Moving can be an overwhelming task, but follow these six essential packing tips to ensure safe delivery of your personal belongings.
1. Look for specially-designed moving boxes. Moving companies and office supply stores carry an assortment of moving boxes to suit many needs. Tall boxes that come with closet rods are ideal for clothing. Mirrors and large wall frames can be protected by corner protectors. Forget about wrapping every glass in the kitchen and get a moving box that protects every glass with a cardboard partition. There is a box for every need.
2. Convenience products are worth the money. Rather than buying bubble wrap rolls or sheets, invest in reusable bubble wrap bags. Packing your knick-knacks has never been so easy. Save more time in the kitchen by buying plate liners that keep plates from moving when stacked on top of one another. Simply line the bottom of a small box with packing peanuts and start stacking. Also, look for stickers that reveal the box’s final destination (i.e. kitchen, master bedroom) as well as “fragile” stickers.
3. Don’t buy a dozen copies of the Sunday paper. Your local newspaper office is a great resource for small rolls of newsprint paper, ideal for wrapping headboards and small knick knacks. These “end rolls” are often free of charge.
4. Save your back. Pack heavy items, such as books, in small boxes to stay injury-free during the moving process. Or, alternate by packing heavy items on bottom with lighter, yet durable, items on top.
5. Be as careful with labeling as packing. Make sure every side of a box full of breakables is labeled “fragile.” You never know what end might be visible when coming off the truck.
6. Choose the right mover. Your household items should be as important to your mover as they are to you. Look for a company with caring and competent professionals who have been trained in moving everything from furniture to delicate china.
Follow these six simple rules to make your move as quick and painless as possible.