Packing Tips

Moving to a new home, office or commercial property takes a lot of work and is so time-consuming that we tend to put off packing until the last minute. But the more you delay putting your items in boxes, the more stressful the process becomes. It mars the whole experience, which should be an enjoyable and positive one. Families and companies who are moving for the first time usually just sort out and throw everything in boxes and containers in a haphazard manner. The result? A whole lot of breakage and fixing up post-move. Moving day hovering near and you don’t have an idea on how to pack your things? Don’t worry.

Check out our 9 packing tips to get you started in the right direction:

1. Have A Master List Everyone should start with a master list of to-do’s that must be done way ahead of schedule. Moving is a major event comprised of a hundred different things, and chances are that you’ll inevitably forget an item or two if it isn’t set down in stone. Create a master to-do list on your smart phone’s app, an organizer or a legal pad. It should be handy enough that it’s always with you from beginning to end. List down everything that comes to mind and don’t worry about the timeline as you can arrange it later. Don’t be picky at this point and write everything down, i.e., need to go to the hardware for packing tools, boxes, etc. or sending off clothing you won’t use or have outgrown at the local charity store. 2. Get Needed Boxes And Tools Come up with a list of the things you’ll need for the move. Don’t omit anything and just write down everything that comes to mind. Doing this eliminates the need to visit the hardware store or general goods shop multiple times. You may need to talk with your family members, roommates, partner or business associates and see if there’s anything you may have missed. Get different-sized boxes and the essentials, including a new broom, measuring tape, screws, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape and markers. This is also the time to check and see if you need to buy anything else before settling in the new property. Will you need a new set of screwdrivers, foam, light bulbs, gardening supplies and power strips? Planning to install a new electronic security system at the front door? Thinking about having a CCTV system set up around the perimeter? 3. Do A Mini Spring Cleaning Moving is the perfect time to sort out the things you won’t need and the stuff that has outlived their usefulness. Set aside time in advance for a mini spring cleaning so you can dispose, donate and throw out the clutter you won’t need for your new home or office. With this, you can save time and boxes because you won’t need to pack and load them up the moving truck. Sell the things that have value on eBay or Craigslist and donate the rest by calling a local charity organization for a pick-up. If you have friends helping you can give them the items as a sort of thank you (along with food and drinks, of course.) 4. Mark The Boxes You’ll Need First Save time by knowing which boxes should be the ones to be unpacked first with a designated marker symbol. It could be a heart, a star or in plain language, i.e., unpack first or something similar. You’ll want to have Day 1 items on those boxes, including your personal items, toiletries, towels and a quick change of clothes for you and your family as soon as you arrive. 5. Small For Heavy And Big For Light Novice movers tend to associate box size with weight, thinking that all the heavy things should be in a large box while lighter ones should be in smaller containers. Not only will this give you and the movers a huge problem but could lead to unnecessary breakage later on. Remember the rule of packing- heavy equals small and light equals large. This way the heavier stuff can be moved easily and with minimal damage. 6. Numbered and Color-Coded Label your boxes on two sides with a number, the items they contain and which room they should be going to. You can make things easier by designating a color for each room, i.e., outdoors will be green, pink for bathroom, and so on. The numbering system is especially helpful as you’ll know how many boxes should be moved and if there are any missing after the move. 7. Bags, Pads and Suitcases You can cut down on the number of boxes you’ll need for packing when you make the ones you have work for you. We’re talking about laundry bins, hampers and baskets and even your suitcases, too. Fill them up with your stuff; for example, a wheeled suitcase is great for books and don’t forget to number and color-code. Bath towels and blankets can be used as padding for lamps, small furniture and artwork. Trash bags can fill gaps in trucks nicely and keep your things from knocking into each other while in transit. 8. Hire A Competent Mover Hiring professional movers will make the load significantly lighter and take off a great deal of stress when you’re packing and moving. Aside from the heavy lifting, these experts will know how to pack your things accordingly. They will have the equipment, the tools and the knowledge to get valuable or breakable items safely in containers and secure them in the van. You’ll have greater peace of mind knowing that your stuff will be carefully packed, freeing up valuable time for other important matters. 9. Loading A Truck? Use Sectioning The rule of loading a truck is to maximize every inch of space and packing your possessions tightly so they won’t shift or bump into each other on the road. Load the heaviest items first and put them down the floor. Make sure to fill up vertical space and pack in sections. Use smaller boxes and bags to fill up the space in-between for extra stability.