It is difficult to know exactly the right procedure when you are packing your other items. Random books, hats, and shoes have a tendency to get lost from one location to the other. Here is a guide for packing other items that are not all one size like plates or appliances.
Artificial Flowers If you have a lot of artificial flowers go through these items before you pack them all. Maybe now would be a great time to get rid of the flowers you don’t like or need any longer. After picking your favorites, get a large moving box and fill it with packing material almost to the top. If you have packing peanuts they would probably work best. Next place the flowers in where they will fit. It will be difficult to harm these items so just make sure to pack them in the same box, if possible, so they will all be together in your new location.
Books Books are great items to go through and get rid of the ones that are no longer important to you before moving. Books are heavy items and very easy to collect, so use this time to donate the books to a library or school if you no longer need them. After choosing the books that will make the trip, collect several smaller moving boxes and line the books up in the boxes like you would on a bookshelf. Place packing paper in between the nicely bound books to protect them from damage. Be careful not to over pack, as these boxes will get very heavy quickly.
Clothing Make a trip to the thrift store with any items you have not worn in over a year. Have your whole family do the same, so you can start with a lighter load in your new location. Wardrobe boxes are designed for moving clothing wrinkle free. You may want to invest in a few of these to make the move easier. Suitcases and boxes work well for that clothing stored in your dresser drawers. Make sure to choose clean boxes and check for clean suitcases as well before you start to pack.
Drapes/Curtains The best way to move drapes and curtains is to fold and hang on hangers and place them in a wardrobe carton with your clothes. This will guarantee they arrive wrinkle free and will alleviate some time on you with an iron or steamer. You will have better things to do with your time on moving day and the days to follow.
Hat and Shoe Boxes Again, make sure to rid yourself of the boxes that you no longer need. It is a good idea to stack these items and place them in a larger box and stuff the inside with packing material. If you have shoes in the shoe boxes or it is not hard to place shoes in them, do so. This is a great way to move shoes in an organized fashion. Take a Polaroid photo and staple it to the front of the box so you know what pair of shoes is in each one.
Lampshades Collect lampshades from all over your home and pack them together. If possible, they should travel one inside of the other. If this is not possible, cover them with cloths, towels, and bedsheets. Do not use wadded up paper because this will cause damage to the shade. Also, never use newspaper as the ink can smear on the shade. Make sure to mark these boxes “fragile-lampshades” in big letters on the side of each box.
Lamps-Tall table If you have a hard time finding bigger boxes to move these items, purchase them from a moving company. These will be sturdy and help protect these fragile and awkward items. Remove the shade and bulb before rolling the stem in packing paper. It is also a good idea to wrap the cord around the base of the lamp and tape it in place. Use tape as necessary to secure the packing paper around the stem. You can line lamps up in the box facing opposite ways to fit more than one lamp in one box.
Mattresses Mattress bags or cartons should be purchased from a moving company to move these items. Mattress bags and cartons should prevent the mattresses from snagging and tearing during the move.
Medicines Remember to tape medicine bottles so that their lids are secure. Do not pack medicine with other food items and keep all important medications with you during your move.
Pictures Extremely large pictures can be packed by professional movers in special cartons. Save those items for professional moving companies. Smaller pictures should be wrapped in packing paper and may be moved with other items. Place them in moving boxes where ever you can find room. Medium sized pictures should be wrapped and then placed in a moving box with other pictures. Make sure there is enough packing material so the glass will not break.
Plants Do not move house plants if possible. Give them away to family and friends before the move. Some plants cannot cross state lines, so contact your local nursery for a list of these. If you have to move one or two special plants take them with you in the car to keep an eye on them so they will receive proper water and sunlight during the move.
Shoes Find a large moving box and place shoes in this box. Seal the box and label it. You won’t need packing material for this. Your nicer pairs of shoes should travel in shoe boxes.
Tools Tools, such as rakes, hoes, and shovels should be bound tightly together and placed in the moving van. Hand tools should remain in their tool box or wrapped in packing material and placed in a well cushioned box.
Toys Toys do not need to be wrapped. Find a large carton, line the bottom with packing material, place toys in and seal the box. Fragile toys will need a little wrapping before being placed in the box. If your child has a special toy or stuffed animal, consider keeping it with you while moving.