Gentle Giant : Local Moving

Packing Methods
Having selected the room to pack first and having prepared the work area and table, you are now ready to begin packing. Here are some basic recommendations for packing various items.

Dishware

Select a medium sized carton (or a mover provided dishpack) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
With packing paper stacked neatly in place on the work table, center one plate on the paper.
Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover plate. Stack second plate on first and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
Stack third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over plate.
Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
Re wrap entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle; cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth. (Non fragile plates may be packed 5 or 6 to a bundle.)
Seal bundle with packing tape.
Place the bundle of dishware in a medium size box
(or dishpack) so that the plates are standing on edge.

Use this technique on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.

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Cups

With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over
the cup.
Then nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cups.)
Pull up and over your two side corners one at a time and tuck corners inside the top cup.
Hold bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
Store cups in the upright position, near the top of your box. Do not stack heavy items on top of cups.

More delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time.

Glasses and Stemware

Glasses and stemware should be stuffed with
crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
Lay glass or stemware on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes (mover, provided dishpacks with cells) may be used for added protection.
Glasses and stemware should be placed toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the Very delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.

As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever there's a gap. All boxes that contain "fragile" items should be so marked.

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Specialized Packing Tips
The remaining section of this brochure suggests how individual household items can be better prepared for moving. When wrapping items with packing paper, remember that the methods for packing dishware, cups, glassware and stemware are fundamental and have similar applications to many other household items.

Bedding Fold- and pack all pillowcases, sheets, and blankets in clean, medium sized, 3 cu. ft. cartons and pillows in large, 4 cu. ft. cartons. Beds will be dismantled by Atlas and set up in your new home. Mattresses, when requested, will be placed in special cartons by the mover. You can help protect mattresses by covering them with old sheets or mattress covers.
Books- Pack in small cartons on edge. Alternate bindings. Don't overload cartons. (A good general rule of thumb is to limit individual carton weight to 50 pounds.)
Bureau Drawers- Don't overload. Too heavy a load in drawers can cause damage to bureau during move. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your Atlas representative before the move.
Canned Goods and Other Non Frozen Foods- Pack upright with no more than 24 30 cans per carton. Don't attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
Frozen Foods and Plants- Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your Atlas Relocation Specialist is prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty four (24) hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep freeze temperature. Please consult with your
Atlas Relocation Specialist for further advice about moving these items.
China and Glassware- When not packing with used grocery or liquor store boxes, pack glassware in mover-provided, celled containers or in top of china packed cartons. Glassware and china cups should be stuffed with tissue. Don't nest unwrapped glasses. Pack plates, platters and saucers on edges, not flat, and layer with padding between each layer as well as on the top and bottom of the carton (label these boxes "Fragile').
Clocks- Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.
Clothing- Place clothes on hangers in wardrobe cartons (available from your Atlas agency). Fold and pack other clothing in clean cartons.
Drapes- and Curtains Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.
Flammables and Combustibles Flammable- liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable.
Lamps and Lampshades- Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
Linens Fold neatly and place in clean cartons or in bureau drawers. (Don't overload.)
Medicines- Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures- Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across
mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.
Personal Computers- and Video Recorders Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is "parked" and ready for transport.
Microwave Ovens- Remove all loose articles inside the oven, such as cookware, glass shelves, and carrousels. Wrap loose articles and place in a separate container. Tape the door shut with an " X" pattern over door and glass to protect the glass. Use the original manufacturer's carton if available. When the original carton is not available, follow instructions for packing "Personal Computers and Video Recorders."
Records and Phonographs/Stereos- Use original cartons and packing materials when available. Pack albums upright in cartons, and use record jackets or sleeves for added protection. Secure changer and tone-arm of phonograph. Wrap dust cover in soft tissue or pad with an old linen to protect against surface scratches. Wrap with an old blanket and place unit into carton.
Rugs and Linoleum- Leave rugs and linoleum to be rolled up by movers. We cannot be responsible for linoleum cracking when rolled, however.
Silverware- Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulphur content paper (available from your Atlas agency) to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.
Appliances and Utensils- Wrap and place small appliances and utensils in sturdy cartons with heavier items on the bottom. Have an authorized serviceman prepare all large appliances (refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, etc.) for moving. Be sure to defrost, clean and dry applicable appliances before movers arrive.
Tools- Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.
Waterbed Mattresses- Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner's manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects. For further information, ask your Atlas Relocation Specialist for a copy of "How To Move Your Waterbed."
Cars and Motorcycles- Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.
Barbeque Grills- and Propane Tanks Wrap grates and briquets separately in a newspaper (or place all briquets into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.

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