Start packing your bedrooms for storage or moving by tackling less-used guest rooms first. Children can help by setting aside the toys and books they want to take with them and packing the rest in boxes. Colorful stickers on the outside of boxes let children know their personal belongings are clearly marked, and allow them to identify their things when the moving van is unloaded.
Clothing: It's best to hang clothing whenever possible. This is why the wardrobe boxes are best for storing clothing. One will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers; figure more cartons if wrinkles are a concern. You can place shoes and folded items in the bottom and use the metal bar to hang others on the top. Small garment items can be left in dresser drawers. If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed from its hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in large cartons, or stuff the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper, wrap tissue loosely around the outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats at the bottom. Don't pack anything else with hats. Label the carton "FRAGILE".
Jewelry: Valuables such as fine jewelry should be removed from drawers and never packed with your household goods. They will be most secure if they remain in your possession. If you have an extensive high-value collection, consider a third party service that specializes in storing or transporting jewelry.
Toiletries: Dispose of aerosol spray cans, such as hairspray or deodorant, open bottles and other prohibited items. These cannot be packed for storage and moving inside Box-n-Go storage containers. Please see the listing of prohibited items for further details. Any toiletry items that are allowed should be carefully taped shut and wrapped to prevent leakage, then packed in small cartons.
Bedding, Curtains, Drapes and Linens: Curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens, blankets, pillows, sheets and the like. Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton that has been lined with clean paper. Wrap your most prized possessions in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many other items. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage and avoid storing anything that will attract rodents. If you decide to wash your linens before you pack them, make sure they are thoroughly dried first.
Mattresses & Pillows: Place mattresses and box springs in a protective bag or even old mattress covers to keep them clean during moving and storage, and place on end or side along the side of the container wall. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons. They also make good padding for other items.
Mirrors and Pictures: It's best if you can crate them, or at least wrap mirrors and pictures in paper, bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape and pack in a mirror packing box. Most pictures and mirrors can be wrapped and packed in telescoping mirror cartons. Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. Pack flat items on their edges. DO NOT lay mirror boxes flat! If possible, place between a mattress and box spring, or place on the side of your container. Fragile or valuable fine art may require special professional crating. We advise against packing such items for storage or moving inside the containers.
Rugs: Vacuum rugs, sprinkle with moth flakes, roll up and tie with rope. Rugs can be wrapped with paper pads for additional protection. Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first.
