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How to Properly Pack Your Boxes During a Move

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How to Properly Pack Your Boxes During a Move

Moving is both an exhilarating and daunting journey, marked by thrilling milestones and a seemingly endless list of chores. Among these tasks, packing often stands out as the most dreaded.

The care and technique you use when preparing your belongings can make all the difference. Proper methods ensure the safe arrival of treasured family heirlooms, while a lack of attention or skill could lead to irreversible losses.

To help you avoid the latter scenario, this guide will teach you how to pack like a pro.

Why High-Quality Moving Boxes Matter

Before you start packing, it is essential to choose the right type of boxes rather than using any random containers you have on hand.

Moving containers are far better than your average cardboard varieties. They come in various customised sizes to fit oddly shaped items and knick-knacks. They are also more robust.

Fortified with double walls, they provide extra protection for fragile or heavy objects, like plates and mirrors.

Using specialised boxes also facilitates more effective stacking and transportation. Some boxes have integrated partitions that allow you to place various items inside. This minimises the risk of friction.

If your local store offers limited options, consider finding a reliable removals company that provides a moving box delivery service. This ensures you will have access to premium materials to safeguard your precious belongings.

Essential Packing Supplies

Having all your packing necessities readily available streamlines and speeds up the process. Amid the frenzy of moving, The worst thing you want is to dash to the store or even across the house to locate what you need.

Getting your supplies in order is a smart move to prevent wasted time and avoid unnecessary hassle. Here is a checklist of everything you will need:

  • Moving boxes of different sizes;
  • Strong duct tape;
  • Permanent markers;
  • Bubble wrap and packing paper;
  • Foam peanuts and boards;
  • Scissors or a utility knife.

It is always better to be over-prepared than caught without essential materials, so make sure you buy more than you think you need.

Smart Packing Strategies for Different Items

Different belongings demand tailored packing methods. For example, a gaming console will require more special care than your favourite rom-com novels.

These basic guidelines will teach you how to handle all types of items to guarantee that everything arrives safely.

Fragile Items

Easily breakable objects require extra care. Fragile things, like glassware or ornamental decorations, should be cushioned with bubble wrap, packing paper, or soft towels.

Individually wrap each item and pack it in sturdy boxes. Stuff any gaps with extra bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper. This prevents movement during transit, consequently lowering the risk of breakage.

Be sure to pack glass objects, like plates and mirrors, vertically rather than stacking them on top of one another. This arrangement reduces the pressure on frail materials, consequently minimising any chances of cracks or scratches.

Heavy Objects

Books, for instance, are weighty, and if improperly packed, the spines and pages can become torn or squished.

For heavy or bulky objects, use strong, appropriately sized boxes. Ensure you pack them with enough padding to prevent movement during transportation.

Double-tape the bottom of these boxes for extra security and stability. Be careful not to place fragile items in the same container as bulky items. As always, use foam peanuts or bubble wrap to fill any spaces.

Clothes and Linens

These are arguably the easiest items to handle on this list. Clothes and linens are lightweight but can take up a significant amount of space.

While there is no risk of breakage, delicate fabrics are vulnerable to water damage if a liquid is accidentally spilt on them.

So, be sure to pack them in thick, large boxes, and consider covering them with a plastic tarp to be on the safe side.

To conserve space, consider vacuum-sealing your clothes and linens. You can use your hoover for this task if it comes with interchangeable nozzles.

Wardrobe bins come in quite handy for dainty fabrics that tend to wrinkle easily. These containers have a pre-installed metal rod that helps you hang your garments straight within the box.

Electronics and Cables

Packing appliances and devices call for special measures to ensure that dust and static electricity will not damage them. Place electronics in their original packaging with foam inserts to maintain a tight fit within the box.

Alternatively, you can use properly sized, double-walled boxes and wrap the devices in foam boards or bubble wrap. Mark which side of the box should be facing up, and label the ones carrying electronics as ‘Fragile.’

Do not forget about the cables and cords. These should be coiled up carefully before you fasten them with rubber ties to prevent them from getting torn or frayed.

Where possible, detach them from the devices and pack them separately. Take a photo of your appliances before doing so to know precisely where everything plugs in when you unpack.

Sorting and Labelling

You will be amazed at how smoothly your unpacking will go if you take the time to correctly label your boxes. While it may be tempting to skip, proper labelling will save hours later.

Use a permanent marker to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. For instance, for your dinnerware, you could write ‘Kitchen: Plates and Glasses.’

Additionally, consider using a colour-coding system by assigning different coloured markers to each room, making it even easier to identify boxes at a glance.

Moreover, it would be smart to write the number of items included in every carton to make sure nothing is missing when you arrive at your destination.

Ultimately, a well-organized label system enables quick access to essentials like bedding and toiletries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When the logistics of moving become overwhelming, it is natural to make a few mistakes. However, be mindful that even minor missteps can escalate into significant problems.

Here are two of the most common pitfalls to steer clear of.

Overpacking Boxes

Particularly with big boxes, it is tempting to get carried away and overpack. For starters, an overfilled box can be rather difficult to carry, even if it is loaded with light objects.

In addition to the extra physical effort, overpacking compromises the structural integrity of your containers. This makes them more likely to break open during transit.

Generally speaking, each one should carry between 15 and 20 kilograms. This guarantees that the box remains sturdy and easy to handle for both you and your movers.

Skipping the Cushioning

Using lots of bubble wrap or packing paper can seem wasteful, but it is far more cost-effective than replacing damaged goods. Moreover, some items with sentimental value are irreplaceable

One of the main causes of breakage is movement during transportation. To keep everything firmly in place, make sure you fill any voids in your boxes with padding material.

Conclusion

Moving does not have to be much trouble. Choosing quality materials and carefully arranging everything for the transfer will help you ensure a flawless relocation.

If you do not have time to run to the store, you can always enlist the help of a punctual moving boxes delivery service.

Remember, these simple steps have a big impact, so do not be tempted to rush things or cut corners.

Andrew Mcaffrey