Tips for Packing

Every year, millions of people move. They may just head a few blocks away or they may pack up everything they own and travel across country. There are a lot of reasons people move, both exciting and fun, as well as tragic and economical. Regardless of your reasons for moving, it is important to pack your belongings in an organized manner to help reduce stress and alleviate breakage during the move.

Some moving companies, like Atlantic Relocation, can handle your move from beginning to end. They will complete an inventory of your home, pack your belongings, transport them to the new location, and even unpack them if you wish.

Each of these services is done for a fee. So if you are on a fixed budget, you may be looking for ways to cut corners while still relying on the skills of a professional moving company. If you will be moving in the near future, consider these packing tips to ensure a stress-free journey for your belongings.

Get Organized

Reduce the stress of packing by starting early and tackling one room at a time. Once you have completed an inventory of everything in your house and reviewed this inventory with your moving company, you can begin the task of getting these items into boxes. First, pack everything that will not be needed in the time frame leading up to moving day first. After packing those items, it will free space in each room to leave the packed box. In a corner of each room, begin a collection of packed boxes that are labeled in large, easy-to-read letters.

When packing each box, make sure the items are secured firmly. If needed, use towels and blankets to cushion and secure the items. You can purchase protective packaging materials, but they are often expensive and unnecessary. If you are not concerned about clothing getting wrinkled, you can also use out-of-season clothing to cushion items in boxes. Packing items into boxes with soft items means they will not shift during the move. But if the entire box gets jostled, items will have protection.

Beware Hazards

When packing cleaning products and other household items, be careful not to mix flammable items. So, instead of putting everything under the kitchen sink in one box, sort the boxes by liquid, powder, and solid. Use small boxes for these items and never mix them with other household liquids like turpentine, paint, or lighter fluid. If something is commonly considered flammable, consider just leaving it behind. Charcoal and lighter fluid are inexpensive and can be purchased once you are settled in your new home.

Fragile Items

Your breakable items will need to be wrapped individually and placed between layers of bubble wrap, crumpled paper, or towels. If you choose to use newspaper for wrapping or cushioning, be careful not to transfer ink onto items. Also plan to wash your hands frequently during the packing process. Place the heavier items on the bottom of these boxes, and be careful not to overpack. Also secure the boxes with packing tape so once the box is closed and sealed, so nothing gets out until you want it to.

Keep a careful inventory of each box and label each one. This will make it easier to unpack once you reach your destination. Consider creating a group of boxes that will need to be opened first when you arrive. These may include dishes, food items, a few entertainment items, and items for children and pets. No one will rest well during the first night in the new family home if your youngest child is unable to find his favorite stuffed animal. Having an easily accessible group of items will help the entire family feel comfortable during the initial few hours in your new home. As soon as you arrive, you can put your own family stamp on the home and claim it as your home. It will help everyone, especially young children, feel as if they have put down familiar roots in this otherwise unfamiliar location.

Pack Light

Finally, ensure your boxes can all be lifted comfortably. When packing, people tend to drag their box to the temporary storing area, so they forget the box will eventually need to be picked up. If you are using professional movers, try to keep the weight of boxes below 50 pounds. Atlantic Relocation will help you with moving tips and tricks that will make your entire moving process run more smoothly. With 40 years of experience, they have seen it all when it comes to moving. Rely on them to help with your upcoming move. They will be happy to visit your home and offer a guaranteed written estimate for your home. Professional movers reduce the stress of moving day.