Smaller boxes should be used to pack heavy, small items such as books, records, tins, bottles, cutlery, heavy food (rice, sugar etc) and heavy ornaments. Long stemmed glasses, delicate ornaments, very fragile china, glasses and small pictures should also be packed in these boxes. Books, for the most part, should be packed flat. They may be packed on their edges, but never with the opening facing downwards as this may break the binding. Pictures and records should be packed on their edges. Make sure that bottle tops are tight and pack bottles upright.
Medium sized boxes are the most commonly used and are used for most other household effects such as pots, pans, glass, china, ornaments, pictures, clothing, food etc. When packing china plates they should be placed on their edges, never flat, on the bottom of the box in batches of three or four, with paper between each plate. When the bottom of the box is covered continue filling with heavy china, Pyrex, mugs, bowls, vases etc. On top of this place glass and china (pack glasses upright.) Fill the boxes to capacity using soft items such as pillows, cushions, towels, cuddly toys, etc to take up any space on top. It is also a good idea to place soft items between each layer of china. Do not overfill the boxes; keep them square and in shape.
Larger boxes should be used for lighter items such as clothing, light linen, shoes, bedding, toys, board games etc You may also pack light pots and pans in these cartons. Keep back sufficient large boxes for packing of bedding in current use and mark boxes accordingly ie. BED 1, BEDDING, this will ensure they are easily identified for making up beds at your new home.