Packing up your own belongings in preparation for the moving company can save you money and give you peace of mind when you know your precious possessions are protected and safe from damage during delivery.
With proper organization and the right materials to suit each job, packing your own house for a move can minimize breakage and get your things back where they belong faster once you reach your final destination.
Below are 5 quick tips to help anyone pack like a professional mover:
1. The Right Stuff
To properly pack, you’re going to need the right supplies. You don’t want to be the unprepared packer who finds themselves frantically tossing clothing into garbage bags as the moving deadline draws near because you’ve run out of boxes.
Boxes of various sizes, bubble wrap, markers, scissors, newspaper, tissue paper, sealing tape, furniture covers, sandwich bags for small items, as well as towels and blankets are all smart supplies to have on hand before you begin the packing process.
2. What a Wonderful Weight
When a package is too heavy, not only can it strain the back muscles of anyone who carries it, the excess weight can create a weakness in the box bottom, running the risk of losing and breaking falling contents.
It is generally recommended that boxes be 50 pounds or less. This can be easily achieved by placing heavier items into smaller boxes and lighter items into larger ones, so be aware of weights and box sizes as you pack.
Pack heavy items such as books first, in small boxes, and save lighter items for last, such as bedding, clothing and towels, as they can be used to cushion breakables if needed.
3. Use Care with Kitchenware
Many of the breakable items in a home are in the kitchen, so be sure to have plenty of padding and cushioning materials ready for this room.
The number one professional tip for packing dishes and glasses is to wrap each piece individually. Another surprising piece of advice is to stack dishes sideways, rather than on top of each other as they are often stored in the cabinet. This prevents weight from becoming a factor in breaking or crushing your plates.
Pots and pans are generally hardier, but be sure to place newspaper between them to prevent the scraping of Teflon and other delicate surfaces, or handles from snapping.
4. Properly Protect Furniture
Because most furniture pieces aren’t shaped like a square and stable box, they can be unsteady and awkward to move without damage. Be sure to bubble wrap all table and desk legs to minimize scratching and tape dresser drawers shut so they won’t slide out during the moving process.
When taking a bed frame apart, be sure to tie or tape all parts together to prevent the loss of anything crucial during shipment, because you’re going to be tired once you reach your destination: you’ll want to get your bed together quickly. And be sure to keep spare sheets, blankets, pillows and bedding within easy access during your move as well.
5. Information is Important
Writing lists of the contents of your boxes as you pack them, or at least labeling the room in which they should be unpacked will also help you and your movers know where to place the boxes upon arrival.
After packing framed artworks, mirrors, and other delicate items with plenty of padding, be sure to use your markers to write “GLASS” and “FRAGILE” on the boxes to remind yourself and others to be extra careful with precious packages.
Use the 5 easy tips above to make your move as simple, smooth and damage-free as possible. With a little extra care and smart packing, you can ensure that your possessions will arrive at their final destination safe and sound.
Briana Cameron is a professional and experienced blogger and marketing expert. Expanding her knowledge base in pallet stretch wrappers and sharing it with her readers and other guest blogs.