Packing is kinda an art form. How and where you put your items takes careful planning, strategy and organization because not everything you own was created equally. But everything you own does deserve to make it safely to your new home with you. That’s why we’ve compiled 8 popular ways that people pack wrong during their move, so you can be sure to do the opposite when the time comes.
- Packing Items Inefficiently.
Certain items have a reputation among movers of being packed incorrectly. Cleaning Supplies, for example, are usually one of the last things packed since they are used to clean up until until the move, so they just get thrown into a box. In this case, you’re only a couple road bumps away from a toxic mess. Pack them tightly and upright so they don’t spill.
Other Tips:
– Flat-screen TV’s that are laid horizontally are prone to cracks due to their uneven weight distribution designed for an upright position.
-People tend to stack dishes in boxes, leaving all the pressure to rest on the bottom dishes. Plates are strongest on their edges, so use a special box with cardboard divisions to pack them separately, wrapping them well and stuffing newspaper in any empty space.
-Anything with a cord tends to lose its partner when just thrown in a box. Label every cord and tape remotes to the device they belong to.
- Using the Wrong Materials.
It’s tempting to scrummage around the house for DIY packing materials to save money. While blankets, sheets, towels and clothes may seem like an economical move, your family heirlooms and valuables are probably worth doing things like a professional. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, proper duct tape and other packing products will keep your items much safer.
- Making A Box Too Heavy.
The heavier the item, the smaller the box. Overpacking can lead to uneven distribution, while boxes weighing more than 50 pounds can compromise the stability during transportation from your house to the vehicle. This puts your items at risk of shifting and breaking, while also putting you or your movers at risk of injury. And please, don’t try to lift very heavy boxes by yourself.
- Waiting Until the Last Minute.
Leading up to your move, it’s smart to designate an hour or two each day to getting one step further in the packing process. Focus on one room at a time, and you’ll be surprised how much you can get done and how much less stressful it will make moving day.
- A Poor Labeling Process.
You probably didn’t even know that there are special criteria to labeling boxes during a move. All labels should be marked clearly on 2 sides of every box, about 2 inches high using a black tip marker. Include your last name, the room it needs to go to and a general list of contents. Or you can number the box and cross reference it with a remote list of contents for easier organization. Special instructions like “this end up” or “fragile” should be written on all four sides.
- Not Having a System.
Items you hardly use vs. items you use on a daily basis shouldn’t be packed the same. Start by packing your least used belongings and load them into the vehicle first too. That way you’ll have better access to the items you’ll need day 1 in your new home. This includes stuff to sleep in, utensils for eating, toiletries, linens, etc.
It’s also important to note that bigger, lighter items, such as comforters and towels, should be in larger boxes, while heavy books and accessories should be in smaller boxes. Keep similar items for certain rooms together to make unloading as hassle-free as possible.
- Using Bags, Not Boxes.
It’s common to fill up trash bags with miscellaneous items in an attempt to save space and make things easier. But those people are missing the big picture. Furniture and larger pieces have the ability to shift and slide when packed next to bags instead of boxes putting all your belongings at a major risk of damage.
- Packing Everything You Own.
You should use packing as an opportunity to go through your inventory and get rid of anything damaged, outdated or that you haven’t used in at least a year. Why waste the time packing and unpacking something you don’t even need?
Did you know that Louderback doesn’t just provide relocation services (and extremely useful packing tips- see above), but can also provide professional packing and crating services too? If you feel your belongings deserve the best local movers in Philadelphia to ensure a safe and efficient move, then contact our team of packing experts today.
