Coastal Moving

FAQ's - Some Helpful Packing Hints

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that we're asked on a regular basis. You may be able to find some answers to immediate questions; should you have more specific questions, we invite you to call and have us provide answers.

Click on either of the queries below and be directed to the pertinent answer:

1.  What is the best way to assemble the moving box?

2.  How do you handle clothing? Do you have wardrobe boxes?

3.  Is there a correct way to pack wine bottles?

4.  What is the best way to pack glasses and stemware?

5.  How should electronics and small appliances be packed?

Answer to Question #1

Assembling the moving box: Three ways to tape an assembled moving box.

1. Use three strips of packing tape, making a cross on the top and bottom
2. Put one strip down the middle seam, adding a strip along each of the two side seams
3. Use three parallel--but not overlapping--strips on and along the middle seam.

Identifying the box: The packed and sealed moving box should be clearly marked on at least two adjoining sides with the contents of the box and the room where the moving box should be placed at the destination. As much as possible, mark the contents of a box on its sides rather than on its top. This will make it easier to identify the contents for each box at the new residence.

Clearly mark moving boxes that must be kept on top with arrows or "Top Load Only," indicating that the box will remain on top when stacked in the truck. These markings should be used sparingly and judiciously only for boxes containing the most delicate items.

"Bumpers"--rolls of crumpled packing paper--are the single most important component of packing. Take one sheet of packing paper and loosely crumple it. Do the same with a second piece of paper. Place both of them side-by-side on a third piece of packing paper and roll them up inside the third sheet as if you were rolling up a submarine sandwich.

Answer to Question #2

Each Truck is equipped with 8 to 12 free wardrobes for your hanging clothes that must be returned at the end of your move. You can use the bottom of the wardrobe for your shoes and other closet odds and ends.

Dressers do not need to be emptied unless there is anything moveable or breakable. If packing of clothes must be done, use the largest box possible, such as a 4.5 or 6.0

If you anticipate a need for more than 12 wardrobe boxes for your move, please notify us before the day of the move so that we may accommodate you. The ealier you let us know, the easier it will be for us to be prepared and ready for moving day.

See image below to get an idea of the size of our wardrobe boxes.

Answer to Question #3

Use the 1.5 cubic foot box to pack wine. Like all other "fragile" boxes, cushion the bottom of the 1.5 with bumpers. Wrap each bottle in several pieces of packing paper and lay it on its side in the box. This prevents the cork from drying out, especially if your wine remains in the packing boxes for a while in your new home.

Answer to Question #4

For a glass or piece of stemware, initially wrap each piece loosely in a sheet of packing paper. Then, wrap the item more tightly in a second sheet. Glasses and stemware should always be stood on end in the dish pack. A paper collar is sometimes employed to provide additional support around an item before loosely wrapping it in a sheet of packing paper.

Stuff some crumpled packing paper inside a glass vase or pitcher to provide support to its sides. A fragile piece like this should be wrapped in bubblekraft or brown paper pads and packed in the top or second layer of the dishpack. Before sealing the moving box, put a layer of cushioning material on top of the glasses. However, be aware of overdoing the cushioning on the top of a box that contains extremely delicate stemware. The extra "protection" on the top of this type of box may actually press down too much into the box, placing unnecessary and excessive pressure on top of the stemware.

Answer to Question #5

Brown paper pads may be used to pack heavier and larger items such as countertop appliances. They should be placed in 3.1 cubic foot moving boxes for easier handling. If a brown paper pad is too large for an item, cut the sheet in half. Keep all appliance parts together in the same box.

Keep in mind, larger moving boxes can quickly become extremely heavy: try lifting a box before you seal it with tape to make sure that its weight is manageable.