Hiring professional movers to help you relocate your possessions can make your life easier and your move smoother. The same can be said about using a few good packing and storage strategies to help you pack up before the movers arrive.
Gathering Your Supplies
In addition to lots of moving boxes, you’ll need bubble wrap to protect your breakable items. To help keep your boxes closed during the moving process or while in long term storage, purchase the strongest packing tape available. Don’t forget to pick up markers and colored stickers to label your packages.
Labeling Your Boxes
Instead of simply marking your packing and storage boxes with a generic label such as kitchen or kid’s bedroom, you should include a brief description of what is inside. This strategy helps you find the items you want without having to go through a dozen packing and storage boxes to find them.
Pack Similar Items Together
Whenever possible, you should pack items that are used together in the same box. This strategy makes unpacking easier. For example, pack extension cords or surge protectors with your small appliances and electronics.
Identifying Your Boxes
While you can label each box with the name of the room that it is going to, using colored stickers as well provides fast and easy recognition that makes this process simpler for your movers. After all, you might know where your daughter’s bedroom is, but how will the movers know this? Just place one of the stickers on each door, and everyone who is helping will know exactly where to put the packing boxes.
Important Documents
It’s essential that you keep your important papers with you to avoid having them get misplaced during the move. A simple tote bag or business folder can be used to store these items and keep them safe for you.
Long Term Storage Tips
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when you are placing your possessions in long term storage is that these items should be clean and dry. This will help to keep them in the best condition while also avoiding the growth of mildew or mold. Make sure that you drain hoses and disconnect them from large appliances.
Moving and Long Term Storage Tips
Whether you are packing items for long term storage or for transportation into your new living quarters, each of the following tips can help to prevent accidents from happening.
- Wrap breakable items individually with tissue paper or bubble wrap and fill in empty areas in the box to keep the items cushioned.
- Pack spillables separately.
- Secure electrical cords to prevent dangling.
- Unplug electrical items 24 hours in advance when possible to allow them to cool down.
- Use tape or ties to secure hardware, placing small items in plastic bags before securing them.
- Place heaviest items in the bottom of your moving boxes.
- Leave moving boxes containing high-value items open so that the movers can inspect them prior to placing them on the van.
- Pack firmly to avoid shifting and unnecessary damage.
- Use sturdy, corrugated moving boxes for china, glassware, and other breakable items. Label the boxes with the words “Fragile. This side up.”