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Plates and Flat China
Begin with the larger items. Smaller items can go toward the top. Wrap
each piece individually with several pieces of newsprint. Next, wrap
three to five previously wrapped plates together and stand each bundle
on its edge. Never lay plates flat. Add 3-4 inches of crumpled paper
and a cardboard divider before creating a second level. |
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Glassware and Crystal
Always individually wrap each glass and never put one piece inside
another. Place on the very top level of your carton and pack rim down.
Especially fragile items should be packed in a separate carton and then
packed in a larger carton surrounded by cushioning. |
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Bowls
Wrap individually and then nest two to three together and wrap as an
entire package. Place on end or flat. Use crumpled paper and a
cardboard divider before adding layers. |
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Lamps
Remove shade, bulb and harp assembly. Double wrap the bulb and harp
assembly. Wrap the base and cushion it in a dish pack or similar type
box. For lampshades, select the carton size close to the shade
measurements. Pack only one shade per container. Don't use crumpled
newsprint inside or around the outside of the shade. Glass lampshades
and chandeliers should be professionally packed in sturdy crates. |
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Food
Of course, never pack perishable items, aerosol kitchen products or
frozen food. Box dry foods in medium-sized cartons after taping any
openings or tops closed. Jars should be also taped shut and wrapped as
well as cushioned. Pack cans and jars in smaller cartons. |
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Clothing
Clothing can be left in sturdy dressers or packed in suitcases, if
desired. Other foldable clothing should be packed in medium-sized
cartons. Hanging clothing should be packed in wardrobe cartons
available from your 1st Choice Moving & Storage representative. If
wardrobe cartons are not used, be sure to remove hangers and pack in
lined cartons. Hats should be left in their boxes and packed in moving
cartons. Small boxes loosely filled with newsprint also help protect
hats. |
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Mirrors, Glass Table Tops, Pictures, Paintings, etc.
We recommend purchasing special boxes for all but the smallest items in
this category. Mirror and picture cartons can handle most items. Only
one article should be packed in each carton. You will want to consider
professional crating assistance for oversized or heavy items such as
table tops. |
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Glasses and Cups
Wrap individually. Cups with handles should be cushioned with another
layer of paper. Pack with rims down. Cushion and layer with crumpled
paper. |
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Books
Pack in smaller boxes with open edges alternating with the bindings.
Hardcover books, or those with fragile covers should be wrapped for
protection. |
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Draperies and Curtains
Wardrobe cartons are excellent for hanging curtains and drapes. You can
also fold them and pack in boxes that have been lined with clean
newsprint. |
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Bedding
Mattresses must be covered to protect them from soil and damage.
Appropriate sized cartons are recommended and available from your 1st
Choice representative. |
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Small Appliances
Clocks, radios and other small appliances should be individually
wrapped and packed along with linens and towels or surrounded with
crushed paper for protection. |
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Flowers and Plants
Live plants and potted flowers will likely not survive a long distance
move. Check with your 1st Choice representative for specific rules
regarding these items. Artificial flower arrangements should be
carefully wrapped and packed in individual cartons. If possible, secure
the arrangement to the bottom of the box. Cushion and label
appropriately. |
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Electronics and Clocks
Original manufacturers packaging with Styrofoam inserts provides the
best protection for moving electronic goods. If these are not
available, large or medium cartons should be used and the item well
wrapped and cushioned. Larger home electronics such as consoles and
large screen TVs should not be packed and will be moved as furniture.
Computers and grandfather clocks require special pre-move preparation.
Consult with your 1st Choice representative or a local dealer to
determine what is required for moving these items. |
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Washing Machines
Washing machines should have all hoses disconnected and put into
containers. If you place hoses in the tub or drum, be sure to wrap the
metal couplings with cloth or paper to avoid damage to the tub's
surface. Unplug the electric cord and tape to the back. Secure the
washer drum with materials available from your 1st Choice
representative. |
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Major Appliances
Many appliances require special servicing, disconnecting and
preparation. Upon request, your 1st Choice representative will arrange
third party services to prepare these items for your move. For many
items, however, you may be able to perform most of the requirements
yourself. |
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Refrigerators
Refrigerators should be emptied of all food. Shelves should be secured
in place or detached and wrapped. The electric cord should be unplugged
and taped to the back. If there is an icemaker, it should be
disconnected from the water line and drained in advance. |
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Tools
Any power tools containing gasoline or oil should be drained before
moving. Long handled tools can be bundled. Hand tools should be wrapped
and packed |