How To Pack For a Move

Packing Tips for Your Move

Every day is moving day for Atlas. When your family wishes to go new places, we are ready with the know-how to move you safely and easily. Atlas packers and movers bring proven skills and best practices to ensure your belongings travel safely. We are pleased to share our techniques with you here, along with advice on how you can prepare for your best move.

The most important thing you should know about packing...

Improper packing is the most common cause of breakage and damage during moving. Simply stated – there are items the pros should pack, there are things you can pack, and there are things you should pack yourself. Plus, there are perishable and hazardous items that can't be moved (see non-allowable items here).

Atlas does not assume responsibility for the following items; plan to transport these yourself. Important papers: legal documents, birth certificates and passports, medical and prescription information. Keys and valuables: keys to furniture, safe, home; cash; photographs; jewelry; sentimental items.

Trust Atlas professionals for the right materials.

Before you pack, you'll need the right materials in the proper amounts. Atlas packers and movers know which packing materials and techniques are right for every item. Atlas recommends you use the same professional grade materials we do. These include double- and triple-cell constructed cartons, cushioning wraps, and packing tape (see the complete list below). Atlas can provide everything at affordable prices; just ask your Atlas Account Representative what you need.

No matter where you get your packing materials, follow these pointers.

• Use only strong, corrugated cartons with tops or flaps that fold shut.
• Boxes discarded by your local grocery store can save you money, but make sure they are clean.
• If you use old newspapers for packing, be aware the ink may rub off and stain items. We recommend blank newspaper.

These things will also come in handy:

• Plastic bags for parts; labels for identification.
• Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or air-popped popcorn for filling spaces in cartons.
• Tissue and kraft paper for wrapping items.
• Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile pieces.
• Heavy-duty packaging tape (1.5 to 2 inches wide) for sealing cartons. Do not use duct tape or masking tape.
• Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
• Notebook and pencil for logging cartons.
• Scissors, sharp knife, or both.

Atlas inspects items before they go onto the truck. We want to ensure everything has the proper protection for safe transport. So, if your Atlas Professional Van Operator or a crew member asks you to repack something, it's because we are looking out for your best interests. If you prefer, we will repack the item for a modest charge.

We ask that you pack high-value items in the presence of your Atlas Professional Van Operator or packing crew, so we can identify these items and write them on the inventory. If you prefer, your Atlas crew will, for a fee, pack any item to ensure it is properly protected. By the same token, your Atlas Agent can make a custom carton for anything you wish. For your special and valuable items, this added protection can be a wise investment.

Note: Some things, such as grandfather clocks and hot tubs, require special preparation. Although Atlas does not prepare these items, we can recommend a reputable provider.

Six tips to get started.

1. Select an area large enough to handle your biggest cartons. A strong table with a protective cover offers a good work surface. (We don't recommend using your good dining room table.) Have your marking pens, tape and scissors nearby. Spread a generous amount of neatly stacked packing paper flat on your table.
2. Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move. Pack one room at a time; this will make it easier to unpack.
3. Mark all boxes with room and box number. Record these in a carton identification log that shows the number of boxes packed per room and the total number of cartons packed. (Your Atlas Van Operator will provide an official inventory during the loading process).
4. Use plenty of filling material in cartons; when in doubt, use more.
5. Make sure bottoms of cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
6. Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Do not exceed 50 pounds per box; it makes moving them a lot easier. Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the carton you should use.

Proven Atlas packing methods you can use like a pro.

Dishware (dinner plates, saucers, bread and butter dishes, etc).

1. Select a medium-sized carton and line the bottom with crumpled packing paper.
2. At your work table, on your stack of packing paper, center a single plate. Grasp a corner of several sheets at once and pull the paper over the plate until the plate is completely covered.
3. Stack a second plate on the first and, moving clockwise, grasp another corner of several sheets and pull them over the second plate. Stack a third plate. Grasp the remaining two corners and fold using two sheets, one corner at a time, over the plate.
4. Turn the wrapped stack of three plates upside down onto your paper. Re-wrap the entire bundle. Start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle; cover the bundle again by pulling on the next corner, then the third corner, then the fourth. For non-fragile plates, you can pack five or six to a bundle.
5. Seal the bundle with packing tape and place it in the box so the plates are standing on edge.

For smaller dishes, you may choose to stack greater quantities. As a rule, make stacks no higher than the dish diameter.

Cups and bowls.

1. Position a single cup, bottom down, six to eight inches from one corner of your packing paper. Pull the nearest corner of the paper up and over the cup.
2. Nest a second cup inside the first cup, with the paper between the two.
3. Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck them inside the second cup.
4. Hold the two cups together and roll them to the remaining corner. Place cups in a vertical position, lips down, near the top of the box. Do not stack heavy items on top of the cups.

Wrap delicate cups, like china, one at a time. Stuff antique glass and other china pieces with crumpled tissue and wrap them individually as well.

Glasses and stemware.

1. Before wrapping, stuff glassware and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper.
2. Lay the item on the corner of the packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size). Pull the sides of the packing paper up and over the item and continue rolling to the far corner. You may use corrugated paper if you want added protection.
3. Place glasses and stemware toward the top of the box. (Place heavier items—dishware, pitchers, etc.—toward the bottom.) Position glasses vertically with lips down—never on their sides. As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper for a snug fit with no gaps. Mark boxes Fragile, using labels supplied by your Atlas Agent.

The above fundamentals for packing dishware, cups, and glassware have similar applications for packing other household items.

Packing tips for specific items.

Special items.

Small appliances and utensils. Wrap and place these in sturdy cartons, with heavier items on the bottom.

Major appliances (refrigerator, stove, freezer, washer, dryer, etc.). Have an authorized serviceman disconnect and prepare these for transport. Defrost, clean and dry your refrigerator and freezer before Atlas arrives.

Barbeque grills. Wrap grates and briquettes separately in newspaper (or place briquettes in a grocery bag). Place in a carton and pad with paper to minimize movement of the contents.

Propane tanks. Atlas cannot transport a propane tank, even an empty one, under any circumstances.

Bedding. Fold and pack pillowcases, sheets, linens, and towels in clean, medium-sized cartons (3 cube). Pack blankets, quilts and comforters in large cartons (4.5 cube). For most beds. Atlas will disassemble and set up in your new home. When requested, Atlas will place mattresses in special cartons for extra care. You can help protect mattresses by covering them with old sheets or mattress covers.

Books. Pack on edge in small cartons (1.5 cube) and alternate the orientation of bindings. Keep carton weight under 50 pounds.

Canned and non-perishable foods. Pack upright in small cartons, no more than 24 to 30 cans per carton. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.

Perishable food. Atlas cannot take perishable items.

Cars and motorcycles. Drain fuel to nearly empty. Disconnect the motorcycle's battery. See that the automobile has sufficient antifreeze.

Clocks. Remove or secure the pendulum. Enlist a qualified service provider to prepare your grandfather clock.

Clothing. Place dress clothes on hangers inside wardrobe cartons, available from your Atlas Agent. Fold and pack other clothing in clean cartons.

DVD and Blu-Ray players, Gaming Systems, and CD players and turntables. Pack these items in the original cartons if you have them. If you do not, refer to the owner's manual. Wrap DVD players, CD players and turntables with an old blanket and place them upright in the carton. To stabilize the laser on your CD player, replace the transport screws (usually located on the bottom of the unit). For your turntable, stabilize the platter to secure the changer and tone arm by tightening screws located on the top of the turntable. Label boxes Fragile and This Side Up.

Drapes and curtains. Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons or fold and pack them in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold them, and pack in cartons.

Electronic media (DVDs,Blu-Rays, CDs, software discs, records, audio cassette tapes and video tapes). Layer the bottom of a small carton with shredded or crushed paper. Pack media in their protective sleeves or cases if available. Or wrap in tissue paper or plastic wrap to prevent scratching. Stand CDs, software discs and records on edge in cartons (do not lay flat). Brace at both ends using a hardback book, or layer pieces of cardboard to provide a snug fit. You may pack audio and video cassette tapes vertically or horizontally on layers of shredded or crushed paper. Fill in with paper as needed. Mark the box Fragile.

Firearms. You are responsible for transporting handguns and ammunition. Notify Atlas before you move if your shipment contains long guns or other firearms. Firearms must be unloaded, have legible serial numbers, and be packed in the presence of the Atlas Van Operator.

Flammables and combustibles. These are considered non-allowable items, and Atlas will not transport them. Plan to dispose of these or give them away before you move.

Home theater systems, TVs, surround sound and entertainment system components. We recommend you use a qualified third party to properly prepare these items. It is best to use the original packaging when available. Consult your owner's manuals for specific instructions.

Lamps and lampshades. Remove bulbs, harps, and shades, and roll up the cord. Pack lamps with bedding, or wrap them separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined cartons. Wrap the harp and finial (top ornament) with packing paper and tape inside the carton containing the shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper, and place upright in large, tissue-lined cartons.

Medicines. Atlas recommends that you carry all medications with you. Seal caps with masking tape, wrap, and pack upright in small cartons. Some prescription drugs, such as insulin, lose their potency if exposed to heat. Check with your pharmacist.

Memory foam and extra-thick mattresses. Typically, your Atlas Professional Van Operator and crew will prepare these items, making sure they are packed, transported and stored flat. We take care not to stand them on end, because the layers can separate. Atlas offers affordable cartons for your thick or memory foam mattress if you want extra protection. Mark the carton: Lay Flat – Memory Foam.

Microwave ovens. Remove loose articles from the oven, such as cookware, glass or wire shelves and carousels. Wrap these and place them in a separate container. Tape the door shut in an X-pattern to protect the glass. Use the original manufacturer's carton if available; otherwise, follow instructions below for packing personal computers.

Mirrors, paintings and pictures. Tell your Atlas Account Representative if you have valuable paintings that require special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings and frames in unprinted newspaper or paper pads and place on edge in cartons or mirror cartons. Never place printed newspaper in contact with paintings; newspaper ink can smudge or damage your art.

Personal computers (PCs, scanners, printers, etc.). Pack these in the original cartons if you have them. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding inside the bottom of the carton. Wrap the item with a blanket or protective pad and place it in the carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer. Wrap detachable cords separately, label them, and put them in a plastic bag. Place cords between the padded computer and the carton.

Rugs. Leave large rugs to be rolled up by your Atlas Professional Van Operator and crew.

Silverware. Wrap each piece in cloth or low-sulfur-content paper to prevent tarnishing. Wrap the silver chest in an old blanket or moving pad to prevent scratching.

Tools and lawn equipment. Pack hand tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if they are valuable. Drain oil and fuel from gas-powered tools such as leaf blowers, trimmers and chain saws. Atlas will not transport flammables under any circumstances.

Waterbeds. Drain the mattress completely. Grasp the internal baffle with the external vinyl and fold the mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid creases across individual baffles. Do not place your mattress in contact with sharp or pointed objects. Consult your owner's manual or ask your Atlas agent if you have questions.

Packing materials you can purchase from your Atlas Agent.

Cartons

• 1.5 cube (small)
  Books, magazines, photo albums, canned goods, grain products, hand tools and other heavy items
• 3 cube (medium)
  Small lampshades, small kitchen appliances (toasters, coffee maker, can opener or iron), pots and pans, shoes, hats and small breakables
• 4.5 cube (large)
  Medium lampshades and small or medium kitchen appliances (upright mixer, wok, etc.)
• 6 cube (extra large)
  Large lampshades and other items too large to fit into 4.5-cube cartons
• Dishpack (china barrel)
  Dinner place settings, stemware, crystal or glassware, figurines, table lamps, vases, small pictures, mirrors and glass shelves
• Flat Screen TV Carton
  Specially designed carton that provides added protection when transporting a flat screen TV
• Mirror (2 or 4 section)
  Pictures, artwork, glass tabletops (less than 7 square feet), dresser mirrors or other high-value items
• Upright Wardrobe
  For garments or floor-to-ceiling drapes
• Mattress
  Crib, twin, double and queen/king mattresses
• Miscellaneous
  Pole lamps, golf clubs, fishing rods, rifles or shotguns

Materials Guide

• Corrugated or Interleaved Sheets
  For placement between dishes, saucers or other flat items and used to construct cylinders for delicate items
• Tissue Paper
  Stuffing fragile cups and goblets, wrapping delicate figurines or artificial flower arrangements
• Non-tarnish Paper
  Wrapping silverware, brass and pewter items
• Brown Kraft Paper
  Wrapping large items such as pictures, mirrors or lamp bases
• Cushioned Paper
  Used for easily scratched items
• Wax Paper
  For oil paintings
• Bubble Pack or Foam Peanuts
  For high-value porcelain figures, model ships or large crystal carvings

At your new home, your Atlas crew places your furniture where you want it. They'll carry cartons to the kitchen, bedrooms, basement and garage as marked. They'll unroll rugs, reassemble beds, and place these in rooms as you have requested.

If you choose unpacking service, your Atlas crew will unpack every plate, cup, glass and spoon, place them on the kitchen counter, and take away the packing material when they leave. Before you unpack, read "The Dos & Don'ts of Unpacking.".