When getting ready to move, packing is the best thing you can do to keep your cost from skyrocketing. The key is to choose the best box for the job and then pack it carefully but quickly. The more packed and ready to move you are, the more efficient the move will be. Of course, if you would rather someone else pack for you, we offer that service and are glad to help!
Here are 5 steps for packing quickly
Step 1. Get Ready to Move: Sort, purge and donate before you start packing if you have time. Once you have done that, pretend like it isn’t your stuff. All you need to do is pack it, no need to go down memory lane or try to decide if you really need the item. You have already gone through that process so now it just goes into a box.
Step 2. Choose the best box for the job:
- Small boxes: Ideal for heavy items like books, tools, and canned goods.
- Medium Boxes: Good for pots, pans, small appliances, toys, electronics, shoes, clothes etc.
- Large Boxes: Use for lightweight or bulky items like bedding pillows, and comfortors
- Specialty boxes: Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, Dish packs for fragile items, dishes and glasses
Step 3. Prepare and Pack the Box.
Yep, I know, sounds a bit redundant, but it is important. The best way to prepare a box is to tape the bottom closed (we usually say 3 rows for stability otherwise things can fall out).
- If it isn’t fragile stuff then fill the box. Put heavy stuff on the bottom, light stuff on top. You want the box as full as possible but still able to close flat. Once full, tape the top closed.
- If you have fragile items to pack, put a layer of crumpled paper at the bottom of the box. Wrap each fragile item individually and then lay it in the box in layers. one layer of fragile items then a layer of crumpled up paper. You want to make sure that the fragile item does not bump another fragile item in the box. This lessens the chance of chipping and breaking. Put a final layer of crumpled paper or a blanket or throw pillow on top then close and tape the box shut.
Step 4. Label the box. We find that the boxes labeled for the room they are going to at the new location usually get to the right place. Put a few items that are in the box on the label to save time trying to find the essential stuff when you are unpacking.
Step 5. Repeat Keep repeating all the steps until everything that can be in a box, is in a box and ready to go. Your house/apartment should look something like this with the box closed and taped, the rug taped and don’t forget the Tea Kettle on the stove!
