Checklist of the basics

* Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the things you'll need until moving day.

* Empty drawers of breakables, spoilable, and items not recommended for inclusion in your
shipment and anything that would puncture or damage other items. However, blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft, lightweight goods may be left in drawers.

* Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans, for example.

* Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror
bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic or cloth bags
(which can be purchased from the moving company) and taped or tied securely to the
article to which they belong.

* Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.

* Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue
for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very
small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good outer wrapping.

* Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium weight next and lightest on
top. Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a carton for cushioning.  fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets or cardboard cut
from cartons as dividers.

* Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets also may be used for
padding and cushioning. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure
no sharp points, edges or rims are lifting uncovered.

* Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small
boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.

* Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting;
the cover should close easily without force, but should not bend inward.

* Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items listed on United's
High-Value Inventory form. These must be left open for the van operator's inspection.

* List the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while cartons are stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well.

* Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination.
Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels
so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly.