Packing during a move is a daunting job and it can seem like there’s no end. Cassidy’s – Pembroke’s #1 moving company – has been around since 1908, and we know a thing or two about packing!
Although methods of packing may have changed over the years, one thing remains the same – people don’t allow themselves enough time to do the job right. This leads to a rushed job that adds more stress to an already stressful time.
Planning, preparation and the right attitude will go a long way to make your packing job more relaxed and even enjoyable.
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Start Early & Plan
Nothing says you can’t start packing months before you move. Although many of us like to do things last minute, you’ll be saving yourself time and headaches by planning ahead.
Start with seasonal items that you know won’t be used before your move (i.e. winter clothes). Move on to the basement, hobby rooms, guest rooms, good china, and anything that won’t be used between now and your move.
As moving day approaches, it’s time to get serious. Pack one room at a time and complete the room as much as you can. Make sure you check and check again to make sure you have packed everything. Under the bed, shelves, wall decorations, hanging clothes, toys – everything should be packed.
The living room, dining room, shed and basement should all be completely done while most of the kitchen should be partially packed. You can leave out the most commonly used items but pack everything else. The kitchen takes the longest to pack, so don’t leave this room until the last minute.
Steps To Properly Pack Your Moving Boxes
1. Gather Packing Materials
Gather all the packing materials you’ll need before you start like quality moving boxes, paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts and tape. Once you get rolling, you won’t have time to stop to look for materials. Most of these items can be found at any hardware store.
Don’t use flimsy moving boxes that are likely to break under pressure. Invest in a variety of double-ply cardboard boxes that will protect your belongings and hold up during the moving process. Use only high-quality boxes that can be completely sealed. Packing in things like garbage bags or open-top boxes is going to cause damage and loss.
2. Determine What To Pack
Moving is a good time to purge unwanted items. Before you start, make a list of things you need to sell, donate and throw away. The time to do this is before you go through the work and expense of packing and moving them. Packing can often lead to a trip down memory lane, so resist that temptation.
Set aside a “do-not-pack” area or closet. As you go through the house, put any items that you’re not packing in this area. This can include keys, important papers, jewelry and valuables, clothes for moving day, favourite toys, contact information or any other items you feel might be required at the time of the move. If you are in doubt, put it in the pile – you can always pack it later.
Don’t pack these hazardous or perishable items:
- Propane tanks
- Gasoline and other flammable liquids (lawnmowers etc. should be drained of fuel)
- Car and household batteries
- Solvents, bleach, household chemicals
- Matches and lighters
- Oils, paints and aerosol cans
- Frozen Food
- Produce
- Refrigerator contents
3. Secure Your Items
Wrap all your fragile items in clean newsprint or tissue paper. Put small items like screws in a bag before you pack them. Anything that has the potential to spill (laundry soap, shampoo, pasta) should be sealed with tape and placed in a plastic bag before you pack. These boxes should be clearly marked “this side up.”
Long size items (fishing rods, curtain rod, rakes) should be bundled together with tape. Rugs should be rolled and tied with twine, while underlays can be folded in many cases. Your lamps and lampshades should be packed separately due to their size. For your mattresses, purchase mattress bags to protect them from soiling.
Dishes and glasses should be packed in separate, specially designed boxes. Crushed packing paper should be placed at the bottom of the box, between each layer and at the top of the box. Don’t rush packing these valuables – you’re more likely to break things when you’re in a hurry.
4. Packing Heavy & Light
Pack heavier items (like books) at the bottom of the box. No box should exceed the limit of 50 lbs. When properly packing your moving boxes, heavy items should be stored in small boxes. Packing your heavy items in big boxes will only put a strain on yourself and the movers.
Before placing your items inside the moving box, make sure each box has packing protection, like packing peanuts and bubble wrap, at the bottom. Then, start strategically packing your heavier items first and end with your lighter items on the top. You don’t want the weight of your heavier things damaging the lighter stuff.
Pack your items securely, leaving little room for empty space inside the box. Empty space leaves room for your items to bounce around – potentially damaging the contents inside.
Pack your box until it’s completely full – but not to the point where your box can’t close. Make sure there’s enough room to add packing protection at the top. The flaps of the box shouldn’t have any trouble closing.
5. Secure Moving Box
Completely seal the finished boxes with packing tape – double tape if need be. Then, label the boxes with the contents and the room they are going to be moved to from the moving truck. Make a list of the number of boxes that should occupy each room in your new home. This simple preparation will pay big dividends on moving day and when you’re unpacking.
Get Ahead Of The Pack With Cassidy’s
We’re the moving company for you. Our team of movers work hard to keep your packed boxes secure and organized. Get a move on and request a free estimate with us. Call us at 613-836-4225 or 800-663-6615!
