LA Office Moving

Pack as much or as little as you prefer. LA Office Moving is willing to do the whole job, or any part of the packing job. Whatever you decide, we want your part of the move process to go as smoothly as possible. These packing tips will help. And, we’ve got you covered if you need packing supplies.

• General Tips
• Books
• Photographs
• China, dishware
• Stemware
• Bottles & Liquid Containers
• Computers and electronics
• Food
• Lampshades
• Shoes
• Figurines/Knickknacks

This page provides links to various resources that will assist you before, during and after your move.

• Chamber of Commerce
• Weather information
• United States Postal Service
• Non-Allowable List
  
• Help Moving Office .com
  

General Tips

• Start packing now. Start with items (books, etc.) you hardly use.
• Protect your items with packing material. Newspapers are effective and readily available.
• Separate your breakable items from your non-breakable items, so the appropriate boxes can be given extra care. Mark them “FRAGILE.”
• Buy an assortment of quality boxes in standard sizes. FlatRate can help you order the right type and amount. You can place an order right here at our box store.
• Pack all boxes as tightly as possible, but watch the weight. Load heavier items on the bottom, to maintain balance. No box should ever weigh more than 50 lbs, and 20-30 lbs. maximum is preferable.
• Use real packing tape, not masking tape – it’s not strong enough.
• Label boxes clearly, on several sides. They should be legible, even if stacked in a corner. Start an inventory list, on paper or on your computer. Be consistent with your labeling method. List the general contents on the outside of the box for quick reference.
• For a box that contains items you’ll need immediately (cooking utensils, toiletries, remotes, etc.), mark “OPEN FIRST” on the outside of the box.
• Carry irreplaceable items with you, along with immediate necessities like cell-phone chargers and personal items, in a special suitcase or bag.

Books

• Lay books flat in the box. Alternate the spine and open-end, as you stack them, to keep their weight evenly distributed.
• Place a clean piece of paper between books to prevent them from sticking to each other.
• Keep the weight of the box manageable (pref. between 20-30 lbs).

Photographs:

• Photos, videos, and film negatives should be packed separately from other household items. They may be irreplaceable.
• Protect your framed photos with padding, standing each on edge within the box.
• Label containers clearly to easily identify their contents.
• If the item is truly irreplaceable, carry it with you.

China /Dishware:

• Before packing china, cushion the bottom of the box with plenty of crumpled newsprint paper.
• Carefully wrap each larger piece of china individually with newsprint, and bundle up to three similar pieces together with one piece of newsprint.
• Place each bundle into the box, standing upright to form a standing row. Do not lay them flat. Surround each bundle with plenty of crumpled paper.
• Level 2-3 inches of crumpled newsprint on top of the bottom row, to support the next row of bundles.
• The upper row should be comprised of smaller articles—cups, saucers, etc. – to keep the box properly weighted with heavier items at the bottom.

Stemware:

• Each piece of stemware should be wrapped in clean newsprint paper.
• Stuff newsprint into each goblet and then wrap it around the stem.
• Cushion stemware with a final thick wrapping of paper, and place the item in your container STEM UP.

Bottles & Liquid Containers:

• Seal all bottles by wrapping tape around their lids.
• Wrap bottles in newsprint paper. Prepare boxes with crumpled newsprint paper, at the bottom, and place your bottles on top. Add more newsprint, padding the sides and top.

Computers & Electronics:

• Take photos of your wired connections and label the cables. Consider using colored ties from a container or office supply store.
• Disconnect all wires and cables. Bundle these items together with their components, for quick reassembly.
• Place the item in the prepared box, and pad heavily on all sides to prevent damage.

Food:

• Pack food items last, after all other packing has been completed.
• Do not pack perishable food items, even for local moves.
• Seal all box openings with tape.
• Place small spice jars and containers into a small box first, and then into a bigger one. Remember to use tape where necessary with spice containers.
• Limit the amount of canned goods and heavy objects you place into each box, to maintain a reasonable weight.

Lampshades:

• If possible, separate lampshade from the lamp base.
• Make sure to handle a lampshade by its wire base only.
• Surround the lampshade with clean newsprint paper. Lampshades can be nested inside each other, separated by newsprint. Keep them at the top of the box and well padded.

Shoes:

• Pack shoes into shoeboxes or clear zip lock bags. Then group them into a bigger linen box.
• If shoeboxes are not available, wrap each shoe in clean newsprint to minimize abrasion.

Figurines/Knickknacks:

• Wrap statuary and figurines with bubble wrap. Consider packaging some items with smaller bubble wrap first. Then layer the outside with larger bubble wrap. Exceptionally fragile items may require additional protection. Pack foam peanuts tightly around the piece, as added padding and to ensure the item remains in place. Recyclable peanuts are available.
• If bubble wrap is not available, wrap clean paper around the item until it is well cushioned.