Top 10 Packing Tips

People who have experienced moving in the past will tell you that if there’s one activity that you really need to do properly, it’s packing. In fact, it’s one of the most time-consuming tasks involved in the moving process.

However, despite its daunting reputation, packing is easily achievable as long as you know the right things to do.

To get you started, here are the top 10 packing tips for a faster and easier move:

Start as early as possible – To avoid getting rushed and avoid misplacing or forgetting anything, it’s a must to start packing as early as possible. Experts agree that you should begin at least 2 months prior to the actual moving day. Yes, you read that right at least 2 months prior. You can start by packing things that you don’t often use and gradually move on to the essentials you need for everyday.

Get rid of excess junk – The easiest way to make packing faster and more achievable is to reduce the amount of things you’ll be bringing along. For example, do you really need to bring that old plastic hamper? Would it be more economical (and timely) to buy a new television set instead of lugging your old, bulky one along? How much of the clothes in your wardrobe do you actually still use? How many of them don’t fit you anymore or are out of style?It’s time to reassess what you have and prioritize the needs from the don’t-needs. You can just donate your “junk” to other people who need them more or even have a garage sale and earn some extra cash.

Pack and prepare clothes and toiletries for the move itself and the day after – Having this survival kit will allow you to function and be comfortable when you arrive in your new home, without having to dig through mountains of boxes. Make sure to label this survival kit so you know that it needs to be opened first.Other things you need to pack in the kit are:

• Extension cords and batteries
• Moving paraphernalia like box cutters, scissors, knife, tape, gloves, etc.
• Disposable utensils for eating
• Local phone book and map
• Basic tools like a hammer and screwdriver
• Stock up on packing supplies – You can never have enough tape, bubble wrap, Styrofoam, peanuts, markers and boxes. So prior to starting the packing process, it’s a wise idea to already have this at your disposal.  Don’t forget to prepare a tape dispense and label makers.

Fragile items should be labelled as such – Make sure that boxes containing electronics, dinnerware, or art pieces are labelled as fragile. That way, you and the movers will know how to properly handle these boxes.

• Wrap china, crystals and glassware individually – You should never ever stack these up without individual protection. The bottom of the box should be padded with bubble wrap and then each item should be wrapped individually with acid free paper.
• Don’t leave empty spaces in the boxes – No matter what it is that you’re packing, make sure to fill in all gaps in side boxes. These empty spaces will cause your items to move inside during transport and may lead to damage. You can use old clothes, towels, packing paper or packing peanuts to fill in gaps.
• Pack things per room and label them accordingly – Here’s a great tip for a fast and easier unpacking once you’re in your new home. Pack your stuff according to what they room they belong in. For example, make sure that the things for your daughter’s room are all in the same boxes so that when it’s time to unpack, it’s a walk in the park. Don’t forget to label!

Put heavier things at the bottom of boxes – This will allow them to get settled in snugly while the lighter things sit safely on top without the danger of gravity. The same applies to heavier boxes during truck loading. Load the heavier boxes first inside the truck and the lighter ones last.
If you have expensive or really fragile items, consider getting professional help – Owners of grand pianos, or rare artworks and antiques should seriously consider hiring specialty movers who know the specific process of handling and protecting delicate pieces. They will cost you a bit more but they will provide safety for your precious belongings.
So you see, packing doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. Just add a bit of organization to the process and you’ll be well on your way.