But before you get started: make sure you plan on bringing them over to the JDM Bascom store. Mike and Cindy are running their annual Christmas Special! From now until Dec 31st, all shipping is discounted 10%. All packaging, including materials and labor is discounted 15%. Getting those Christmas presents sent out on time doesn’t have to be painful or expensive.

However, if you do end up bringing this down to the wire, please keep these dates in mind:

• Monday, December 17 – Last Day to use Ground Service
• Wednesday, December 19 – Last Day to use UPS 3 Day Select®
• Thursday, December 20 – Last Day to use 2nd Day
• Saturday, December 22 – Last Day to use Overnight/Next Day

1. Back the truck close to the largest door of your home and, if possible, park where the sidewalk is high so the loading ramp will be level as possible.

2. Load heavy appliances first, tying them securely to the rings along truck walls with rope. Pile smaller and lighter items on top until this section is packed tightly to the roof and tied.

3. Next, load large furniture including sofas, beds, mattresses and box springs. Pack mirrors, and pictures in packing crates cushioned with newspaper. Stand them on edge along the inside of truck

4 . Place rolled rugs lengthwise in the center of the truck, wedged between the heaviest cartons, such as books and records (don’t pack any cartons over 30 lbs. or you won’t be able to lift them.)

5. Remove table legs and load table tops face down on pads or blankets.

6. Fill the truck to the top with boxes, chairs, and lightweight bundles, such as lampshades, or awkwardly shaped items, such as bicycles. Leave as little empty space as possible to prevent the load from shifting en route.

Extra Tips:

• Make sure you label your boxes so that they can be put in the right room once you arrive.
• Stuff towels inside the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
• For large tables, remove the legs and strap them together (don’t use packing tape!).
• If you have a pet, make sure he rides up front with you!

These are just a few tips.  For more expertise stop by your nearest JDM location.  We’ll make sure you’re all set for your move!

1-2 Rooms:

• 7-10 Small Boxes
• 3-5 Medium Boxes
• 3-5 Large Boxes
• 2 Dish Pack Boxes
• 1-2 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

3-4 Rooms:

• 15 Small
• 8-10 Medium
• 6-8 Large Boxes
• 2-4 Dish Packs
• 1-2 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

5-6 Rooms:

• 20-25 Small
• 12-15 Medium
• 8-10 Large
• 3-5 Dish Packs
• 3-4 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

7-8 Rooms:

• 30-40 Small
• 20-25 Medium
• 12-15 Large
• 4-5 Dish Packs
• 4-5 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

A great way to save money during your move is to purchase used or over-run boxes.  JDM sells both in addition to new standard moving boxes.  Used boxes are standard moving boxes that have been used but are still in great condition. You can even sell them back to us again after your move!  Over-run boxes are factory surplus boxes, often with other brand names printed on them.  They are new, very close in size to standard moving boxes sizes and offer a great savings!

Step 1: Select an appropriate box:  Making sure that you have the correct box is an essential first step.  Not only should the box be of the right size (leaving 2-3 inches between any fragile item or any breakable or scratch-able surface, and the side of the box), but the box needs to be corrugated, of the appropriate strength (use a double thickness box for extra heavy or breakable items) and without any major bends, punctures or tears.

Step 2. Provide cushion and padding:  Any fragile item needs 2 inches of protection between it and the box and between it and other items.  All fragile items need to be independently wrapped or protected.   The item should be packed such that it is secure and not able to freely move in its box.  Cushion can be provided in the form of crumpled packing paper, loose-fill (p-nuts), bubble, and foam among other things.  A JDM packing specialist can help you select the appropriate material for the particular item.  Extra fragile or valuable items will need special packaging above and beyond these basic requirements.

Step 3. Ensure the box is securely closed:  If, after packaging, there is still too much “box” left for your item, you can cut your box down with a box-sizer or box-knife.  We can do this for you when you bring your box in or show you how.   Finally, seal the box with 2″ packing tape making sure to use 3 strips on the top and bottom flaps as well as sealing all the seams.

Step 4. Ship it!  Make sure you label your box with a marker in case the shipping tag becomes unreadable during transit. Then, bring your package in to JDM to have to shipped out.  Make sure you declare your items true value to make sure it is insured correctly!

Also remember, if you don’t have the time or if your item requires special expertise, come on in to a JDM store.  We’ll be happy to expertly package your item for a very reasonable price.

NOTE:  This advice should only serve as a basic guideline.  For more information please follow the links below to each carriers packaging requirement policy.