Shipping tips from the shipping specialists at TSI:

• General Packing Tips
• Packing Materials Checklist
• How to Pack Household Goods
• What Not to Pack
• FREE Delivery on Boxes and Packing Materials

General Packing Tips

Making sure you have all the appropriate moving supplies is an essential step in preparing for your move. When preparing your belongings before a move, make sure ALL items, whether fragile or not, are packed using the correct materials.

• Choose the right box: Use a box that's strong enough to protect the contents and large enough to leave space for adequate cushioning. New boxes are best, but if you choose a previously used box, make sure you remove old shipping labels, and make sure the box is in good shape with no weak spots or cracks.

Bonus packing tip: Old or new, make sure the box is made of heavy corrugated cardboard. To purchase boxes online, click here for availability and prices.

• Protect and Pack: Don't skimp on cushioning material! Use 1-inch bubble wrap. Pack items tightly to avoid shifting, and make sure the cushioning material covers all sides of the object. If you're shipping several items together, wrap each one separately and provide enough cushioning to prevent movement. To purchase bubble wrap boxes online, click here for availability and prices.

Bonus packing tip: You can never have too much cushioning!

• Seal Carefully: After packing, gently shake the box. If nothing moves, it's ready to be sealed. For a strong seal, always use packing tape that is designed for shipping. You can order packing tape and other materials for free delivery in 1-2 days.

Bonus packing tip: Cover all seams with tape, and be sure not to leave any open areas which could snag.

• Label Your Boxes: For a local move, label your boxes according to the room where the items should go at the destination (kitchen, basement, bedroom, etc.). If you're shipping boxes long-distance, label each box with the name and address of the shipping destination.
  Bonus packing tip: Create an extra label for each box and put it inside, in case the outside label gets torn or defaced.

• Shipping Insurance: This is not a packing tip, but it is important: If your items are being shipped long-distance, make sure you have the proper shipping insurance

Packing Materials Checklist

TSI offers FREE shipping on boxes and other packing materials. Click to find out more.

Boxes - Boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Use a box that is strong enough to protect the contents and large enough to leave space for adequate cushioning. Click to select and order boxes .

Packing Tape - Use tape designed for packing and be sure to cover all seams. Click to select and order packing tape .

Bubble Wrap - Can be used to wrap and protect fragile items. Make sure to be generous with cushioning material. Click to select and order bubble wrap.

Newsprint Paper - Can be used to help cushion items.

Magic Marker - Label every box with your first and last name, what room the contents belong to, whether the items are fragile, and the address of the final destination. Create an extra label for inside the box in case the outer label is worn away during the move.

How To Pack Household Goods

Soft Goods - Items such as linens and pillows can simply be placed into boxes that are the correct size. No bubble wrap or newsprint paper is needed. Remember not to over-pack the boxes.

Clothing - Does not require bubble wrap or newsprint unless there is extra room in box. If clothing is easily ruined or very expensive, use wardrobe boxes.

Books - When packing books and magazines, use medium to small sized boxes so they do not become too heavy. You may want to place clean sheets of paper in between books in order to avoid sticking.

Furniture - When it comes to furniture, keep in mind that most movers will prepare the furniture for you. When shipping 1-10 items of furniture long distance you can save money by using TSI's Wrap-It Shipping service.

Electronics - When shipping electronics, pack the items in the original box if possible. If not, bubble wrap electronics in several layers of bubble wrap and place in a sturdy box.

Fragile Items - Wrap thoroughly with bubble wrap and use newsprint paper in between wrapped items for cushioning to prevent movement and to ensure items will not break.

Kitchenware - When packing pots, pans, and other be certain to use plenty of newsprint paper and bubble wrap to prevent breakage and scratching. Never pack heavy, bulky kitchenware items such as stoneware, heavy bowls, etc. with more fragile breakable items such as wine glasses.

Artwork & Mirrors - Special boxes are used to package paintings and mirrors. To keep corners safe, use corrugated cardboard edge protectors.

What Not To Pack

-Living plants or animals
-Money, securities, valuable papers, jewelry, and/or items of particular sentimental value. Keep these items with you at all times
-Flammable items such as aerosol cans, paint, gas, etc...
-Perishable items such as food
-Hazardous materials such as poisonous, corrosive, or explosive solids, liquids, and/or gases

Call to speak with a TSI moving specialist about your packing and shipping needs.

Additional links:
Apartment Movers
Furniture Movers
Long Distance Movers
Residential Movers
Small Moves