Tips On How To Pack For a Move Like a Pro

There’s a reason some people are called professionals. The term implies they’re the best at what they do. Did you know the term can even apply to movers?

Professional moving companies New Bern, NC, know how to pack your belongings to prevent damage, along with figuring out the logistics for big and small moves. Even if you can’t handle the transportation part of your move, you can take care of the packing. You may be able to save on your moving costs.

Gather Your Packing Supplies

Yes, you’re going to need packing supplies, and it’s often a list of essentials. Which type of supplies you need typically depends on what you’re packing. For example, if you’re packing up your ceramic dish set, a metal crate probably isn’t the best option. So, think about each item before you start gathering random packing supplies. Chances are you’re going to need some or all of the following:

• Various size boxes. You can pack pretty much anything in a cardboard box. Clothing, dishes, albums, bathroom essentials, you get the idea. Just be conscious of the weight as you’re packing. Even the sturdiest box can only hold so much before breaking. You also want to be able to easily lift the box, especially if you’re handling every aspect of your small move. You can buy boxes from most moving companies. Local businesses like grocery stores often hand old product boxes away for free.
• Some types of tape are stronger than scotch or masking tape. If you have a roll of duct tape lying around, it’ll work fine for sealing up boxes. Stay away from Scotch and masking tape. While great for general household uses like taping paper to the refrigerator, neither is strong enough to use for packing. You’re going to need to purchase a roll of packing tape. Don’t worry, it’s an inexpensive purchase. You can find packing tape at the moving service and in most hardware stores.
• Newspaper, packing paper, blankets, etc. You need to fill in the gaps in some boxes. This helps keep items from shifting during the move. Some items are fragile and can’t be tossed into a box or crate without protection. This is when packing materials like paper and blankets come in handy. Along with filling in gaps, the materials can also be used to wrap delicate items. Bubble wrap is another inexpensive option, but it’s not as eco-friendly as packing paper and newsprint. The only downside to using newsprint is the ink tends to transfer to anything the paper touches. This is something to consider if you use it to wrap anything breakable.

You’re also going to need scissors or a utility knife to cut the packing tape. When it’s time to open and unpack the boxes, these items will also come in handy. A marker is something else you should have. This way you can mark what’s inside each box. You can even write where each box goes to make unpacking a little less confusing.

Start Packing

Even professional movers tend to have unique packing methods. However, a good tip to follow is to pack up one room at a time. You can start in the kitchen and move to the living room. You get the idea. You should also try to keep similar items together in a box. For example, don’t mix your pantry items like uncooked pasta with your counter appliances. Keeping similar items together is another trick to make unpacking a little easier.

Don’t pack up items you’re planning on using up to moving day. If your coffee maker is in use daily, leave it out until a few hours before the movers are scheduled to arrive. If you have a box or two with random essentials from different rooms, it’s okay. You can always label the box as holding essentials. This way, you still have a good idea of its contents.

After packing up your stuff, push the boxes and crates off to the side. Against a wall works great. The goal is to leave a clear path to the doorway for larger items like furniture and appliances. These are the items the movers are going to load first. Your boxes are last on the truck. If you’re moving furniture or appliances, grab your old blankets.

Wrapping at least the edges/corners of these items can help prevent damage during the move. If you’re running low on blankets, run down to the thrift store. You should be able to find inexpensive blankets so you won’t mind getting a little dirty.

You Can Pack Like a Professional Mover

Taking care of the packing might save you a little on your moving costs. You can also pick up most of what you need for free, like boxes, at local stores. Start packing early and take your time. With a little practice, you can pack like a professional.