Here are some tips for packing your belongings properly. The right pack job will keep your belongings safe during your move and will also help you stay organized when unpacking.
1. Pack a suitcase – For each member of the family moving, pack a suitcase as if you’re all going on a 3-day vacation. Keep your suitcases separated from other items to be moved and make sure they are easily accessible. T…his way, you’ll have everything you need to get by during the first few days without having to search through boxes.
2. Create “Open Me First” boxes – Designate one or two boxes per room as “Open Me First” boxes. Pack items you’ll need first at your new location inside and label the side of each box so it can be easily found.
3. Pack one room at a time – Wherever possible, focus on packing one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things efficient and organized.
4. Less is more – Use packing as a way to clean out belongings for donations, a yard sale, and/or the recycling center. You’ll save time and money by getting rid of unwanted/unneeded items.
5. Stay off the floor – Instead of the floor, use a completely cleared-off table top or counter for packing boxes. You’ll find you get much more accomplished.
6. Keep track of small parts – When taking apart items such as tables, securely tape screws and other small parts to the underside of the item. You’ll always know where to look and you’ll save time when putting items back together.
7. Save space – Use towels, pillows and t-shirts as extra padding around fragile items. Not only will you save space, you’ll also save money on packaging supplies!
8. Criss-cross tape – Tape boxes along the seams where the flaps meet together. Then tape perpendicularly at the center of the first tape forming a cross.
9. Stacking – To prevent items from being crushed, stack boxes with the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest on top.
10. The 30 pound rule – Whenever possible, keep each box at 30 pounds or less. Heavier boxes lead to injuries and are much more likely to fall apart or get dropped.
11. Scale – Keep a bathroom scale in the room you’re packing so you can keep the boxes below the recommended weight limit.