This situation happens more than most like to admit; moving day is only a few weeks away and suddenly you realize how much stuff you need to pack. It can be a bit overwhelming but don’t worry, you can do it as long as you get organized!
Here are 11 packing tips for moving that will help keep you on track:
1. Decide what items you really don’t need and find a way to find them a new home. Consider holding a garage sale, give items to family and friends, or donate them. If items are past their useful life, then dispose of them at your local waste disposal facility.
2. Collect a good supply of packing materials. If you are planning on using cardboard boxes, you can purchase professional grade boxes from your moving company. Also ask your moving company about renting wardrobe containers so clothes can be hung up while being moved, this way they arrive wrinkle free and ready to be put away.
3. When choosing moving boxes, get a supply of various sizes for different types of items. Remember, you never want to pack a box that weighs more than 50 lbs. Using a large cardboard box for books or tools is not a good idea since it would be very hard to lift or move without breaking.
4. If you are moving long distance and your budget allows, you may want to consider having your moving company professionally pack your breakables to ensure their safe arrival in your new city.
5. A more environmentally friendly option than cardboard boxes is plastic storage bins. They are sturdy and while a bit expensive, they can be used for regular storage at your new home. If you are only moving on a local basis, they are companies who will rent plastic containers for your move.
6. Once you have your supplies, start packing out-of-season or non-essential items first. Pack in stages and If possible, consider paring down to the absolute necessities for each room. That way you can get most of a room packed in advance and just leave open boxes for those last minute items. Always put heavier items in the bottom of a box and lighter items on the top section. Avoid mixing items from more than one room in the same box.
7. Labelling or marking boxes with contents will make your life a lot easier when you move into your new home. Make sure each box is marked with the room and a detailed list of the contents. This way, when the boxes are coming off the truck they can be directed to the correct room in the new home.
8. Set up a staging area for packing china and other breakable items. Always use lots of packing paper, and remember to first create a nest of crumpled paper in the bottom of the carton. Plates should always be packed on their sides, never flat; cups and bowls can be packed in paper and then placed inside one another and wrapped in a bundle of three or four.
9. Paintings and large mirrors also require extra protection. Moving companies have special telescoping cartons for these type of items. Plasma and flat screen televisions should either be packed in their original packaging or you should purchase or rent one the cartons that are specifically designed for them.
10. Remember there are some household goods that cannot be transported on a moving van. Generally these fall into the category of dangerous or hazardous goods. Ask your mover for a copy of their non-allowable list. Separate and arrange to discard these items before moving day.
11. Have a designated “First Night Box” with a selection of supplies that will come in handy. They include some basic cleaning supplies, snacks and bottled water, basic hygiene products, prescriptions and first aid supplies.
Have a story idea, comment or want to be a contributor? Connect with us at [email protected] today!
About Premiere Van Lines Group
