Packing Tips to Pack Like a Pro!

Packing is one of the most tedious and time-consuming parts of a move.  BoxCart can most certainly take care of this step for you; however, if you're up for it and want to do it yourself, here are some tips to help you pack like a pro!

• Keep in mind - if you are using a professional moving company to move you to your new home, the contents of boxes packed by you (the owner) will most likely not be covered under your insurance selections.  Make sure you talk to your mover before you start packing.
• Have on hand the essential packing supplies: sturdy boxes and cartons, packing paper (unprinted newsprint) to wrap your belongings, heavy-duty tape, scissors, felt-tip markers to number and label each box ** make notes on the box including contents and the correct room the box will go into in your new home **
• Use clean boxes designed for moving.  Grocery or liquor store boxes are not always clean and may not withstand the weight of the items you will be putting in them.  Also, their odd sizes tend to make loading more difficult.
• Use only unprinted newsprint paper to wrap items.  Regular newspaper ink can rub off and ruin your possessions. 
• Pack on a room-by-room basis and do one area of the room at a time.  It is best not to mix items from different rooms into one box, or you'll end up needing to move things around once you get into your new place. 
• To prevent small items from being lost or mistakenly thrown out with the packing paper, wrap small items in brightly-colored tissue paper before placing them in the box.
• Small boxes should be used for small, heavy items such as books, records, canned goods, and small appliances.  Medium boxes can hold pots and pans, other kitchen utensils, toys and other items of medium size and weight.  Large and X-Large boxes are good for large but lightweight items such as bedding, stuffed toys, pillows, wicker baskets, and silk plants.
• Assemble boxes and tape all seams securely with sturdy packing tape.
• Put crumpled packing paper in the bottom of each carton before loading contents, as well as a layer on top of your goods before sealing the box.  Fill boxes completely, stuffing open areas with packing paper, to prevent collapsing when stacked.
• Wrap all items in unprinted newsprint or tissue before placing into the box to reduce the chance of damage.
• Put large and heavy items in boxes first, followed by smaller and lighter items that can be used as filler.
• For furniture and lamps that must be dismantled, put the hardware in a plastic bag, and tape the bag directly to the piece of furniture.  That way, you'll know what goes with what.  Even better, take a picture of what you're about to take apart, so you can put it back together at the end of your move.
• Securely tape the top seams of the box to keep out dust and other debris.
• Clearly label each box (on sides and top) with a general description of contents, as well as to which room (in the new house!) the box should go.
• Mark boxes with breakable items as "FRAGILE".  Pack breakables over the box you're putting them in.  This way, if you happen to drop an item, it will land on some packing material, reducing the chance it will break.
• Never pack hazardous materials including flammables such as paint, varnish, and thinners; gasoline, kerosene and oil, bottled gas; aerosol cans; nail polish and remover; ammunition and explosives; corrosives; and cleaning fluids and detergents.
• Drain fuel from mowers and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, or other substance that might leak.
• Third-party servicing will likely be needed before moving such items as hot tubs, large-screen TVs, and some exercise equipment.  Check your owner's manuals for CD/DVD players, computers, etc. for steps to take to protect items from damage during transit.  BoxCart can arrange for third-party servicing for these special items during your move.  Call BoxCart at (703) 263-3300 for more information.
• You should personally transport irreplaceable photos, financial papers, and assets (bank checks, insurance policies, stock certificates, etc.), legal documents (wills, passports, etc.), valuables (jewelry, coin and stamp collections, etc.), and medical and family history records.

Sound like packing yourself may be biting off more than you can chew?  Give BoxCart a call, and we can professionally pack and move everything for you!  Contact BoxCart at (703) 263-3300 or send us an email at: info@boxcart.com