The Do-It-Yourself Packing Guide

First the Ground Rules:

• Start with items that are not frequently used.
• Try to keep boxes around 50 pounds max to make them easier to handle.
• Use generous amounts of paper inside the boxes on the top and bottom to provide a good cushion for items packed. Make sure to list the contents on the outside of the boxes. And don’t forget to clearly mark “FRAGILE” on boxes with delicate items.
• Wrap and safeguard your items using clean, unprinted newsprint.
• Label the boxes containing essential items like cooking utensils, toiletries, etc., with “OPEN FIRST” and make sure these are the last boxes to be loaded.
• Make sure to pack all the boxes tightly. If you hear any rattling or noise, it could mean the contents are at risk of getting damaged during transit. You can also throw in some linens, blankets, or other soft items to fill up the extra space and give some extra cushioning.
• Make sure to use professional packaging tape. Masking tape won’t cut it when it comes to supporting fully-packed boxes.
• Go for sturdy boxes that you can close up.
• Don’t pack flammable items or hazardous materials.

Preparing Your Items

• Start with the out-of-season stuff. Save packing the things you won’t need until moving day for last.
• Clear out drawers of anything that could break or spill. It’s totally fine to store blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels, and other soft, lightweight items in there.
• Group similar items together. For instance, don’t pack a delicate china figurine in the same box as cast-iron frying pans.
• Make sure to keep all the parts or pairs together. For instance, you can use plastic or cloth bags to store curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts, and other small hardware items. Just tape or tie the bag securely to the article it belongs to.
• Make sure to wrap electrical cords and secure them so they’re not hanging loose.
• Wrap each item separately in clean paper.

Boxing Them Properly

• Put a layer of crushed paper, about two or three inches thick, at the bottom of the box for cushioning.
• Stack your items in layers, starting with the heaviest things at the bottom, followed by medium weight in the middle, and the lightest on top.
• As you finish each layer, make sure to pack crushed paper into any empty spaces. You can add more crushed paper to create a solid base for the next layer, or use cardboard cut from boxes as dividers.
• You can use crushed paper, towels, or lightweight blankets to provide padding and cushioning. Remember, the more delicate the item, the more cushioning it will require. Just make sure to cover any sharp points, edges, or rims.
• When packing small, delicate, individually wrapped items, it’s best to keep them separate or group a few together in small boxes. Use crushed or shredded paper as cushioning. If you want to draw attention to very small things, you can even use colored wrapping paper.
• Put small boxes inside a big box, and use crushed paper to fill in any gaps.
• Make sure to seal the boxes tightly with tape, except for the ones that have items listed on Mayflower’s High-Value Inventory form. Those ones should be left open for the crew to inspect.
• Please let us know your name and which room each box should go to in your new home.

Soft Goods

Bedding

Pack soft items like pillows and bedding in boxes, making sure to separate them with layers of clean paper.

Shoes

If you still have the original shoe box, just pack the shoes in them and put them in bigger boxes. If not, just wrap each shoe separately to keep them from getting damaged.

Clothes

Just leave your clothes on hangers and hang them in those special wardrobe boxes.

Delicate Items

China & Stemware

Make sure to wrap each piece of china and glassware separately with clean paper. Use multiple sheets of paper and start from one corner, wrapping diagonally and tucking in the overlapping edges as you go. For an extra layer of protection, you can use folded newspaper as the outer wrapping.

When packing china, make sure to place it vertically in a dishpack and use the included insert to secure it. Remember to have the eating side facing the outside of the box. This way, the dishes can absorb shock better compared to packing them flat. Happy packing!

Put a partitioned separator over the packed dishes for wrapped stemware and cups. And hey, make sure the last tier on top is cushioned with plenty of paper. Oh, and don’t forget to label the boxes as “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP.”

Silver

Put the silver pieces together and wrap them in clean paper. Put the nested packs in the silver chest and wrap the chest in unprinted newsprint.

Statuary & Figurines

Wrap statuary and figurines with bubble wrap or clean paper for extra protection. If using paper, roll or wrap it around the item until it’s nicely cushioned.

Mirrors & Glass

Wrap the picture or mirror in a nice, thick layer of unprinted newsprint, and pop it into a flattened packing or telescoping box. Seal up the box carefully, and make sure to label it as “FRAGILE.” Remember, always stand glass, pictures, and mirrors on their edge—no laying flat!

Everyday Items

Toiletries & Bottles

Seal up those soap and toothpaste containers with tape and wrap them in unprinted newsprint to prevent any breakage. For an added layer of security, pop those containers into plastic bags and seal them up with tape before tossing them in the box.

Books

When packing books, stack them on their edges and alternate the spine and open side. Since books can be quite heavy, opt for small book boxes to make them easier to carry.

Heavy Articles

You can pack heavy stuff like tools in any regular-sized box. Wrap them individually if needed. Just keep in mind the weight of each box as you pack.Small Appliances & Household Goods

When packing items like clocks, small radios, and other small appliances, it’s important to give them plenty of padding. These things have delicate electronic components, so make sure they’re well protected. You can use a paper pad, which is a multilayered paper wrap typically used for larger fragile items. And don’t forget to wrap any removable parts or accessories separately in paper.

Large Appliances

When getting your major appliances ready for shipping, there are a bunch of things to keep in mind. We suggest getting a pro to handle the prep work. Your consultant will make sure all the necessary services are set up for you.