When the movers come, it will save time and money to have everything prepared to go out the door, including the boxes. Today, we’re going to offer some tips on how to pack boxes for a successful move and best results.
Not too full
Overfilling boxes is a mistake for several reasons. First, because even though you don’t want to pay for a bigger box when you have a (too) small box that’s almost big enough when it’s stacked with other boxes, it’s going to create a problem because it’s no longer flat. The stack of boxes will lean to one side if the contents bulge out the top. If the sides bulge, it’s going to compromise the integrity of the box.
Not too empty
A half-filled box, when stacked with other boxes, can be crushed by the weight of other boxes if it’s only half full. Use crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to fill empty spaces in your boxes so they won’t be half full of dead air, which will make the contents shift and possibly damage them.
Pack sets of similar items
If you have sets of similar items, mark the boxes ‘1 of 3’, ‘2 of 3’, etc. so you’ll know when they’re assembled. Keep similar items together, as well. Pack ‘like’ contents, together, too. Avoid putting fragile items in the same boxes as heavy items.
Labels, labels, labels!
For your own sake, boxes should be marked with the contents, so you can find what you need. A Sharpie marker beats any regular pen or marker. As you pack, decide where you want the movers to put the boxes and mark the location on the side of each box. Some people use color-coded stickers. The point is that you aren’t going to be able to read each label and direct where it should go in the middle of the move while a team of movers waits for you to read the top of each box.
If the contents are fragile, make sure that is marked on the box, too.
Great boxes
We understand it’s easier to get boxes from the grocery store and maybe save a few bucks. But moving boxes or banker boxes are durable and meant for the job of moving. Plus, they won’t smell like grocery food or have cockroaches or silverfish. If you have moving insurance, it’s easy to see a box which has been damaged if they’re all new.
Tape-lots of tape
One wouldn’t think that tape could make the difference between a successful move and a flop, but tops of boxes must tape the top of each box securely!
Finish packing before the move
If you finish packing the day before the move, not only will you be able to have all of the last minute details handled, but you’ll also save yourself the grief of trying to pack and move at the same time. Moving is tough. Try not to make it harder on yourself. If you have to hire packers, just do it, and think of it as an investment in your mental health.
Aardvark Movers Inc. is a reliable name whether you need packing services, piano moving, or load or unload services. Call today to learn more about our hourly moving rates.
