Moving is an undertaking filled with countless to-dos. One of the most daunting tasks? Packing. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, efficient packing can make the process smoother, safer, and less stressful. Here, we provide tried-and-tested tips from a professional moving company to help you pack like a pro.
1. Start Early
Don’t underestimate the time it takes to pack up an entire house. Start packing as early as possible. Starting with infrequently used items and rooms that are not essential to everyday living is a good strategy. This approach prevents last-minute rushing and potential mishaps.
2. Declutter
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Before you begin packing, go through your belongings and decide what you really need and what you can sell, donate, or discard. Not only will decluttering make your move lighter, but it will also help you start fresh in your new home.
3. Gather Quality Packing Materials
Invest in quality packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and packing paper are all essential. Specialized boxes, such as wardrobe boxes or dish pack boxes, can protect your valuable items. Don’t forget to label each box clearly, specifying its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home.
4. Use the Right Techniques
Knowing how to pack your items correctly can prevent damage during the move. Heavier items should go at the bottom of the box, lighter ones on top. Fill in any gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting during the move.
5. Take Extra Care with Fragile Items
Fragile items need extra care. Wrap them individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, and consider using a dish pack box, which has built-in dividers for better protection. Remember to label these boxes as ‘Fragile’.
6. Don’t Overpack Boxes
While it might seem efficient to fill each box to its maximum capacity, overpacked boxes can be hard to lift and may break under excessive weight. A good rule of thumb is not to exceed 50 pounds per box.
7. Pack an Essentials Box
Prepare an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medication, and basic kitchen utensils. Keep this box with you during the move to ensure it doesn’t get lost amongst the sea of other boxes.
8. Safeguard Valuable Items
Expensive and sentimental items should be handled with extra care. If possible, consider transporting them personally. This category includes things like jewelry, important documents, and family heirlooms.
9. Don’t Pack Non-Allowable Items
Most moving companies have a list of non-allowable items they will not transport, usually for safety reasons. This list often includes hazardous materials, perishable food, pets, and plants. Make sure you’re aware of this list before packing.
10. Consider Professional Packing Services
If the idea of packing is too overwhelming, or if you simply don’t have the time, professional packing services can be a lifesaver. Professional packers are trained in the best packing techniques to maximize efficiency and minimize the risk of damage.
Packing doesn’t have to be the bane of your moving process. With a little bit of planning, the right materials, and these pro tips, you can pack your home efficiently and safely. Remember, the goal is to ensure that your belongings arrive at your new home in the same condition they left your old one.
However, if packing is not your cup of tea or you want to focus your energy on other aspects of your move, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of professionals. Companies such as Hello Movers of Land O’Lakes offer expert packing services that can take the stress out of your move.
