Even local moving will require lots of packing. Here are some tips.
Even local moving around the block will require substantial packing. Tossing all the furnishings into a back of a truck without proper boxes and materials will end up in breakage of belongings. Some extremely fragile items need to be handled with utmost tender loving care. Here are some things to think about:
- Materials: Some of the materials that will cushion and transport all of a person’s valuables to the next place include boxes,
bubble wrap, old newspapers, permanent magic markers and strapping tape. Boxes can be those from the grocery store or specific types and sizes from the movers. It all depends on budget and personal preference.
- Reminders: It’s important not to package liquids with loose lids, flammable items and the kids’ homework for their last day of school. Don’t pack away your prescription medications, the baby’s bottle or Fido’s last bit of dog food or you’ll be sorry. An inconvenient trip to the store in the midst of the move will be necessary.
- Label: After taping up each box, be sure to write what’s inside of it on the outside of the boxes. Labeling which room it should go into will be helpful, as well. “Kitchen” can be plopped in the proper room for future unpacking.
- Books: Books are extremely heavy and should be packaged into small boxes. It’s easy to stack lots of tomes but it will be quite difficult to hoist them. Cardboard bottoms may burst open during the process as well. A homeowner’s library should be divided into manageable sections.
- Glassware: Beverage glasses must be individual wrapped and placed in cardboard sections within a box. Glassware is extremely fragile and without the proper care, all will end up as a pile of shards upon arrival at the new home.
- Clothes and shoes: If shoeboxes are available, it would be great to transport them in those original containers. Clothing can be hung on hangers and hung on a dowel in a wardrobe box. Wardrobe containers may be a splurge but they are well worth it when it comes time to unpack. No huge dry cleaning bills at the other end as the dresses and suits will look as good as new.
- Lampshades: Lampshades can be easily crushed. If there are multiple lampshades, nesting them is a smart idea. A specific box marked “lampshades” and “fragile” should protect them during the relocation.
- Computers and electronics: Packing these pricey and fragile goods in their original packaging is ideal if it’s still available. Adding blankets and bubble wrap will amp up the cushioning.
When all goods and valuables are properly packed, homeowners can rest assured that their belongings will arrive at the new address intact. It may seem like a lot of trouble for a local moving process, but it will be well worth it on the other end. Opening boxes of broken dishes or having to buy all new items because they weren’t protected while moving can be a huge pain. An ounce of proper packaging is worth a pound of repair and replacement.
