The first thing most people think about when it’s time to move are how many boxes they will need and what sizes. Even if you’re just moving across town shipping boxes are recommended to keep your belongings safe. There’s so much to consider in a move, taking short-cuts may be tempting but usually result in extra work one way or another.
Boxes built for moving are sturdier and generally more stackable than any you’ll find at your local store. Quality moving supplies are well worth their cost when you consider the consequences of the bottom falling out of a box you have breakables in. Getting supplies lined up is only the beginning. Once you have the boxes you need following these simple steps will make the entire process feel almost automatic.
Categorize Everything
Just the thought of packing and moving is enough to make you tired already. Best advice is to pick a spot, and just get started. Working one area at a time, and grouping like items as you go ensures even the smallest of your belongings will find a safe spot. Using colored tissue paper for items that need wrapping is a good idea so nothing is accidentally thrown away.
Anything Breakable Should Be Carefully Wrapped
Properly wrapping breakables ensures their safe journey. Remember, using more paper than you need is better than not using enough. For flat items such as plates always pack them on their sides, never lay them one on top of another and if you stack glasses, bowls or cups make sure there is plenty of padding between them.
Add Dividers For Extra Fragile Items
Dividers come in various sizes and using them adds another layer of protection for glasses and stemware. They fit neatly inside shipping containers and keep glass items from bumping into each other. Before placing glassware in the dividers, wrapping them with paper or bubble wrap adds even more protection.
Never Trust Used Boxes
The precise measurements of shipping containers give them secure “stackability.” Remember, unless a box is unpacked immediately, it will need to be stacked somewhere. Used cardboard will never have the strength new containers do and can even hide things like roaches inside them. Shipping Boxes are built to take strain and ensure your new home isn’t contaminated with any un-wanted pests.
Pack According To What You Can Lift
Avoid over-packing to save space. Fewer boxes could actually lead to more work if they are so heavy one person can’t lift them alone. Books are a good example. Because they are small it’s tempting to put more in a box than can be easily lifted. A good rule would be the heavier items are, the smaller the box should be so over-packing isn’t possible.
Efficient Use Of Space
It is possible to fill every empty space in a box without over-packing. If these empty spaces aren’t filled in boxes could collapse when stacked. This can be avoided by first loading the box to an acceptable weight, and then before sealing it stuffing extra paper or bubble wrap into empty areas makes them much more secure.
Sensible Labels and Tight Seals
Folding tops down on a box without taping them afterword’s allows dust and insects into your belongings while in transit or storage. Wrapping tape with and then against box flaps will not only help keep contents clean it also helps stacked boxes keep their “squareness,” with less danger of collapse.
When you are faced with stacks of boxes and you need one item immediately, that’s when you will most appreciate having taken time to clearly label them. If each box lists which room it came from with an inventory of its contents, you will always know exactly where things are whether you’ve unpacked yet or not.
Stacking Order Is Very Important
Whether boxes are being stacked into a moving van or into storage, it’s necessary to put anything heavy on the bottom of the pile because a lower center of gravity helps prevent stacks from tipping over. Even if the stack doesn’t tip over, putting heavy loads on top of lighter ones risks the lighter being crushed under the weight.
It’s well worth any time taken to properly plan how things are to be stacked and avoid ruining belongings. The idea isn’t to stuff as many boxes as you can into the smallest space, this only leads to a possible mess to clean up later. Taking the time to stagger boxes as if they were bricks and creating a safe tower will make them less likely to tumble down.
Don’t Forget To Leave Walking Room
If there isn’t enough space to at least walk single-file between stacks then finding anything in storage generally requires luck and a good deal of patience. Have a plan before you store the first box and then stick with it. Doing that makes finding a single item among many so much easier no matter long you’ve had it stored.
Creating isles between stacks with labels facing out will ensure you never have to go through the entire unit looking for a single item. Labeling both sides of a box so it can be clearly seen no matter which side of the stack you’re on is another time saving idea.
Now you know the basics of how to move with the least amount of aggravation. Quality supplies, thinking ahead, and sticking to your plan will ensure your belongings can take any length of journey and still get where they need to go in one piece.