One of the most essential steps in any move is the packing. However, it’s not as straightforward as simply throwing some items into cupboard boxes. If you want all your belongings to arrive safely and if you want the mover to work efficiently, knowing how to pack for a move matters. The following are some basic packing tips for move that can help make your relocating as painless as possible
IMPORTANT MOVING PACKING TIPS
BEFORE PACKING
1.Take time. If you’re tackling the packing job yourself, remember that it always takes longer than you anticipate. Allot approximately half an hour per box. You should never leave packing to the last minute, as rushing can lead to broken items, unnecessary stress, and the added cost of making your residential moving wait around on move day.
2.Purchase plenty of packing materials. Stock up on bubble wrap, newsprint and plenty of moving boxes. Making multiple trips to the store for packing supplies can quickly become a headache and time sick. Remember especially when it comes to cushioning the boxes, it’s always better to have a little extra than not enough.
3.Purchase the right kind of packing material. Use boxes that seal shut. They should either have lids of flaps that can be tapped down. (Double or triple tapping is recommended) Unsealed boxes are recipe for loose, broken or missing items.
DURING THE PACKING PROCESS
4. Properly pack dishes and glasses. All dishes should be packed standing up rather than lying down. If you have anything of sentimental value, special dish pack box might be your best bet.
5. Label moving boxes correctly. Label boxes with what rooms they are going to rather than what’s inside. This helps the movers to know exactly where to place each box, which speeds up the move and saves you money by limiting billable hours with your moving. It also speeds up the unpacking process. Label each box on the top and at least one side in thick, readable pen. If relevant mark `this side up’. Movers pay attention to this kind of directives.
6. Use the right box for the job. Using the correct size box is an important step that many people miss when self packing; for example you should use a 1.5 cubic foot box for books and magazines. This ensures no individual box is too heavy, which make each box easier to move. Medium size boxes are great for heavy items or delicate, and large boxes should be reserved for clothing, linens, purses, and bulky items,(such as lamps)that won’t fit in medium boxes.
7. Note fragile items. If a box contains anything fragile, make sure that box is labelled as such. However refrain from making every box as fragile. Some items will need to go on the bottom of the pile in the moving truck.
8. Make an `open first ‘box. Leave aside one box of essentials to open first. This can include items such as your coffee maker or anything else you’ll want access to before the unpacking is complete.
GENERAL PACKING TIPS
9. Don’t be frugal with cushioning. When packing a box, use plenty of paper between items. Every box should be full with a very slight mound of cushioning on top after sealing. This prevents boxes from being crushed or items shifting during transport.
10. Use uniform boxes. Even though spare boxes from your grocery or maybe liquor store could be free, using odd shaped boxes can actually slow the movers down because they are hard to fit neatly in the moving truck. When your moving is on the clock, that extra time can end up costing you more.
11. Use proper packing technique. Always cushion the bottom of a carton, and don’t forget to wrap fragile items individually. Heavy items should go on the bottom of a box, and light items should go on top.
12. Know what not to pack. Never pack fluids. If a salad dressing or other liquid has broken seal, you will have to transport that yourself. There are things like flammables that are not also supposed to be packed.