Packing the Living Room and Family Room
From Lamps to Audio-Visual Components
Packing Room Mirrors And Pictures
Mirrors and pictures require careful packing to help protect them from scratches, cracks, and other damage during a move. The appropriate packing method depends on the size of the item and the type of box being used.
Small Mirrors and Pictures
Small mirrors and pictures can be wrapped and placed upright in regular moving boxes with other items. Follow these guidelines:
- Cushion the items: Surround wrapped mirrors and pictures with crumpled packing paper to provide cushioning.
- Mark boxes containing glass: If a box contains glass, clearly mark the outside of the box so it can be handled appropriately.
- Remove mounting hardware: Remove picture hooks and other mounting hardware and place them in sealed plastic bags to help keep small pieces together.
Packing Larger Pictures and Mirrors
Some pictures and mirrors may be too large for standard moving boxes. In these cases, you may need to create a mirror carton that fits the item.
- Choose an appropriate box: Select a box that is larger than the picture or mirror when the box is opened at both ends.
- Prepare the box: Open both ends of the box and flatten it.
- Seal one end: Use packing tape to securely seal one of the open ends.
- Prepare the packing paper: Spread several sheets of packing paper so the paper is approximately twice as wide as the picture or mirror.
- Position the item: Place the picture or mirror face down on the packing paper.
- Wrap the item: Wrap the picture or mirror in the paper as you would wrap a gift, making sure the entire item is covered. Tape and seal areas where the paper overlaps.
- Place the item in the carton: Slide the wrapped picture or mirror into the unsealed end of the carton.
- Seal the carton: Secure the remaining open end with packing tape.
Very large pictures or mirrors: Extremely large mirrors and pictures may require specially designed mirror or picture cartons. Consider having your professional mover handle the packing of these items.
Packing Lamp Shades
Lamp shades can be delicate and costly to replace, so they require extra care when packing. Follow these guidelines to help protect them during your move:
- Choose a sturdy box: Use a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the largest lamp shade. Line the box with clean packing paper.
- Cushion the bottom: Place crumpled packing paper underneath the lamp shade to provide cushioning. Do not wrap the shade itself in paper.
- Nest shades carefully: A smaller shade can be placed inside a larger shade as long as the two shades do not touch. If the shade material can stretch, pack only one shade per box.
- Pack shades separately: Do not place other household items in the box with your lamp shades.
- Label the box: Clearly mark the box “LAMP SHADES – FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY” so it can be handled appropriately during the move.
Packing Lamp Bases
Lamp bases should be packed carefully to help protect them from damage during your move. Before packing, remove the light bulb and lamp harp and pack them separately.
Follow these guidelines:
- Remove the bulb and harp: Remove the light bulb and lamp harp from the lamp. Wrap and pack these items separately.
- Prepare the box: Use a sturdy box lined with several inches of crumpled packing paper.
- Wrap the lamp base: Spread several sheets of packing paper on a flat surface and place the lamp base in the center. Roll the paper around the lamp and tuck the end of the paper underneath the base.
- Secure the wrapping: Tape the end of the paper and seal any overlapping seams.
- Place the lamp in the box: Carefully place the wrapped lamp base in the box. Multiple lamp bases can be packed in the same box as long as each one is individually cushioned with crumpled packing paper.
- Label the box: Mark the box “LAMPS – FRAGILE” so it can be handled with care.
Packing Audio Equipment
Packing Computer Equipment
Refer to our Moving Guide, “Packing Your Computer,” for detailed instructions.
Packing Books
Books should be packed together in small, sturdy boxes to help prevent the boxes from becoming too heavy to handle.
- Pack books flat or with the spine facing down: Arrange books flat or with their spines facing down in the box. Avoid placing them with the pages facing downward.
- Protect valuable books: Individually wrap high-value books in packing paper before placing them in the box.
- Avoid overpacking: Keep boxes manageable in weight and avoid filling them with more books than can be safely lifted.
Packing Artificial Flower Arrangements
Packing Draperies And Curtains
Draperies and curtains can be packed using a wardrobe carton, which allows them to remain hanging during the move and can help minimize wrinkles.
- Use a wardrobe carton: Place draperies and curtains on padded hangers and hang them inside a wardrobe carton.
- If a wardrobe carton isn’t available: Line a large box with packing paper or plastic wrap, then carefully fold and place the draperies and curtains inside.
- Pack curtain rods: Remove curtain rods, wrap them securely, and place them in boxes. For longer rods, you may need to secure two boxes together to accommodate their length.
- Keep hardware together: Place curtain rod hardware in sealed plastic bags and pack the bags with the corresponding rods so the pieces stay together.