Did you know that by moving industry standards you should be able to drop your packed box from 8 feet up without causing any damage? Imagine that: dropping your grandmother’s vase from the top of a ladder and then unpacking it, with no scratches or breaks.
Here at Moving Day, we can pack all your belongings safely and efficiently, but we also understand that moving can be expensive. If you’re looking to save a little on your moving costs, packing yourself can help.
Don’t Rush
If you adventure into the packing world on your own, consider a few tips from the moving experts to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. First, and possibly the most important thing to remember, is to take your time. Don’t rush. Focus on just one box at a time, and start early with non-critical items. Your basement or attic are good places to start as they often accumulate out-of-sight, out-of-mind things over the years. Packing yourself also offers a great opportunity to go through your belongings and sort out things you don’t need or want anymore, perhaps make a donation run or sell a few items online or with a garage sale.
Organize & Label Every Box
As you pack, it’s important to label your boxes well, not only with what’s in them, or which room they go in but also with handling instructions. If your boxes are labeled clearly, the movers can handle them appropriately, loading them in the truck and putting them in the correct room at your destination, with little help or direction from you.
Set Heavier Items at the Bottom
When you’re packing your belongings, remember to pack your heavier items at the bottom of the boxes, and the lighter items on the top. Don’t mix fragile items with tougher items, either. It may be tempting since those tougher items are often heavier and seem perfect for the bottoms of boxes, but if those boxes shift at all, what you pack inside the box can damage the other contents.
Separate & Mark Fragile Items
With many fragile items in the kitchen, take extra care here! Crumple up several pieces of paper (like packing paper or newspaper) and put those in the bottom of the box. This builds a cushion layer as a little extra protection for those very breakable items. Wrap each piece in at least 1 piece of paper, maybe more depending on the size, and add more crumpled paper between each layer. If the truck hits a big pothole and that box of china isn’t packed with lots of cushions, things inside the box can easily break. But hey, it’s not like we have many potholes here, so I guess there’s no need to worry about that!
Use Packing Tape
One of the last things, and we can’t stress this enough, is to use a good strong tape. Believe it or not, all tapes are not created equal, and using tape specifically rated for packing is important. And don’t always think one strip will be enough. We see a lot of boxes that just fall open when not taped properly. Generally speaking, it’s best not to skimp on the packing materials. A well-packed box with the right materials will protect your treasures.
Still, Need Help Packing?
Moving is extremely stressful so do what you can but know your limits. Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for help and of course, you can always call us!
