Packing is perhaps the most time consuming and difficult part of moving. Every home or office is invariably always filled with a plethora of clothes, furniture, utensils, equipments and appliances to pack. Your first task should be to sort out the all of your possessions and make two lists: the first to pack and the second to donate or throw out. This in itself is a chore that few people relish doing!
Packing for moving requires careful planning and a lot of hard work. So here are McWilliams’ Moving & Storage top packing tips for moving:
- Start weeks before the scheduled moving date: Packing requires a lot of time and hard work, so never leave it until the final days. Start packing weeks before the actual date scheduled for moving. This gives you a lot of time to include all the things that you will need in your new home.
- Make a list of things to pack: You will likely want to leave some items behind or get rid of them. So make a list of all the items that you will be moving. You don’t actually have to make a list of things to throw away; but put them aside so that they will be out of the way.
- Make a packing schedule: You won’t need to pack all your items on the same day. You shouldn’t pack your things randomly either. So make a packing schedule and set a date for each item. Generally, the things that you can do without until moving should go into boxes first. Leave only the essentials unpacked for the days leading up to you move.
- Purchase packing supplies in advance: You will need bags, boxes, containers, tapes, special machines and tools to pack your belongings. Inadequate packing can result in loss, breakages and damages. So make a list of packing supplies and buy them before starting to pack. McWilliams offers virtually any packing supplies you may need to pack efficiently and safely.
- Use the right types of boxes: Different items need to be handled differently depending on their size, weight and shape. So use the right type of boxes. Pack compact and heavy items in small boxes so that they are easier to carry. Use large boxes for general household items and extra-large boxes for large and bulky items.
- Pack breakables separately: Delicate items that break easily should be packed in separate boxes that are labeled ‘Fragile’ or ‘Breakable’ in large and bold letters. The inside of the box or container should be covered with thick padding foam or plenty of bubble wrap. A cardboard box or container is ideal for this, since it is thick and light.
- Pack books, magazines and files separately: Books, magazines and files eat a lot of space and are also heavy. They can easily be torn or damaged. Sort them according to their size and pack them in separate cardboard boxes. Put the larger books and magazines at the bottom and the smaller ones at the top.
- Label all containers: Even if you have a fantastic memory, label all the containers with big and bold letters. Use colored permanent markers so they are clearly visible. If a container needs special handling, then write ‘Handle with care’ so your moving team knows that they should be careful!
Packing for your move can be a difficult task, but if you prepare and do just a little at a time, it won’t seem so daunting. Remember, you can contact the experts at McWilliams Moving & Storage any time for advice on packing and organizing your move. Contact us for a free estimate on your small home move or office move.