Whether you are moving across town or across the country, moving is a major undertaking! As a matter of fact, moving is often rated as one of the most stressful life experiences. Here are some simple tips will help you properly pack your boxes for moving.
Only Use the Best Boxes
It’s vital to only use new, high-quality boxes and packing material for moving your belongings. This simple tip will ensure all of your items arrive to your new location safely and in one piece. Professional moving boxes come in a wide array of sizes and shapes. Most of the professional boxes for moving are specifically designed to hold the weight of a wide variety of household items.
Wrapping Tips
Before you actually start loading the boxes for moving, you may want to wrap certain items. Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or special wrapping tissue will prevent your valuable belongings from being scratched or breaking. However, it’s best to avoid using newspaper to wrap your fragile items. Instead, newspaper should only be used to cushion the bottom of boxes. It’s best to use clean, unprinted paper because printed paper can bleed if it’s wet, which can destroy your belongings.
Wrapping Techniques
Begin the process by putting a small stack of paper on the floor or on the countertop. You can roll your glassware or jars up in three sheets of the paper. It’s best to always start from the corners of the sheets and fold the sides of the paper in as you roll. For oddly shaped or larger items, simply place the object in the middle of the paper and fold the corners in together. After the corners of the paper begin to touch, simply tape them together.
Box Packing Best Practices
Before you load your box, line the bottom of it with wadded paper for additional padding. Then, load the heaviest and largest items on the bottom. On the top of these items, place your more delicate items. This practice will prevent your fragile items from being crushed under the weight of larger items.
Maximize Your Space
Items of similar shape should be placed in the box vertically, which will allow for those items to use the least possible space and provide additional structure. It’s vital to keep all of your boxes to a manageable weight. If you overload your boxes for moving, you run the risk of breaking the box, or worse, your belongings. After you have loaded the boxes, fill in any voids or open space with wadded paper. Finally, tape all boxes for moving securely shut with packing tape, which will prevent shifts.
Bonus Packing Tips
Boxes containing items that will be required immediately upon delivery at your new location should be clearly labeled, you may also want to seal them with colourful tape so they are easily located amongst all the boxes that are packed. The first thing you should pack are your out-of-season items. Use the following helpful tips to make your packing as effective as possible:
- Wind all electrical cords and fasten them to prevent them from tangling.
- If you use paper make sure it is clean and unprinted because ink can and will rub off. Only use newspapers for cushioning.
- Keep all boxes for moving under 50 pounds.
- Pack boxes for moving with similar items or by rooms.
Although moving can be a nightmare, it doesn’t have to be! With over 20 years of experience, Tender Touch Moving & Storage offers efficient and reliable moving help. Contact Tender Touch today to schedule a consultation or for more helpful tips.
