Good packing is essential for a good move.

Before you begin:
If you decide to do the packing yourself, you are assuming a major portion of the responsibility for your move’s success. All packing must be completed by the evening before moving day. Only the things you will need that night and the next morning should be left for last-minute packing.
Your packing will be expected to meet certain standards. You will need to comply with the principles of good packing as outlined in the booklet you have received from your United Van Lines agent.
Here are some tips from the brochure you’ve received:

Plan Ahead
Normally, packers from a moving company can complete packing for the average move the day prior to loading goods on to the van. When packing yourself you should allow more time. Spreading the task of packing over several weeks will allow you to take time to pack everything correctly.
Clearing a spare room and making it your packing headquarters is ideal. Covering a large table with a heavy blanket makes a good, firm workspace. Cover a second table for a staging area to keep things that are soon to be packed things.

- Gather together everything you’ll need

• Various sizes of sturdy cartons with flaps that close completely.
• White paper, tissue paper, paper towels, or newsprint (unprinted newspaper cut into 20×30 sheets – good for all-purpose wrapping and cushioning.
• Newspapers for cushioning or use as outer wrappings only.

Note: No matter how old the newspaper the ink always rubs off and even can become embedded in fine china if used for wrapping. When using newspaper, wash your hands frequently to prevent leaving ink smudges on the items you handle. Although ink may be washed off some items it is best not to take a chance.

Not recommended for a moving van
It’s best to make other arrangements for the transfer of certain negotiable items or articles of extraordinary value—or, take them with you. If you decide such items need to be in your shipment make sure to list them on the High Value Inventory form that will be provided by your move coordinator.

• Cash
• Deeds, wills or other such valuable papers
• Family photographs
• Furs
• Securities
• Stamp or coin collections
• Valuable jewelry