Packing can be the most time-consuming part of moving, but doing it right can mean the difference between a successful move or a disaster, especially if you’re moving belongings that are fragile or of sentimental value. Here are some pack hacks to ease the process.
Preparations Make Perfect
Before you start the packing process, throw away or donate items you don’t need. Decluttering will help you make sure you’re only taking the essentials, which can significantly cut down on packing time and help you save on costs. Toss or donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year or more. Take dimensions of your new house and get rid of excess furniture now. Think of your move as a fresh start and use it as an opportunity to part with items from the past that are no longer useful or meaningful to you at this juncture in your life. Enlist a friend to help you be thorough and honest during this process.
The Clothes Trick
Want to pack your clothes easily and cost-effectively? Instead of packing them one by one, group them together in bunches on hangers and cover them with garbage bags. Use a rubber band, elastic, or string to keep the hangers together. Now you can move them from your current home right into your new closet.
Shoes
The easy and obvious way to pack shoes is to throw them into a box and see what happens. When you do this, however, you leave your footwear vulnerable to mold, and they may come out shabbier than when they went in. Before packing them, wipe your shoes clean, wrap them individually in paper, and tie them together so they’ll be paired up when it’s time to unpack.
The Right Box
Did you know there are different types of boxes for moving specific items? Some boxes are built stronger (such as those designed for dishes) for heavier items, and some are appliance-specific. Getting the right box for the right item can help prevent damage and loss. This is especially true when moving a flat-screen TV. Many moving companies and hardware stores have flat-screen boxes specifically made for moving a TV, if you haven’t saved your old one.
The Vertical Dish Trick
When packing dishes, instead of stacking them on top of each other, place them vertically side by side, after you wrap them in packing paper. This trick also works with books and picture frames, and it saves a lot of space. Remember to label your dish boxes “fragile” in large, red lettering.
Watch Your Weight
Place heavier objects into smaller boxes so they’re easier to lift, and make sure to reinforce them with extra tape. Lighter items, such as linens or children’s toys, can be packed in larger boxes.
Fill to Capacity
Use all the space available in each box so there aren’t any gaps or spaces. You can fill in empty spots with bubble wrap, towels, or paper as needed. This will reduce the likelihood of boxes crumpling or caving in.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International. This guest post was written by PODS®. PODS® makes moving and storage more convenient and less stressful through its innovative solution of delivering a level container and providing the customer all the time they need to load and unload their container.
