What to Pack in Your First Night Box
Learn to pack fragile and awkward items, from china to lampshades, like a pro
When it comes to prepping for your Cincinnati moving company to load up your home, even the most straight-forward items suddenly look like a life-size game of Tetris.
Don’t stress. If you’re self-packing plates and your son’s precious XBox, wine glasses and high heels, follow these steps to wrangle even those most awkward of items.
The supplies
Newsprint and sturdy cardboard boxes will be your best friend. Note that “newsprint” is clean, white, thin packing paper, not newspaper. While newspaper is certainly usable, newsprint can save time and keep your items safer by not risking color transfer onto your belongings. And don’t forget about Leaders’ box loan program that allows you to sell back your reinforced boxes after your move.
You’ll also want to grab bubble wrap, Sharpie markers for labeling and rolls of packing tape.
Pro tip: Pack your heaviest items at the bottom of the box, then create the next tier, filling any extra space with packing paper so all of your items stay put.
The kitchen
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China: It only makes sense that the items that are most sentimental are often the most fragile as well. Take these steps to help keep your precious memories safe:
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Place a layer of newsprint at the bottom of each box
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Start with plates, wrapping up to three individual pieces in a bundle with a double layer of paper
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Place these bundled items in the box in a row standing up on their sides
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Fill any empty space around bundles with crushed paper
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Create the next layer by stacking newsprint on top of the bundles
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Wrap each piece of china individually in newsprint and stack the next tier, again filling any empty space with crushed paper
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Stemware: Wrap individually with newsprint in the goblet and around the stem. Store stem up with plenty of cushioning.
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Bottles: Tape bottles shut and wrap in clean newsprint. To protect other items, first place full bottles in a resealable bag before wrapping. And remember, movers do not transport alcohol.
- Silver: Wrap silver together in clean newsprint paper before wrapping with dish towels.
The bedroom
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Bedding: Separate pillows and bedding in boxes with layers of clean newsprint. To keep your bedding organized during your move, pack linens room by room to make unpacking easier. Pro tip: Use the cushioning of linens to your advantage by protecting your keepsakes. Tuck a bedside photo into a pillow, or nest the bathroom scale in your towels.
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Shoes: If you can, pack each pair of shoes in its own shoebox before placing them in a larger box. If you no longer have their boxes, individually wrap each pair to keep them clean.
- Hanging clothes: Leave your clothes on hangers and hang in a special wardrobe box. Or, if necessary, place a trash bag over sections of hanging clothes (you’ll need an extra set of hands to help) to keep them clean and grouped together. Once you get to your new house, hang the clothes and then take the plastic off.
The family room
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Lamp shades: You should only handle lamp shades by their wire rim to prevent breakage. Place in a small to medium box lined with protective paper. You can nest shades on top of each other, as long as they are separated by paper. Do not place anything on top of the shades, even soft items.
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Electronics: Pack as many electronics in their original boxes as possible. Then follow these steps:
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Pad the bottom of each box with a moving blanket or foam sheet
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Wrap the electronic with paper and place in box
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Fill all empty space with plenty of padding
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Pro tip: Snap a quick pic of your cord configuration before you take it apart and pack it up, that way you can easily hook everything back up at your new place.
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Books: Place books flat in a small box alternating the spine and pages. Place a piece of paper between books to prevent sticking. It’s important to only pack books in small boxes, as the weight adds up quickly.
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Pictures and mirrors: Wrap the picture or mirror in a generous cushion of clean paper. Place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton. Never lay glass, pictures and mirrors flat, but instead, stand them on an edge.
- Statues and figurines: Secure with bubble wrap, then place snugly in a small box where they will remain stationary.
Pick from the best Cincinnati moving companies
A home move is only as good as it’s packing. If you look around and become overwhelmed with the job ahead, it’s best to leave your packing to the professionals. Along with more than 20 years of moving experience, we offer guaranteed pricing and experienced, professional movers that will move all of your belongings to your new home with the utmost care and efficiency.
Contact our Cincinnati movers at (513) 268-4315 or get a free online quote today and get moving.
About the author
LEADERS Moving & Storage was founded in 1994 in Ohio with a pickup truck and a handshake. Since then, we’ve become one of the largest moving companies in the Midwest and have set the standard for others to follow.
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