How to Properly Pack Moving Boxes

Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to pack moving boxes so that you get the most out of your supplies and ensure that your belongings are safe and secure throughout the entire process. It can be tempting to just cram all of your items into boxes without any rhyme or reason, but you will likely wish you had taken more care in packing when you get to your new house and can’t find anything or you discover that your most prized belongings have been broken. Here is some advice for packing from professional movers who know a thing or two about the process of moving.

1. Pack your boxes as full as possible. When there is no room for items to move around in the boxes, they are more secure. They can’t slide around and crash into each other as the moving truck bumps its way to your new house.

2. Begin packing approximately eight weeks before moving day arrives. This will give you enough time to pack all of your belongings with the care each item deserves. Begin by packing items you do not use very often or that do not have a specific purpose. Pack the items you use frequently closer to moving day.

3. Use different boxes for each room. Clearly label each box with the contents and room it belongs to.

4. Although you should fill each box to capacity, do not overfill them, or you could compromise the integrity of the boxes. Reinforce the bottom seam of each box with packing tape and fill the empty spaces in any box with paper or other kinds of packing materials.

5. When packing books, distribute them evenly among several boxes so that the weight is distributed. Extra-heavy boxes can lead to injuries.

6. Do not bother packing light weight linens or clothing. Just leave them in the drawers, since it takes more effort to pack these items than it does to simply move them.

7. Make use of garbage bags as moving containers. Stuffed animals, blankets, pillows and even clothing can be transported easily in these bags. In addition, they can be used to cushion other items that are free-standing in your movers’ moving truck.

8. Any furniture that can be disassembled, should be. Make sure to keep all parts of these items together so you aren’t searching for pieces when you go to reassemble them.

9. Keep all your valuable items and essential belongings in a separate box that you keep in your vehicle at all times during the move.