Tips for Packing for Your Move
Even if you plan for your move months ahead of time, moving day might arrive faster than you anticipated. That’s why it’s best to do everything you can as early as possible, including packing. Although the idea may make you want to hyperventilate, packing can be a seamless task when you follow these tips.
Use Boxes of Various Sizes
Just getting several large boxes might seem like the best approach, but this strategy is counter-productive. When you just dump your things in them, all kinds of things can go wrong. You can end up making the box too heavy to lift. Plus, all that weight reduces its integrity, causing the box to collapse when you try to lift it. Then, you end up with some of your things broken, and the rest you must pack all over again. Instead, packing your things in boxes appropriate for keeping them snugly safe is best. So is making sure that when filled, they’re light enough to be carried to and from the moving truck.
Remember All the Packing Supplies
To move successfully, you’ll need more than packing boxes. Make sure you also get packing tape to seal your boxes with, packing paper or filler, Sharpie pens, and labels. Getting more than you think you’ll need will keep you from having to go back to the store. It’s just one more way to reduce your stress in this emotional time.
Strategize Your Packing
The heavier the item you pack, the smaller the box it needs to go in. This will help you distribute weight of the boxes more evenly and make them easier to carry after they’re filled. Once you pack your boxes, keep them grouped together according to the room they will go in at your new location.
Remember the Furniture
When you’re packing up, don’t forget to check your furniture. For tables and dressers, take out every drawer and shelf. Then pack or discard the contents. While you have those drawers out, get a flashlight and look in the rear interior of the furniture to check for stray items. In addition to helping you make sure to pack everything, emptying out the furniture will make it easier to carry when loading and unloading.
Put Your Most Important Things in the Car with You
When you’re packing, be sure to pack your jewelry, laptop or tablet, cash or debit card, medications, and a change of clothes in a bag you keep in the car with you during the trip. Keeping these things securely in your care will give you peace of mind and prevent having to stop and root through the truck for something you need.
With a little thought and planning during the packing process, you’ll be surprised how stress-free, and even fun and exciting, your move can be.