Packing Guide
There are so many things to think about when moving! Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.
TIP ON PACKING
Packing and moving are hard--but either way, how you pack is as important as how large/small the box is. The number one cause of damage during a move is a box that is not fully packed. Empty space in a box creates trouble.
Inside the boxes you use for moving are your valuable(s), in some cases priceless possessions. Not all moving boxes are alike. You should be aware of box quality, size and loads will affect your move.
About moving boxes:
- Buy only new moving boxes - Boxes get week when reused. Boxes get ruined when they get wet. One of the biggest concerns is the side of the box, where the seam is glued. Over time, this glue becomes unreliable.
- Buy boxes that don’t crush - Boxes come in all shapes, strengths and sizes- the stronger the box, the greater the protection for its contents. The moving industry is very competitive, but professional movers use moving boxes that are at least 32 ECT (or 200lb test) in strength. These ratings are standard from the box industry, and help insure that your household belongings will arrive safely; weaker boxes will crush under load.
- Buy boxes in many different sizes -
- Books - they are heavy, so use small boxes
- Dishes - medium boxes will fit most kitchenware without making the box too heavy
- Kitchenware - pots, pans, etc. can be stacked in a large box.
- Comforters, pillows and other large but light items - extra large boxes will be best for packing light bulky items
- Clothes - dresses, coats, suits; anything hanging in closets- travel best in reusable wardrobe boxes, which can be used seasonally as “extra closets” for wardrobe storage
- Mirrors, paintings - for larger mirrors and large picture frames, frame boxes work best.
When possible, remember to avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box).
After each moving box is packed don’t forget that “labeling the content” outside of the box always does wonders.
Label each box and indicate the following:
A. Which room it should go in?
B. Whether it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first?
C. Number of boxes of total boxes of move (Example _____ of ______ ).
Other moving supplies you might need:
- Wardrobe boxes
- Kitchen boxes
- File boxes
- Frame boxes
- Mattress covers
- Bubble wrap
- Stretch wrap
- Packing paper
- Moving box cutters
- Tape, tape dispenser and tape measure
- Felt-tip marker and/or marking penv
- Scissors
