Packing for a move can feel like you’re moving mountains – literally! The process is physically and mentally daunting, with heaps of belongings to sort and fit into boxes, only to unpack and reorganise them to your new place later. If only we could magically pack and teleport our stuff, moving houses won’t be as stressful.
Thankfully, there are ways to make packing more organised and effective. Here are 10 tips on how to use your moving boxes for a better packing experience.
#1: Declutter and Disassemble
Declutter: Years of accumulated belongings can be overwhelming to pack, and you may have to let go of unused or old items. To make things easy, simply throw away and let go of stuff you don’t need. Decluttering reduces the stuff you’ll put in your boxes. This also allows you to use your boxes for other more important things to pack.
Disassemble: Taking apart big items, furniture and electronics can help you save space and prevent damage to your belongings.
Important tip: Take photos of the parts and accessories, as well as how it looks before undoing such items. This is for easier configuration and arrangement later.
#2: Designate Smaller Boxes for Heavy Items
You can distribute heavier items or similar items in bulk (e.g. textbooks, paper, collections) in smaller boxes for ease of transport. It will be easier to carry three boxes of books one by one than lifting one weighty box.
You can also fill larger boxes with bulky/irregularly shaped but light items, such as shoes, duvets, pillows and bed sheets. Large picture frames, mirrors and a few fragile items can be packed in between, too, since the soft material can serve as a cushion.
#3: Fill Big Boxes Wisely
You should watch how much you pack in big boxes. Because of their size, larger moving boxes tend to get overfilled and extremely heavy. Moving boxes come in different box sizes, so you can avail other sizes instead of overpacking in big boxes.
To see if they’re manageable to carry, try lifting your boxes before sealing them. It’s ideal to pack a big box heavy enough for one person to carry. Pack the large and heavy items at the bottom and the smaller ones on top. This way, you will prevent lighter items from getting crushed.
#4: Use High-Quality Moving Boxes
To secure your things throughout the move, you should invest in durable boxes specifically designed for moving. Cheaper options, such as grocery boxes, may be great for your wallet, but they lack the structural reliability for your heavy and valuable baggage.
If you’re hiring local moving companies, try asking them for removalist boxes. Removalist boxes are sturdier and better in quality compared to others. Your mind can be at ease with boxes that are strong enough and suited for packing and moving.
#5: Secured Belongings in Secured Boxes
To have peace of mind, don’t forget to secure your boxes with tape. Pay extra attention to the underside and opening, as well as any worn or damaged corners.
To keep your things in place, fill the gaps within the box with foam, clothing or towels. For heavy items, extra padding at the bottom of the boxes may be needed. For liquid items or bottles that leak, put them in plastic wrapping.
#6: Pack by Category
You should consider sorting similar items into categories, such as fragile, kitchenware, perishables and non-perishables. Categorising your things can help you estimate the appropriate sizes and number of boxes, padding and tape you’ll need. Other than that, it will be easier to navigate your belongings and unpack properly in your new place.
#7: Dry Items Only
Moisture can leak out, soften and damage your boxes. For wet perishable goods, it is better to consume them ahead. Another option is to place them in a cooler box on the day of the move. Make sure your refrigerator is emptied and cleaned at least one or two days prior. Plants should also be watered a day before.
#8: Label and Handling Notes
Besides packing by category, make sure to put noticeable labels regarding handling and orientation. Boxes with fragile items and appliances need to have notes like ‘keep upright’ and ‘fragile’. This is helpful in reminding you and your removalists how to handle the boxes, as well as avoid leaks and damage.
#9: Stack Your Boxes Properly
For stability, keep heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones stacked above them. If you can, use boxes with similar sizes because they are easier to stack. You can also coordinate with your movers and inform them on which to put in the truck first and which ones require extra care (and shouldn’t be stacked or tossed carelessly).
#10: Get Removalists to Pack For You
Packing all by yourself can be exhausting. Hiring professional removalists can save you time, stress, energy and most importantly – boxes. With extra hands and expert help, you can avoid packing mistakes and have a smoother moving process.
Summing Up
Don’t hesitate to seek professional movers and search for high-quality boxes in your next moving journey. From choosing the right boxes to following certain steps and considerations, we hope that your packing goes smoothly by considering these 10 tips.