Packing Tips

Packing is one of the most important aspects of moving, but it is often overlooked. All your items need to be well packed and protected to survive the move unscathed. At STAR VAN LINES, we provide you with the necessary packing services in order to pack your items carefully and securely. For your convenience, all packing supplies may be ordered from us online, and delivered to your door. Furthermore, our experts will provide useful packing tips on how to pack special items, such as antiques, artwork, china, electronics, and the like.

If you are concerned with packing certain items, or perhaps, you find the task a bit overwhelming, STAR VAN LINES can perform the packing service for you. We have the ability to carefully disassemble large items and provide custom-sized packing boxes to accommodate your items. Our packing services team is composed of trained professionals, who understand the importance of protecting every last item, no matter how minor it may seem.

BOXES:

All loose belongings need to be boxed. You have three options: do it yourself, have STAR VAN LINES pack everything, or have STAR VAN LINES do partial packing (for example, pack only fragile items).

Remember, in terms of insurance coverage, the moving company is only responsible for damage to items inside boxes packed by the company, unless it is clear that a box was dropped or mishandled.

Recycled boxes are available free from local stores, but they should all be clean, strong, and sturdy. (During your move, the moving boxes will be stacked on top of each other.) It is important to know how many boxes your move will require, both in terms of obtaining them and budgeting your time. Keep in mind that the longer you have lived in your home, the more stuff you will have accumulated. At STAR VAN LINES, you can purchase new moving boxes that are double corrugated, for extra strength, and all different sizes, for easy packing.

MOVING BOXES

Tape the bottom of every box and tape the top tightly when full. Run two strips of tape along the side and one strip down the center. If the box is still not strong enough, apply more tape on the sides. Use small boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for light weighty, bulky items. Wrap small and/or fragile items individually and stuff the top, bottom and sides of boxes with paper. Stuffing paper in the box will help prevent shifting, rubbing, and breakage. Stack boxes to the top to prevent them from being crushed, but do not pack fragile items too tightly. Label the contents of every box and the room where it belongs; group each room together. Label any moving boxes / items "STORAGE" that STAR VAN LINES will be storing for you. Label boxes with your move-in essentials with the title "LOAD LAST" in order to have these boxes unloaded first. Mark moving boxes "FRAGILE" as appropriate.

TAPE:

Every box needs to be taped, top and bottom, with 2 - 2 1/2 inch gummed or masking tape to give it additional strength and prevent it from opening. You will need one roll of tape for every 15 to 20 boxes. You can buy the tape from any hardware store or from STAR VAN LINES for your convenience.

WRAPPING PAPER:

Ordinary newspaper will do fine for wrapping purposes, but remember that print may run. For items you want to keep clean, you can buy unprinted newspaper from STAR VAN LINES.

BLANKETS:

Furniture should be wrapped in blankets for its protection. We suggest that you leave this job to STAR VAN LINES's expert movers. We will provide blankets free of charge on local moves.

ORIGINAL PACKING:

Whenever it is available, use the original packing material for your electronic items (stereo, computer, etc).

DO NOT PACK:

• · Money, securities, valuable papers, and jewelry.
• · Flammable items such as aerosol cans, paints, and gasoline.
• · Perishable items such as frozen foods, produce, and plants.
• · Kitchenware or other heavy items with fragile items such as china and dishware.

DISHES AND GLASSES:

Use large, double corrugated boxes. Cushion the bottom with rolled paper. Wrap each piece individually. Bundle flatware in groups of three and wrap the bundle. Do not place one layer of dishes directly on top of another; separate with a layer of stuffed paper. "Nest" less expensive glasses and cups in groups of three and wrap the bundle. Cushion the top along with the sides with paper to prevent shifting -- the steadier the contents, the less chance of damages.

CLOTHING:

Empty dressers completely. Put hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes. Use the bottom of the wardrobe boxes for shoes. Put extra tape along the sides.

PICTURES:

Use a picture box. Line the bottom of box with paper. Place the picture in the box, then stuff the front, back, and top with paper.

LAMPS:

Remove light bulbs. Put the lampshade in a separate box marked "FRAGILE".

ELECTRONICS:

If possible, pack in original cartons. If not, pack each item separately in reliable moving boxes. Use bubble wrap. Color code the wiring for easy reinstallation. For CD Players, remove all CD's, and check instructions to secure the laser. For personal computers, backup important information; "park" the hard disk (program often included on diagnostics diskette). Insert an old or blank disk in the floppy disk drive, if applicable.