This page details specific methods for packing items that are common to many households. The following items of exceptional and inherent value won’t be accepted for transport or be covered by insurance. If it is essential that these items be moved, we recommend that you get an appraisal done and then have them shipped by a security company or courier.
a. Deeds, Notes, Wills, Stocks, Securities, Bonds
b. Coin Collections, Currency, Stamp Collections
c. Jewelry, Precious Stones
The techniques we outlined at how to pack basic household items for packing dishware, cups, stemware and glassware are fundamental and will apply to many of your household items. Here are more tips you can use for packing common household goods:
Barbeque Grills and Propane Tanks — Wrap your grates and briquettes separately in newspaper (or place briquettes in a grocery bag) and pack securely in a carton. Jay’s won’t transport propane tanks.
Bedding — Pack your blankets, quilts and comforters in clean, large cartons, and pillowcases, sheets, linens, and towels into medium-sized, cartons. Most beds will be disassembled and reassembled by Jay’s and at your request mattresses can be placed in special-care cartons. You can help protect mattresses by covering them with old sheets or mattress covers.
Books — Pack your books on edge into small, 2 cube cartons, alternating bindings.Take care to not overload these cartons, books are heavy!
Clocks — Remove or secure the pendulum in your large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by a professional service person.
Clothing — Hang your clothing in wardrobe cartons (available from Jay’s) and fold or roll your other clothing and pack into clean cartons.
Drapes and Curtains — lay your drapes or curtains over the crossbars in wardrobe cartons or fold and pack them into clean cartons.
Flammables and Combustibles — flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak or even explode. For your own protection, understand that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you — not your carrier — will be held liable.
Lamps and Lampshades — disassemble your lamps, removing lightbulbs, harps and shades and rolling up the cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap them separately and place upright in a clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap your shades in tissue and place upright in large, tissue-lined cartons. Wrap the removed parts and tape to the inside wall of the carton containing the shade.
Medicines — Jay’s recommends that you carry all medications with you.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures — wrap your small mirrors, pictures, paintings and frames in unprinted paper (available from Jay’s) and place them on edge in cartons or mirror cartons. Never place printed newspaper directly against your paintings, and tell your Jay’s consultant about valuable paintings requiring special care.
Rugs — Leave your large rugs to be rolled up by the movers.
Tools and Lawn Equipment — pack your hand tools in small, strong cartons, wrapping each one separately. Drain the oil and fuel from your power tools (do not ship flammables under any circumstances).
For more information on packing specific items please read:
Click here for packing supplies available to purchase from Jay’s
We hope these tips help you with packing items common to many households. Or if you prefer, Jay’s Moving Calgary can do some or all of the packing for you.