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Packing Tips for Smooth Moves


by: Doresa Banning
01 Nov 2010

A worry-free move requires efficient and secure packing. If you choose to pack your belongings yourself, you can take steps to ensure an overall, smooth moving process. You can guarantee that your items are protected during travel, and you can make loading and unloading your moving vehicle as painless as possible.

Preparing to Start

Before you begin packing, get organized, think the process through, and obtain the necessary supplies and equipment. Consider these tips:

  • Create a packing strategy, including which rooms to pack first
  • Determine how many and what types of moving boxes you will need
  • Acquire the necessary packing supplies: boxes, marking pen, sealing tape, scissors, newspaper, tissue, and bubble wrap
  • Choose only strong boxes and containers that can be closed securely
  • Purchase special boxes for clothes, dishes, and lamp bases
  • Start packing as soon as you know that you are moving
  • Keep all of your supplies handy

Packing Your Belongings

When filling your boxes and containers, keep in mind the following:

  • First pack items that you rarely use
  • Pack one room at a time
  • Pack all cartons tightly, filling all space
  • Pack breakables and non-breakables separately
  • Pack similar items, such as books, together
  • In each box, place heavier items on the bottom
  • Do not load more than 50 pounds in one box
  • Cushion your belongings with bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue, towels, or blankets
  • Tape closed the bottoms and tops of all boxes
  • Stack boxes of the same size about four to five feet high
  • Tape parts, such as hardware, to the item they belong to

Labeling the Moving Boxes

Marking each box as you pack it will save you time in the long run. At your new place, you or your movers can quickly put the boxes in the appropriate rooms and unload the ones whose contents you will need right away. When labeling, follow these guidelines:

  • Write labels on the sides of each box rather than the top or bottom
  • Mark one side of each packing box with its contents and the room it goes in
  • On packing boxes containing essential items, write "Load Last, Open First"
  • Write "Fragile" on the outside of cartons containing breakables
  • On boxes that must be kept upright, draw arrows indicating the up and down directions
  • If your boxes will be moved with someone else's, write your last name on each box

By taking just a few extra steps as you pack, you can make unpacking all your possessions much easier and avoid any breakage in the process.

Sources:
Packing Tips • http://www.mayflower.com • http://www.mayflower.com/moving/full-service-movers/moving-tips/packing-tips.htm • Mayflower Transit, LLCPacking Tips • http://www.unitedvanlines.com • http://www.unitedvanlines.com/mover/moving-aids/packing-tips.htm#ready • United Van Lines, LLC