Basic Packing Tips, Part 2

Today I’m continuing the tips from my last post on basic packing for moving tips.  These ideas should help make the moving process easier and more manageable.  NOTE: Steps 1-5 were in my last post, and steps 6-10 are in this one.  🙂

6.    Furniture with small parts.

When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, you want to make sure that all the screws and other small parts don’t get lost or confused in the move. To prevent this problem, wrap all of the tiny parts in a freezer bag. Then securely tape the bag to the underside of the item. This keeps the parts with the item they came from, saving hours of time and worry.

7.    Alternate packing materials.

Here’s a way to solve two problems with one solution. When packing fragile items, use old towels, pillows, sheets, rags and t-shirts to use as cushioning around the objects. This provides extra protection against damage in transit, and will save plenty of room in your boxes.

8.    Criss-cross tape on box flaps.

Tape boxes along the seams where the flaps meet together. Then tape perpendicularly at the center of the first tape, forming a cross. This method provides extra protection against seams bursting in the move. 

9.    Stacking boxes.

Stack boxes by putting the heaviest on the bottom and the lightest on top to prevent crushing. Don’t stack boxes higher than shoulder height to reduce the chances of toppling. Where possible, stack them against walls, leaving plenty of open space to handle wrapping and moving furniture. Make sure there is an easy path to enter and exit the room.

 
10.    The 30-pound rule.

Keep each box below 50 pounds absolute maximum and below 30 pounds wherever possible. Heavier boxes lead to a number of problems, including injuries; rips, tears, and burst seams; and chances of being dropped when loaded or unloaded.  Keep a bathroom scale in the room you’re packing so you can keep the boxes below the weight limits.

Here are some additional FREE resources to make your move easier:

  *  Finding outstanding moving companies and movers at http://www.movers-edge.com/Movers-s/2.htm.

  *  Easy moving truck rental guide at http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm.

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Basic Packing Tips, Part 1

Packing for a move is never a fun experience.  The good news is that taking just a few steps can lead to less stress and better results.  I’m presenting the tips in both today’s post (part 1) and the one to follow (part 2):

1.    Luggage for Everyone.

Before packing boxes and wrapping furniture, pack a suitcase or backpack the same way you would if you were going on vacation for a few days. You’ll nee top pack 3 full outfits, eyeglasses, toiletries, prescriptions (very important to include), etc. The idea is a simple one- if you have all the basics you’ll need in the suitcases and keep them nearby (kept separate from all the boxes), you can avoid a lot of scrambling and hunting through boxes when you reach your new home.

2.   “Open Me First” boxes.

This is a similar idea to the suitcase suggestion listed in Step 1. For every room in your house, there will be certain items you’ll need right away. Rather than mixing all your items together in different boxes, keep those “needed immediately” things in one or two boxes for that room. Label these special boxes with bright red markers so they’ll stand out from all the others. This will make it easy to get the basics set up right away.

3.    Focus on one room at a time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with packing all your treasures. That can tempt you into trying to pack parts of different rooms, then ending up with a sense of chaos and little actually finished. Instead, focus on packing just one room at a time. This will do wonders to keep things focused and organized.

4.    “Clean house” before “packing house.”

One of the big reasons that packing takes so long is because of the shear volume of possessions we accumulate. Use packing as a way to clean out items for donations, a moving sale, and/or the recycling center. Aim to eliminate 1/3 of your belongings- that might be more than you can stand, but will give you a noble goal. You’ll save time and expense.

5.    Try using a card table.

Whenever possible, use a portable table (such as a card table, a completely cleared-off furniture top or counter in each room for packing boxes. Using the floor limits your mobility and can cause aches and cramps. You’ll find you get much more accomplished if you stick to the card table.

For tips on finding the right movers or moving companies, please visit http://www.movers-edge.com/Movers-s/2.htm.  And for those of us packing for ourselves, find advice on renting a moving truck at http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm.

Tags: packing