Never use newspaper to wrap your possessions. Newspaper has an open-grain construction and the inks used in printing are not dried. That ink will rub off and stain anything you wrap in newspaper. Always use clean, white paper for packing.

Use our specially designed Glass Pack Kits for the finest protection. Cups and glasses may be “nested” (one placed inside the other) with three or four to a nesting. The first glass of the nesting goes into a foam pouch, which is then placed into the cell-protected box. Use additional Cushion Foam, as needed, to fill in excess space. Wrap and pack goblets and stemware individually. Do not nest them.

Take a U-Haul Lamp Box and line the bottom with several layers of Enviro-Bubble for extra protection. Remove the lamp shade and bulb. Wrap the cord around the base of the lamp. Use packing paper or Enviro-Bubble around the lamp base and tape it down. Place the lamp in the lined Lamp Box. If you have several tall table lamps, place them in the box so that the base of one lamp is facing the top of the next lamp. Lamp shades and artificial flower arrangements will cushion and protect each other when packed in one of our large boxes.

We have specially designed Mirror Boxes. (For larger pictures and mirrors, telescope two of these boxes together.) Seal one end of the Mirror Box with U-Haul packing tape. Lay your picture facedown on a heavy-duty U-Haul Paper Pad, then fold over the edges of the pad and tape them down. Slide the protected picture into the open end of the Mirror Box. For extra protection, fill excess space with crumpled wrapping paper or paper pads. Next, seal the open end with tape. Stand the carton up in your moving van or trailer, preferably between mattresses or box springs.

With a U-Haul Wardrobe Box, it’s easy to take your clothes on hangers from closet to box. Leave clothes in dressers, but make sure the drawers are not too heavy. (If a drawer is too heavy, it may be damaged en route.)

Consult your vet. A mild sedative may be your best bet for keeping your pet relaxed during your move. Cats and small dogs are best off making the trip in a pet carrier. If your pet is too big to travel this way, keep a leash on it at all times. And since your dog or cat is used to water from the “old neighborhood,” you might want to take some along to keep Spot from getting an upset stomach during the move.

Defrost, dry and load refrigerator in an upright position, using its inside space for bulky, lightweight goods (large stuffed toys and pillows). Always move and store your refrigerator in the upright position. Laying a refrigerator on its side could damage the unit.

Protect your mattresses and box springs from soiling with U-Haul Mattress Bags.

Small boxes are the perfect size for books. Pack books flat so that the spines won’t break. And don’t jam them in tightly. Never pack fragile items with books.

Pack drawers full, but make sure that breakable items are well padded. To prevent drawers from opening, place the unit up against the truck or trailer wall, or against a flat surface such as a mattress.

Remove legs from all tables and load the flat surfaces on edge. If this can’t be done, load tables on their top surfaces–legs up–taking care to protect the finish with blankets or padding.

Tie or tape shovels, rakes and hoes together. Drain hoses, then coil them with the ends connected and tie them up. Take apart any items that are put together with screws or bolts. Place the parts in a sandwich bag taped to the item.

Water plants before your move, then wrap them in plastic, punch air holes in the wrap and lay them in cartons. Plants will be better off riding up front with you.

As you prepare to move, consider donating unwanted clothing and household items. You’ll eliminate clutter and support an important cause. One choice, Goodwill Industries, provides job training for people with disabilities and other special needs. To find a Goodwill donation center near you, call your local Goodwill Industries (listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory).

Helpful Moving Tips

Start packing boxes as soon as possible.

Try a garage sale. Sell or donate unneeded items.

Send change-of-address cards to magazines, charge accounts, friends and relatives. Get copies of school records.

Have clothing dry cleaned. Check on items in repair shops.

Notify utilities and telephone companies at both old and new addresses. Set a date for utility disconnection here and hookup there.

Return borrowed items and pick up the things you’ve lent.

Discard all flammables, such as paint and gasoline.

Finish packing. Leave out items you’ll need for moving day.

Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer.

Have everything packed and ready to load except bedding.

Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.

Have your children help out. Keeping them involved makes it easier for them to take the move in stride.

Strip beds. Cover mattresses with mattress bags.

Turn off water and lights. Lock

windows and doors.