One of the most headache-ridden tasks for homeowners in this country is moving from one house to another. This gets especially aggravating when the move is across state lines instead of simply across town. Hiring professional movers is one way to make certain that this task creates as few hassles as possible, but for those who would rather do it themselves, here are a few packing tips the pros use that could make boxing up your belongings a little less strenuous.
Professional Packing Tips
Professional movers know that the most efficient way to pack a room starts with a good plan. When you're ready to get down to business, set up a table in the center of the room as a staging area. Place your boxes and packing materials near the table so they are easily accessible. Pick a starting point in the room (if there's something you're dreading, it might be a good idea to get it out of the way first) and begin packing in a clockwise direction. Packing a room is tedious, but when you've got a definite plan of action, your progress is sure to improve.
Another professional packing tip deals not with what you pack, but how you pack it. Packing boxes is more of a science than some might think. In addition to putting heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate things on top, make sure that the boxes themselves are the right size. If you use a box that's too big, you'll either end up storing too much weight in it to maintain its mobility, or you'll end up with a lot of empty space that will take up room in your moving truck or van. It's also a good idea to try to fit items closely together in the box to prevent them from shifting during the move.
Packing Breakables Like a Professional Mover
Once again, professional movers have tasks like packing fragile items down to a science so they won't have to worry about unhappy customers. Long distance moves can be particularly hard on your breakables, so make sure you take every precaution to keep them secure.
Be sure to line your box with soft padding material—crumpled newspaper works well. When preparing individual items to go into the box, start by laying out a piece of bubble wrap or several sheets of clean newspaper. Place your item several inches below one corner and fold it over so the item is covered. Fold the item over so the backside is exposed. Wrap a side corner over, turn it over and wrap the other side corner over. Repeat this process until the item is adequately protected. If you're wrapping dishes, you can stack four to five together, as long as there is bubble wrap between each dish.
Labeling: The Most Important Packing Tip
Making sure that everything gets to its destination in one piece involves more than just careful wrapping practices. Professional movers must be diligent in keeping accurate inventory records and labeling each box. This not only helps them keep track of all the items to be loaded, but it will help you when it's time to unpack in your new home, as well. Label each box with not only a description of its contents, but what room it was originally taken from. When it's time to set up your belongings in your new place, you'll be sure of what's in the box, and you'll know where it is supposed to go, too!
