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How To Pack For Your Move
You can make packing your things a lot easier with these simple techniques:
Use the proper packing materials. It will pay off in the long run! Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can all be purchased at local moving or shipping companies. Wardrobe boxes and other specialty boxes can be found there too. Sturdy boxes can also be retrieved from wholesale companies, at no charge, after a shipment. Other great types of reasonably priced padding for your boxes include wadded-up newspaper, old pillows and blankets.
The following is a list of tools and materials to make your packing go more smoothly:
- Razor knife and/or scissors
- Note pad
- Permanent marker
- Assorted Boxes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Newswrap
Pack one room at a time, labeling each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents and which room the box belongs in. Also label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items with "Fragile." Keep a detailed list of items packed in each box to make unpacking easier.
What Should You Pack? Obviously, not everything will fit in boxes. As a general rule, furniture and major appliances will be wrapped and padded by your moving professional. Items requiring professional disassembly and/or crating (such as slate pool tables, chandeliers or large glass table tops) are best left to the professionals.
Empty all drawers of breakable or spillable items. To safeguard against unnecessary damage, it's a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container that you can keep with you so the parts won't get lost.
Do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil-based paints, and certain cleaning fluids.
Wrap items individually. There are a variety of materials available, including bubble wrap and tissue. However, most professionals use bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint. Plates, books and things of a similar shape, should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength. Don't overload cartons; keep them to a manageable weight. Fill in any voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper, then tape cartons securely.
Make sure boxes are firmly packed, with heavier items on bottom and lighter ones on top.
Pack according to the season if you'll be putting some boxes in storage. Mark boxes accordingly
Put heavy items in small boxes so that they're easier to carry.
Plan ahead for what you'll need the first day after your move. Packing a separate bag with your toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. will prevent unnecessary scrambling or a run to the local store.
Check out the following links for more packing tips.
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