Packing is not fun, but it can be an efficient process – with a little work. Never underestimate the amount of work involved nor how much easier it is for professional movers because of their experience!
When you use a professional moving company they have the experience of doing it almost every day. They use the best materials for packing and they have learned how to be safe with all of your precious items. But, if you want to pack yourself, here are some important tips:
Keep a positive attitude – Understand that it will take a lot of time and commit to it.
Get organized – If you also try to organize your packing job it will probably all happen much easier. Go through room by room of your house and think carefully about what types of boxes you need, what sort of help you need moving what things, what items you might rather sell or give away rather than move etc. You should also get a notepad to record all of your items including those moved in boxes or moved separately. Give each box perhaps a number, label the box itself but also keep a record of what is in the box in your notebook. This will make it much easier for you to unpack essentials in your new home as well as to identify if you are missing any of your boxes if you have movers move them.
Get good supplies – We recommend that you use sturdy boxes and proven supplies for your move. Moving boxes usually are stronger than the boxes you can get at your local grocery or box store and often can be exchanged back with the company if you want to save some money. And you will probably need different shapes and sizes of boxes to handle your various items…and often those different types of boxes are not available if you try to find them free.
Also, use heavy-duty packing tape rather than just masking tape. Set aside work gloves or gardening gloves to protect hands while moving. Don't let these get packed. You'll need them for the load and the unload. Also, keep in mind that you will most likely need screwdrivers and other tools to take apart furniture as needed.
Money saving tip – Don't invest a lot of money in bubble wrap or ‘packing peanuts. Use newspaper and recycled items instead.
Go Slow – Plan properly and don’t try to pack too quickly. Before you start packing boxes you need to take your moving book through each room of the house and look at large items of furniture. Think about how you will remove them – will you have to take them apart, remove doors, etc.? Also, when you dismantle anything, put the screws or pieces in individual bags and then in a single box that is clearly marked.
Other tips:
- Be methodical and safe in your approach
- Pack everything that belongs in a particular room together in a room labeled box
- Pack one room at a time, packing smaller items first to get them out of the way
- Carefully mark and tape each box
- Put heavy items in small moving boxes to make them easier to carry and to avoid breakage
- Always mark boxes that contain fragile items
- Cushion the bottom of the box with bubble wrap or packing paper and wrap every item in at least one layer of packing material
- Be sure to pack separately essential items you will need while your belongings are in transit….change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
- Pack a suitcase or box for each member of the family several days in advance and keep these boxes or suitcases in a safe place