Have area rugs professionally cleaned before your move. They will return from the
cleaners rolled, wrapped and ready for packing. Unfortunately, rugs are often
overlooked during the moving process – especially when you’re busy packing a
multitude of boxes, furniture pieces and other larger items. However, when not moved
properly, rugs can become easily damaged or (worse!) destroyed.
Before you pack anything, take the time to thoroughly clean and dust your furniture.
Dust and other debris can scratch hard surfaces during the moving process. Cleaning
the furniture before you move also means you won't drag any unnecessary grime into
your new home.
Understand exactly how to pack artwork for moving to help keep it safe. You should
never wrap oil paintings in regular paper; it will stick. When you pack pictures for
moving, make an X with masking tape across the glass to strengthen it and to hold it
together if it shatters. Then wrap the pictures in paper or bubble wrap and put them
in a frame box, with a piece of cardboard between each framed piece for protection.
When you pack books for moving, pack them or other heavy items in small boxes; light
items, like linens and pillows, can be packed in bigger ones. (Large boxes packed
with heavy items are a common complaint of professional movers. They not only make
the job harder but also have a better chance of breaking.)