Moving to a new house can be exciting, but it can also be daunting, especially when it comes to packing. If you’re not careful, you could damage your belongings, lose something, or at the bare minimum, make your unpacking way longer and harder.
To avoid these eventualities and make this tedious task a bit more bearable, we prepared eight useful tips you can implement when packing your belongings for safe transportation.
Choose Boxes with Suitable Size
When it comes to packing, the box size matters a lot. First, you need to choose boxes suitable for the items you’re packing.
For example, if you’re packing books, you need smaller boxes that are easy to carry. On the other hand, if you’re packing clothes or bedding, you need larger boxes. It’s also essential to ensure that the boxes are strong enough to hold the weight of the items you’re packing.
You can buy new boxes from a moving supply store or use second-hand boxes when choosing boxes. If you’re using second-hand boxes, make sure they’re in good condition and not damaged. You can also ask your local supermarket for boxes as they have them in excess and will gladly give you some.
It’s extremely important not to have free space inside the box, as this will allow the packed items to move during transportation. So, fill all empty spaces with paper, bubble wrap, or an eco-friendly solution like biodegradable packing peanuts.
Standardise the Packing Process
Keeping your items safe during transportation goes through a standardised packing process. This means before you place things in a box, you need to have a plan in mind.
So, for example, you can start packing rarely used belongings way in advance, so when the move is right around the corner, you won’t waste time on them. So, you can pack your winter sports equipment, for example, seasonal clothes and camping gear, way before you need to move out.
Another way to standardise your packing process is by simply putting similar items together. This, however, may prove a bit wasteful, as you won’t use your boxes at full capacity.
Organise Smartly
Nevertheless, organising your items in a particular manner will help you significantly when unpacking. Usually, the unpacking phase in your move takes up to a year. Still, you can stream the process if you manage to organise your belongings smarter. For example, you should gather all your belongings from the living room in similar boxes. Then, after you get them into your new place, you can put them directly in the living room and unpack them all at once.
Moreover, you might want to declutter your home to make your packing process easier. There is no need to take all your old decorations and items to your new home. When choosing what to bring, keep your new place in mind.
For example, decide where an ornament will stay long before you pack it for the new place. This way, you will avoid carrying stuff you throw away or just put in the closet, never to be seen again.
So, before you start packing, go to your new home, think of its interior design and make notes on what to take with you and what to leave behind.
Invest in Quality Boxes and Wrapping Materials
The safety of your belongings doesn’t entirely depend on you, though. It also relies on the quality of your packing materials.
So, if you are getting boxes and wrapping materials, it’s not a good idea to get the cheapest option. Moreover, you must invest in high-quality bubble wrap or packaging paper; otherwise, your fragile belongings will be highly vulnerable.
If you are taking second-hand boxes from supermarkets, for example, make sure they haven’t been ripped or compromised in any other way. Usually, retailers use first-class packaging as they invest in the secure transportation of their products. Still, it depends on what has been stored in these boxes compared to what you plan to move.
If in doubt, the best solution is to ask for advice. For example, if you are using a moving company, you can ask them what packaging materials they would use. They are highly invested in your successful move and will gladly advise you.
Label Boxes with Fragile Items
Fragile items such as glassware, mirrors, or artwork require extra care during transportation. To ensure that these items are safe, you should label the boxes containing them as “fragile”. This will alert the movers to handle the boxes with care.
Even if you are moving the boxes yourself, labelling them as fragile will subconsciously push you to be extra careful.
You can also pack fragile items separately from other items to ensure that they don’t break during transportation. Use as much bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam to protect fragile items as needed.
Inspect Boxes and Containers for Damage
As we already mentioned, the boxes’ condition is instrumental to your belongings’ safety. You don’t want them to rip while moving, after all. So, before you start packing, it’s crucial to inspect the boxes and containers for damage.
Don’t use the box if you notice any damage, such as tears or holes. Also, don’t think that duct tape can hold everything together. If a box starts tearing apart, a piece of duct tape won’t save the situation. It can delay it, but it won’t be safe for sure.
If you are using plastic containers, you need to check for cracks. Usually, a single crack in a plastic container significantly compromises its load limit and structural integrity.
So, to keep your belongings safe during your move, make sure all your boxes, containers and wrappers are in excellent condition and avoid using those that have been compromised.
Keep the Essentials with You
Not everything should go in the truck. Your essential belongings, like documents, money and some valuables, should remain with you throughout the ordeal.
Along with them, it’s a good idea to keep some toiletries, a change of clothes and medication. After all, it’s a good idea to have these items separately, as, for the first night in your new home, you probably would just want to relax and enjoy the setting.
So, pack these things in a bag or a suitcase and always keep them by your side.
Book a Reliable Moving Service
Finally, to ensure the safety of your belongings during the move-out, you need to enlist the help of a professional, reliable and reputable man and van service provider. A reliable moving service will have experienced movers who know how to handle your items with care.
When choosing a moving service, make sure you do your research. Look for reviews online and ask for recommendations from friends or family members. Before deciding, you should also ask the moving company for a quote and compare prices with other companies.
Still, choosing the most affordable option is not always the way to go. Make sure to bet on quality rather than price.
In Conclusion
Packing for a house move can be daunting, but with proper preparation, you can ensure that your belongings are safe during transportation.
By following these eight packing tips, you can avoid damage to your items and have a stress-free move.
