Blog - Move Pre-planning

Proper packing is essential for a successful move. That's why many families entrust the packing of their prized possessions to the professionals - Bekins Moving & Storage. Bekins offers years of experience in packing the personal possessions for generations of families, using the latest materials and techniques to meet every packing requirement.

Your Bekins Moving Consultant will gladly provide you with an estimate for this important service. If you have the time, however, and have decided to do your own packing, this guide shares some of the techniques and helpful suggestions to protect your items during your move.

Pre-Planning

Bekins Moving & Storage has a complete range of cartons and material specially designed to provide specific items with maximum protection:

China/Dish Pack: china, glass, lamps, small pictures, silverware, bric-a-brac.

Small Carton: books, canned and dry goods, shoes, records, tools.

Medium Carton: lampshades, kitchenware, small appliances, hats.

Large Carton: linens, blankets, pillows, cushions, lamps, toys.

Picture: mirrors, pictures, glass.

Wardrobe: clothes, drapes.

Packing Material: Bekins Moving & Storage uses unprinted newsprint as a good all-purpose wrapping and cushioning material. Printed newspaper, although plentiful, should be used only as an outer wrapping as the ink will rub off and can become embedded in fine china. White unprinted newsprint is sold by the pound and is available from Bekins Moving & Storage.

Black Felt Marker: This, of course, is used for marking your packed cartons. In the case of a local or provincial move , where the boxes will be returned to Bekins Moving & Storage for refund, it is important that you only write on the tape which you have used to seal the box, as marked boxes are non-refundable.

Be sure to put the letters "P.B.O." (packed by owner) on the tape of your packed cartons so when the van operator takes an inventory of your goods, there won't be any question as to what you packed and what Bekins Moving & Storage packed.

On each carton write your name, contents, and indicate to which room it should be delivered at destination - such as kitchen, den, dining room, bedroom #1, #2, master bedroom, etc. Mark "Fragile" and "This Side Up" on delicate items.

Sealing Tape: Obtain proper tape from Bekins Moving & Storage or go to your local hardware/department store and purchase carton sealing tape, at least 1-1/2 or 2 inches wide to properly seal top and bottom of cartons.

Packing Cartons: Based on experience, the following chart indicates the quantity of cartons recommended for packing an average household: