Moving is a big undertaking, especially if you’re moving more than one person. Whether you’re moving to a bigger house or downsizing to a smaller place, you’ll need all the help you can get. By implementing a few of these helpful packing tips, you’ll feel more organized and more prepared for your upcoming move.
- Start collecting boxes as soon as you know you’re moving. You can store boxes by flattening and stacking them and resealing with tape as you need them. This keeps the boxes easily accessible but doesn’t require an additional storage room.
- Start packing right away. To ensure you won’t need any items you’re packing, start in areas where you don’t access the items as often, such as linen closets, spare bedrooms, attics, basements and garages. Also, avoid being overwhelmed by packing just a few boxes each day.
- Utilize a large dining room table as a “clean working area.” You can keep your cutting blades, markers, packing paper and tape in this area, so you always know where you can find the items. You can also bring breakable items to the space to wrap and pack, so you’re on an even, level work space.
- Pack one full room at a time and keep all boxes together. This will allow the rooms to stay grouped together and can then easily be unloaded in your new space. Use a permanent marker to mark the outside of each box with the room it belongs in, i.e., kitchen, master bath, basement, etc.
- Because many of the materials you’ll use to pack your items may contain dust or ink (like newspapers), it’s a good idea to wash your hands frequently, so your items stay clean.
- If you have the money in your budget, you may want to consider purchasing some specialized cartons for odd-shaped items. Items such as mattresses, mirrors, pictures and lamps might require special cartons. Ask your local Global agent about the options that are available.
- You can also purchase cartons that will make your packing more efficient, like wardrobe boxes. These cartons allow you to keep your clothes on hangers and place them directly in the box, allowing you to skip the step of having to press them again later. Leaving clothes in garment bags is not a good idea as the bag is not designed to stand up to any kind of wear and tear. The better option is to utilize the wardrobe boxes and move the garment bags in the bottom of the container.
- To save time, eliminate packing up all your dresser contents. As long as there aren’t any breakable or valuable items, you can leave most of the items intact. However, you do want to ensure that the contents aren’t too heavy because too much weight can cause damage to the drawer while moving.
- When deciding what size cartons to use, remember to use the smallest boxes for books, CDs and DVDs, and canned foods, as well. These items become heavy fast, and by using too large of a box, it will make it very difficult to move. Medium-size cartons can be used for bulkier but not-so-heavy articles such as pots, pans, linens, and small kitchen appliances. Very bulky, lightweight articles such as blankets, pillows, toys, large lamp shades, and shoes should go in the largest boxes.
- To keep the carton from buckling, make sure you pack heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on the top.
- To ensure your items stay safe en route, make sure boxes and cartons have lids and secure them with tape after closing.
- Avoid over-packing boxes (very important!). The weight of small cartons should not exceed 40 lbs., medium cartons should weigh no more than 50 lbs., and large cartons shouldn’t weigh more than 60 lbs.
- Moving companies are not allowed to transport anything flammable, combustible or explosive. Therefore, don’t pack any aerosol spray cans, paint, paint thinner, gasoline, or anything else of a flammable or explosive nature. Check with your local Global Van Lines agent if you’re unsure if an item can be moved.
- Do not pack any valuable items such as coins, currency, pertinent papers, jewelry or other important items. It always allows you the best peace of mind to carry these items with you rather than leaving them in the hands of others.