Before you start packing up your family room, make sure you have all the supplies you will need:
- Sturdy boxes in various sizes with flaps that can be completely closed
- Packing paper
- Paper pads
- Tissue paper
- Packing tape for sealing the boxes
- Felt tip markers for labeling the boxes
Most families have a wide variety of items in their living room, including large furniture, electronics and fragile objects like lamps, photographs and decor. Follow our moving tips to safely pack up all of these valuable pieces:
Lamps
When packing lamps, disassemble the lamp and pack the base and the shade separately.
For the shade, use a sturdy box that’s at least two inches larger than the shade and line it with paper. Fill the box with a large amount of crumpled packing paper to pad the shade and prevent it from moving around. Don’t be tempted to pack other items with the shade!
When packing the lamp base, wrap it carefully with paper pads and place it upright in a carton with crumpled packing paper.
Items Framed in Glass
Mirrors and glass can be easily damaged, so you might want to consult a professional who can help you pack these correctly.
If you choose to pack these things yourself, consider using a carton that is specifically designed for mirrors. Wrap the mirror in paper, place it in the carton and wrap the carton with tape in multiple directions to keep it secure.
Electronics
TVs, computers and other electronics require a special carton. It is best to repack these items in their original boxes if you still have them. If you don’t have the original packaging, ask your moving service to provide special cartons.
When you are packing your TV, use a thin foam wrap to protect the screen and always pack it upright. Never lay your TV flat in a box.