From fragile items to bulky furniture, packing everything can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Where do you start? What do you need? How much time and effort will this take?
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, not dedicating enough energy to properly packing your moving inventory can result in:
- Damaged belongings
- Lost or misplaced items
- Time-consuming unpacking
- Increased costs
- Safety hazards,
- Lost hardware, and more
But there’s no need to stress: in this article, we’ll explore all the best practices for packing your belongings safely and efficiently so that they arrive at the new destination intact.
Let’s dive in!
Preparing to pack
Before you begin packing, it’s important to take some time to prepare to avoid damage or loss of items.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Make a checklist: Taking the time to plan ahead can save you a lot of trouble later on. Make a checklist of all the items you need to pack, and ensure that you have enough packing materials to keep your items safe during transport.
- Create a packing schedule: Make a plan for when you will pack each room in your home. Start with the rooms that you use the least frequently, such as the guest bedroom or storage room. This will give you a head start and make the packing process less stressful. Be sure to give yourself enough time to pack everything.
- Gather the right packing materials and tools: The right packing materials and tools can make all the difference when it comes to ensuring your items are packed safely. Invest in high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. It’s also important to have the right tools on hand, such as a tape gun and box cutter.
- Declutter and sort your items before packing: Before you start packing, take the time to declutter and sort through your belongings. Donate or discard any items you no longer need, and group similar items together. This will make it easier to pack and unpack your items and will also save you time and money.
- Measure large items: Before moving large items such as furniture, ensure they will fit through the doorways and hallways in your new home. Measure your larger items to ensure they will fit through your new home’s entryways. If they do not fit, consider selling or donating the item before the move. This will help reduce the stress of moving large items and avoid damaging walls or doorways.
- Pay special attention to fragile and valuable items: Fragile and valuable items require extra care when packing. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap delicate items such as glassware or figurines. For valuable items such as jewelry or important documents, consider packing them separately and carrying them with you during the move.
Packing tips
Packing is one of the most challenging aspects of moving, but with the right methods, you can make the process more efficient and less stressful.
Here are some packing tips that can help you optimize space and minimize damage during your move.
- Disassemble large furniture items before packing. This can help you save space and make it easier to move items through narrow doorways and hallways. Make sure to keep all hardware and instructions in labeled bags to ensure that the pieces can be easily reassembled at your new home.
- Use a labeling system to keep track of the contents of each box. Labeling each box with its contents can help you keep track of what items are in each box and where they should be placed in your new home. Make sure to label boxes with a clear and concise description of their contents, and assign them a unique number or color code to make it easier to identify them during the move. This can help you save time and avoid the frustration of searching for items in the wrong box.
- Pack a survival kit and keep it accessible. A survival kit is a box of essential items that you will need during the move and on the first day in your new home. This kit should include items such as toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. Make sure to keep this kit with you during the move, so you have quick and easy access to these essential items.
- Pack electronics carefully. Electronic devices, such as computers and televisions, can be fragile and expensive to replace. Use the original boxes if possible, or wrap them in bubble wrap and pack them in sturdy boxes with packing peanuts to prevent damage.
- Use clothing to cushion fragile items. Soft items, such as clothing and towels, can be used to cushion fragile items such as plates, bowls, and glasses. Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap before placing it in the box.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes. Pack heavy items like books and tools in small boxes. This makes them easier to lift and prevents them from breaking through the bottom of larger boxes. Label these boxes as “heavy” so movers know to use caution.
Loading and unloading
Loading and unloading your items is the most physically demanding part of the moving process, and it’s important to do it safely to avoid damage to your items and injuries to the movers.
- Use proper lifting techniques: When lifting heavy items, use your legs, not your back. Keep your back straight and bend your knees to lift the item. Avoid twisting your body while carrying heavy objects.
- Use moving equipment: Consider renting or purchasing moving equipment such as a hand truck or dolly to help move heavy items such as furniture and appliances. This equipment can help you avoid injury and make the move more efficient.
- Ask for help: Moving heavy items can be difficult, so ask for help when needed. Enlist the help of friends or family members to assist with loading and unloading your belongings. You can also hire professional movers to do the heavy lifting.
- Load the truck strategically: Load the heaviest items first, making sure they are distributed evenly throughout the truck. Place mattresses and large items like sofas against the walls of the truck to maximize space. Use tie-downs or straps to secure the items in place.
- Unload carefully: When unloading the truck, take your time and use proper lifting techniques. Place heavy items on the ground first and work your way up to lighter items. Use furniture sliders to help move large items into your new home without scratching the floors.
- Check for damage: Once you have unloaded your items, inspect them for any damage. If you notice any damage, take photos and notify your moving company as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Proper preparation and packing strategies can help to ensure that your items arrive at your new home in the same condition they left, and that the moving process is as smooth and efficient as possible.
At NexMuv, we understand the importance of a stress-free moving experience, and our services are designed to make your move as easy and convenient as possible.
From on-the-spot pricing to expert loading and unloading, we take every step necessary to ensure that your move is a success.
If you want to get an accurate moving quote that won’t change throughout the process, fill out this short form.