One of the most daunting parts of moving can be packing up
all your stuff. You have so much to handle you shouldn't have to worry about
whether or not your valuables are going to survive the trip in one piece. Here
are nine tips to ensure your belongings arrive safely to their new home.
Completely Pack boxes
Be sure to avoid leaving empty space in boxes. Movers often avoid boxes that feel loosely packed. You can avoid this by putting clothes, packing paper, or anything like that into any empty spaces in the boxes. Even cheap moving boxes can be well utilized if they are packed properly.
Avoid cross packing
When packing be sure to sort things according to a room. You want everything to be in boxes with other things destined for the same place in the next house. This helps organize packing and streamlines the unpacking process when you arrive.
Completely Pack boxes
Be sure to avoid leaving empty space in boxes. Movers often avoid boxes that feel loosely packed. You can avoid this by putting clothes, packing paper, or anything like that into any empty spaces in the boxes. Even cheap moving boxes can be well utilized if they are packed properly.
Avoid cross packing
When packing be sure to sort things according to a room. You want everything to be in boxes with other things destined for the same place in the next house. This helps organize packing and streamlines the unpacking process when you arrive.
Pick the right boxes
You want to be sure to use the correct boxes for certain things. It is not important whether or not you use cheap moving boxes. However, it's a good idea to use large boxes for lighter things like pillows or blankets and save the small boxes for heavier items like books. Movers often complain about large heavy boxes because they are not only harder to manage but easier to damage.
Packing Bottom to Top
When packing you want to keep the heavier items toward the bottom of the box. This helps make the box easier to manage. If you are loading the truck as well, you want to have your heavier boxes loaded towards the cab, this helps with the balance of the vehicle.
Labeling each room
When you are packing, it can be tempting to just get the ordeal over with quickly. However, it is a great idea to be methodical and label everything you pack. It can seem time-consuming but will greatly expedite the unpacking process and set you up for success in your new home. It is a great idea to number boxes and even keep a list of the items to ensure everything makes it safely there.
You want to be sure to use the correct boxes for certain things. It is not important whether or not you use cheap moving boxes. However, it's a good idea to use large boxes for lighter things like pillows or blankets and save the small boxes for heavier items like books. Movers often complain about large heavy boxes because they are not only harder to manage but easier to damage.
Packing Bottom to Top
When packing you want to keep the heavier items toward the bottom of the box. This helps make the box easier to manage. If you are loading the truck as well, you want to have your heavier boxes loaded towards the cab, this helps with the balance of the vehicle.
Labeling each room
When you are packing, it can be tempting to just get the ordeal over with quickly. However, it is a great idea to be methodical and label everything you pack. It can seem time-consuming but will greatly expedite the unpacking process and set you up for success in your new home. It is a great idea to number boxes and even keep a list of the items to ensure everything makes it safely there.
Combine breakables.
For any fragile items, it is a good idea to pack them in the same place. You can use cheap moving boxes if you want. It is important, however, to properly wrap them. Ideally, you want bundles of five or six wrapped together. Each bundle can have the individual pieces wrapped to provide extra padding. You can save space by putting wrapped bowls and cups inside one another. You can put them in groups of three or four and wrap them again for safe measure.
Be sure to tape boxes
When you are packing be sure to properly seal the boxes and add plenty of tap to the top and bottom seams. This adds security and ensures the boxes will remain closed. In addition, it is a good practice to add extra pieces around both the top and bottom to help distribute the weight evenly.
For any fragile items, it is a good idea to pack them in the same place. You can use cheap moving boxes if you want. It is important, however, to properly wrap them. Ideally, you want bundles of five or six wrapped together. Each bundle can have the individual pieces wrapped to provide extra padding. You can save space by putting wrapped bowls and cups inside one another. You can put them in groups of three or four and wrap them again for safe measure.
Be sure to tape boxes
When you are packing be sure to properly seal the boxes and add plenty of tap to the top and bottom seams. This adds security and ensures the boxes will remain closed. In addition, it is a good practice to add extra pieces around both the top and bottom to help distribute the weight evenly.
Consider special arrangements.
If you have any items that require special travel arrangements be sure to make certain whoever is moving them is aware. For example, plasma TVs cannot be set flat otherwise they will be ruined. It is a good practice to double box them with two boxes separated by a layer of packing paper.
Special Art arrangements
Some styles or mediums of art require special arrangements to be moved safely. Oil paintings, for example, require special paper otherwise they stick to their wrapping. It is also suggested to put pieces of tape in an X shape on the glass of framed pieces. This will hold the glass if it shatters but also helps reinforce the panel. You should also wrap the frames and box them with cardboard between the frames to prevent scratching.
If you have any items that require special travel arrangements be sure to make certain whoever is moving them is aware. For example, plasma TVs cannot be set flat otherwise they will be ruined. It is a good practice to double box them with two boxes separated by a layer of packing paper.
Special Art arrangements
Some styles or mediums of art require special arrangements to be moved safely. Oil paintings, for example, require special paper otherwise they stick to their wrapping. It is also suggested to put pieces of tape in an X shape on the glass of framed pieces. This will hold the glass if it shatters but also helps reinforce the panel. You should also wrap the frames and box them with cardboard between the frames to prevent scratching.
With any move, it is important to make sure you are taking care of your belongs. The first step to this is ensuring they are traveling safely and won't get damaged along the way. Using these tips will help you keep everyone happy while you are on the move.
