Moving can be a stressful time, but there are plenty of things you can do to take the stress out of packing and expedite the process, which can lower moving costs. To take control of the moving process, consider the following tips:
Pack necessary items in an easy-to-reach place. Before beginning to pack, set aside a suitcase or box for each family member and a box that you’ll open first upon reaching your new home. In each family member’s box or suitcase, pack needed toiletries, a few changes of clothes, a bath towel and face cloth, luxury items such as a book or token, and any items they may want or need before the rest of the boxes are unpacked. In the general necessities box, pack eating utensils, plates, cups, grab-and-go snacks, a few general cleaning supplies, writing utensils and other items you may want when you first reach your new home. Label these suitcases and boxes and keep them in a vehicle or at the door of your moving van so you’ll have access to them as soon as you arrive.
Use your packing time wisely. Most moving companies offer packing services, but you can save money by packing most or all of your belonging yourself. However, unorganized packing can take much longer than it should, wasting time and effort. Also, if you’re not done packing when the movers arrive, it can cost you extra if they have to help you pack at the last minute or wait around while you finish putting items into boxes. Start with a plan and stick to it. “To estimate packing time, think about how much time you’d ideally have to pack and double it,” says Deborah Patterson, president of Aloha Moving &Storage, Inc. in San Rafael. “That’s usually the amount of time it really takes.”
Don’t pack items you don’t need. Weeks before your move, begin paring down your belongings. List unwanted furniture and household items in classified ads, or hold a garage sale to get rid of clutter. If you discover unnecessary items when you’re packing, set them aside and drop them off at your local shelter or resale store rather than paying to move them.
Don’t pack haphazardly. To make packing as easy as possible, box items from each room together—don’t mix items from different rooms in one box. “Do things one room and one corner at a time,” says Mrs. Patterson. “Pack one shelf, finish it, put the box by the door and then start on the next shelf.” It’s also wise to pack similar items together (such as delicate collectables) and keep parts and pairs together (such as curtain rods and curtains or picture frames and hanging hardware). Put small items (like hardware) in bags and tape the bags to the item to which they belong.
Pack like a professional. Your move will go faster and smoother if the moving crew can easily move and stack your boxes. The following tips can shorten loading and unloading time and allow your belongings to fit more securely in your moving truck:
• Try to keep boxes under 50 pounds. If you have many heavy items, like books, alternate the contents of the boxes by filling them half-way with heavy items and topping off with lighter items. Label heavy boxes.
• Mark fragile items and provide plenty of cushioning material to absorb shock and prevent damage.
• Use sturdy packing boxes that securely close.
• Don’t stuff boxes so full that they bulge, tear or won’t tape shut. Likewise, don’t under-fill boxes or allow them to bend inward.
• Use standard square boxes whenever possible. Irregularly-shaped bundles are harder to pack and can make your items more prone to damage.
• Whenever possible, use the original packing materials and boxes for household items. This is especially true for home electronics such as computers, televisions, microwaves and small appliances.
