• Leave area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle.
• You may want to consider having your area rugs professionally cleaned before your move – you’ll get them back from the cleaners wrapped, rolled and ready for shipping.
• Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture coming off the truck can go right on top of the rug.

Furniture

• Your packing crew will shrink wrap large, upholstered items.
• Talk to your moving professional beforehand about any leather items.
• Table corners can be protected with cardboard.
• You may want to consider packing couch pillows in large boxes.

Comprehensive Packing Tips for the Dining Room

Our detailed dining room packing tips will assist you in wrapping fine china and your large furniture just the same. Since the dining room will likely be containing some of your most fragile and valuable items, it’s important to follow our dining room packing tips accordingly.

Our garage packing tips are designed to take the major task of packing up the garage and streamline the process for you. Universal’s team of packers and movers are experts on what needs to be done to efficiently pack up a cluttered garage or storage room.

Garage packing tips are especially useful considering how time-consuming and difficult packing up those spaces can be. Garages and storage sheds typically take the longest to pack, as they are filled with odd-shaped, sharp or heavy items that require special care to pack correctly.

Universal’s Packing Tips for the Garage

Start by safely disposing of items that cannot be shipped, like pesticides, fertilizers, oil and gas. See our list of Items That Cannot Be Shipped. Next, group items of a similar size or shape together, like long-handled tools with pruning shears. Then, make sure you have an assortment of boxes and newsprint to properly wrap and cushion items.

Tools

• Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together securely.
• Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately.
• Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing rules.
• Always use small cartons for heavy tools.
• Use old towels to wrap and tape any sharp-edged tools.
• Power tools must be safely drained of oil and gas beforehand.

Rakes & Brooms

Shovels, rakes, brooms and the like need not be packed, gather them together for your driver to bundle them all in a pad.

Lawn & Patio Furniture

Remove cushions and clean frames. Pack cushions in large carton or wardrobe.

Umbrella

Keep it clean and dry during transport by wrapping it in paper padding or a plastic bag and taping shut. Do not pack the weighted umbrella stand.

Grill

Dispose of any unused charcoal. Remove tank – it cannot be transported in the moving van.

Outdoor Equipment

• Before moving day, dismantle children’s swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds you plan to relocate.
• Place small hardware in a plastic bag or old coffee can and label.
• If the parts bag can be securely attached to corresponding equipment, all the better.

Prepare lawn mower by safely draining gasoline prior to loading day.

Pots and Planters

Pack small ceramic or pottery planters like any fragile item – individually wrapped with plenty of cushioning. If you plan to move any large or unusual planters, consult your moving professional. You’ll need to re-pack items in boxes that are torn, falling apart or cannot be sealed. This is usually the case with items found in attics and crawl spaces, seasonal decorations or old toys.

Trash Cans

• It may be easier just to buy new garbage cans at your destination.
• Clean cans if you plan to take them with you.
• If your cans are sealable or rollable, you may pack items in them, just don’t make them too heavy.

Vehicles
Cars, mini-vans, pickup trucks and boats can be transported to your new home by Universal on an auto transport carrier, or in some cases, aboard the moving van. Ask your Personal Relocation Consultant for details, and remember:

• Automobiles should have one quarter or less fuel in the gas tank
• Check automobiles for any oil, battery acid or radiator fluid leaks
• Boats should be drained of all fuel and oil in the motor

Consult with our moving professional on the following items:

• Riding mower
• Gas leaf blower
• Snow blower
• Motor scooter
• Moped
• Trampoline
• Above-ground swimming pool

• Hot tub
• Satellite dish
• Storage shed
• Swing set
• Jungle gym
• Dog house or kennel

Use Our Packing Tips for the Garage

The garage packing tips above will help you organize the clutter in your garage or storage area, then pack the belongings accordingly. After you’re done organizing, it’s likely you’ll have less to pack after throwing out all the things you don’t need any longer. Using our garage packing tips is the best way to conquer the clutter that’s been building all those years.

We have the best home office packing tips to assist you in your next relocation

Packing a home office can be tricky, especially when sensitive documents, electronics and computers are involved. It’s imperative to properly pack your home office so that none of your files or documents are misplaced during the move.

Universal’s home office packing tips break down your office by section, and then provide guidelines on how to best pack them. From books to office furniture, Universal offers you our expertise in packing offices. Our home office packing tips come from more than a decade of experience in the moving and packing business.

Universal’s Packing Tips for your Home Office, Den

Your home office will likely contain your important paperwork and legal papers. Set these aside beforehand and plan to take them with you. Computer equipment and other valuables that exceed $100 per pound will need to be listed on your “High Value Inventory” form to receive proper valuation coverage.

• Personal Computer, Printer, Scanner or Other Equipment
• Disconnect and mark all wires and cables for easy assembly
• Detach paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and additional hardware as you would other home electronics
• Remove toner and ink cartridges
• Back up all of your computer files on DVDs or other file storage disks/devices
• Consult your PC user manual for additional instructions and precautions

Books

• Pack books of the same general size together, in small book cartons.
• Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton.
• Do not pack with spine facing upward, as glue can break away from the binder.
• Expensively bound volumes of those of sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing.

Office Furniture

Any modular office furniture will need to be dismantled prior to move day. Use tape to mark where pieces go together and keep the hardware together (including drawer pulls) in one spot, like a plastic bag or coffee can.

Best Packing Tips for the Home Office

Our home office packing tips will provide you the guidance you need when it comes time to box all of your important belongings. And if done correctly, your home office items will arrive in the same condition they left. These home office packing tips will ensure that when it’s time to unpack, everything can be neatly implemented into your new space.

The living room packing tips we provide will work for any of your larger main rooms in the house, whether they be family rooms or great rooms as well. Stereo equipment, books, lamps and furniture all may be items you have in your living room. Our list for living room packing tips will teach you how to pack each of those components securely and appropriately.

Besides our living room packing tips listed below, here are two more helpful hints:

• Most pictures and mirrors can be wrapped and packed in telescoping mirror cartons.
• Fragile or valuable fine art may require special crating and should be handled by your moving professional.

Packing Tips for the Living Room

Stereo Equipment

• Advance preparation is required for compact disc players, digital video disc players and stereo turntables.
• On compact and digital video disc players, secure the laser with transport screws located on the bottom or back of the unit.
• Most turntables have a plastic lock which should be used to hold the tone arm in place. For additional protection, you may tie a piece of string around the arm in case the lock does not hold.
• Also, secure the platter (where the records are placed) by tightening the appropriate screws. These are usually located on top of the turntable, but check your owner’s manual if in doubt.

Speakers

• Pack speakers in well-cushioned dish packs.
• Any large or unusually heavy speakers will simply be padded and placed on the truck.
• Servicing is usually not required prior to packing for tape deck, receiver or speakers.

Television

• Some large televisions will need to be crated prior to moving day. Let your moving professional know if you have a big screen or plasma television.
• Call your local cable company to request your service discontinued. If you have a converter box, return the box and keep the receipt for future reference. Contact your cable company at your destination to order service in your new home.
• When choosing a location for your TV in your new home, place it on a hard surface at least six feet from your normal viewing position. Most TVs should not be placed in an enclosed space unless proper ventilation is provided.

DVD or VCR players

No special servicing is required to move a DVD or VCR. When installing at destination, place on a hard surface, provide appropriate ventilation for openings and do not set objects on top.

Satellite Dish

Contact an electrician or technician from a satellite dish distributorship for the disconnection and disassembly of this sensitive equipment. Depending upon the construction and size of the unit, it may need to be crated, a service which your moving professional can provide.

DVD’s, Compact Discs, Tapes and Records

• Stand DVD’s, Compact discs and Records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with large, hardcover books or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and mark, “FRAGILE.”
• Cassette tapes should be placed in their cases and wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual tapes either vertically or horizontally on a couple of layers of crushed paper.
• If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect from scratches. Records are heavy and therefore should be packed in small cartons.

Books

• Pack books of the same general size together, in small book cartons.
• Pack them either flat, or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing upward, as glue can break away from the binder.
• Expensively bound volumes or those of sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing.

Photographs

• Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons rather than being combined with other household items.
• (Note : watch these when moving to very hot or humid climates by making sure the storage area protects items from the elements)
• Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton. Label cartons for easy identification.
• If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to destination.

Silk or Artificial Flowers

An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in a separate carton. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the carton to prevent shifting. Label the carton “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”.

Lamp Bases

After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. Place them together in a carton, filling voids with wadded paper.

Lamp Shades

• Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper, as the ink will soil the shade. Instead, carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
• Use a sturdy carton at least two inches bigger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A smaller shade may be nested inside a larger one, provided they do not touch. Only one silk shade should be placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk.
• Do not pack other items with shades. Label cartons “LAMP SHADES – FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY”.

Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades

It is best to have your moving professional crate large leaded or other glass lamp shades or chandeliers.

Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases

It’s best to consult with your moving professional about custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind. Paper should never be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.

Rugs

• Leave area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle.
• You may want to consider having your area rugs professionally cleaned before your move – you’ll get them back from the cleaners wrapped, rolled and ready for shipping.
• Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture coming off the truck can go right on top of the rug.

TV Stand / Stereo Cabinet

Remove glass doors if possible and pack in a mirror carton.

Furniture

• Your van operator will shrink wrap large, upholstered items.
• Talk to your moving professional beforehand about any leather items.
• Table corners can be protected with cardboard.
• You may want to consider packing couch pillows in large boxes.

Piano

• A qualified service provider should take care of the preparations for moving a grand or baby grand piano.
• Upright (spinet, console, studio) pianos usually do not require preparation in advance.
• All pianos are pad-wrapped to protect the surface.
• Plan to have your piano tuned at your new home.

Pool Table

• Disassembly and crating of your pool table should be provided by a third-party service. If possible, contact the store where the pool table was purchased to obtain assistance.
• Crating is a possibility on slate.
• You will need to make arrangements at destination to have the pool table uncrated, reassembled and leveled.

Using Packing Tips for the Living Room

The living room packing tips are meant to be guidelines to help you in your packing and moving efforts. At Universal, we believe that your belongings deserve the same care – whether being packed by you or professionals.

The kitchen is one of the first rooms that can be packed with our tips

Once you know you’re moving, you can begin packing your kitchen almost immediately by starting with your less-used serving dishes, seasonal items and small appliances. Next, use our kitchen packing tips to tackle your large serving bowls, tablecloths and specialty pots and pans. Keep your everyday dishes for the last week before your move. You may even want to consider buying some disposable plates, cups and utensils for those last few nights when everything is packed away.

The Best Tips for Packing your Kitchen

Food Items

Use or dispose of all perishables before moving. You will also need to get rid of cleaning products and other kitchen chemicals. See our list of Items That Cannot Be Shipped. Boxed or canned goods should be packed in small boxes. Dispose of any open packages and wrap glass jars to prevent breakage.

China & Glassware

• Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually. Using several sheets of clean paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newsprint serves well as outer wrapping.
• A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware.
• Label cartons with room, contents and “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”.

Flat China & Flat Glassware

• Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
• Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually with clean paper, then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
• Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no voids or unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level.
• Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.

Bowls and Odd-shaped Items

• Depending on their weight, these might be used for either the bottom or middle layers. Wrap the same way as flat plates.
• Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and deeper ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their rims.
• Wrap sugar bowl lids in newsprint, turning them upside down on top of bowls. Then, wrap both together in newsprint, followed by a double outer layer. Wrap sugar bowls, cream pitchers, sauce containers, gravy boats and similar pieces in newsprint and then a double outer wrapping. Place all upright in the carton, then top off the layer with wadded newsprint.

Pots & Pans

Pots, pans and similar items should be wrapped and packed in medium size cartons. Depending on their weight, these might be used for either the bottom or middle layers.

Cups

Even when using a dish pack and cellular dividers, wrap china cups individually first, protecting handles with an extra layer of clean paper. Then, pack cups upside down. If not using cellular dividers, wrap cups individually first in a double layer of paper and place those upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Top off the layer with wadded newsprint.

Silver & Flatware

• To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.
• Hollow ware — including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes – should be wrapped carefully like fragile items and packed like china.
• Loose flatware may be wrapped individually or in sets, and in paper, clear plastic bags or small gift boxes that are then secured with tape.
• Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping the pieces individually and repositioning them in the chest. Or, fill all voids in the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting. The chest can be wrapped in a large bath towel.

Figurines and Other Delicate Items

• Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning.
• Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in paper that has been wadded and flattened out.
• Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper with an outer layer of newsprint.
• A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place items on edge in a carton.

Small Appliances

• Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper. If their cords disconnect, wrap them in plastic and secure them to the appliance they belong to.
• Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or damage items.
• Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box.

Cookbooks

• Pack cookbooks of the same general size together, in small book cartons.
• Pack books either flat, or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing upward, as glue can break away from the binder.
• Expensively bound volumes or those of sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing.

Utilize Universal’s Tips for Packing the Kitchen

Universal’s kitchen packing tips can get you started early when you begin preparing your residence for a move. Since you can pack most of items in the kitchen you don’t use relatively early, this will save you time and energy to spend on the rest of the house later. With our kitchen packing tips and laundry room packing tips, you’ll have these spaces ready to move in no time.