Packing Your Possesions

Packing Basics

Packing is a huge part of the moving process and also one of the most intimidating part of the moving process. Packing is often put off until the very last minute and as a result often gets done carelessly and with little or no organization. When moving people are often faced with the choice of packing themselves or having their moving company do it for them. This article should help you decide which packing method is right for you.

First, you need to decide how much time and money you have to dedicate to packing. If time is scarce and money is of minimal concern it may be best to have your moving company pack it for you. If you are on a tighter budget, or have more time to plan and do the packing yourself, it can be a rewarding and cost saving process if done properly. Before you decide on which method you will be using, be sure to check with your moving company and see what they say about self-packing. If you're packing yourself, your movers have no control over the packing method and may refuse to cover any liability for damage. It is very important to check your chosen moving company’s guidelines on packing, or you could find it extremely difficult to file an accident claim should something get damaged or lost.

If you are going to be packing yourself you need to first go through all of your closets, attic, storage rooms, etc., and clean out every item that you don't wish to take along with you in your move. You can have a garage sale and use the proceeds to help pay for your move, donate all of the unwanted items to your favorite charity (don't forget to get a receipt, donated items are as good as money in the bank around tax time), or simply throw it away if you don't think anyone will want your used goods.

The next step is to begin determining what packing supplies you will need. Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, permanent markers, newspaper (lots of it), tools to disassemble furniture, and any packing containers or boxes for specialty items you might have. It is always a good idea to use new boxes and packing materials to ensure that your prized possessions are safe and secure during the moving process. The last thing you want is for your favorite CD's to get ruined due to a box breaking or your family heirloom's to be destroyed all because you wanted to save a few dollars by recycling packing supplies from your last move.

If you have valuable items or possessions with sentimental value, it is always best to move them yourself. Most movers are careful and treat your belongs with respect but accidents do happen. If you have very fragile items it is always best to move them yourself when possible.

Moving companies also have to be very careful about moving hazardous items. Please see our article for a detailed list of items qualify special consideration list. Often these that cannot moved require handling when disposing them. Check with your local waste disposal agency learn how safely dispose any materials. If you are in doubt whether an item can it is best company.>

When beginning the packing process, organization is paramount. Now that you have cleaned out your closets, and have your packing supplies, it is time to make your plan of attack. Without proper organization packing up all of your worldly belongings can be frustrating at best. If you simply wander from room to room, packing up random items and not labeling anything, you will only make the moving process worse. We recommend getting a three ring binder, a three hole punch, some loose-leaf paper, and folders with pockets that fit in the binder, put it all together and construct a moving binder.

In your moving book you will keep all of your important information, from your new address, important contact information, contracts, and other valuable information that you will need to have at your fingertips during the moving process. Take good care of your moving binder and it will take good care of you. By having all of your important moving information in one place you will be much better equipped to manage the moving process and ensure that your move goes smoothly.

Each time you pack a box make sure to write the room it is coming from and which room it will be going to in big, bold letters on the top and sides of the box. Give each box or packing container a number. If it contains fragile or breakable items write FRAGILE on the top and sides of this box as well. This will help keep it from getting smashed and reducing your fragile items of to a box full of glass shards, and broken pieces. Note the number in your moving binder, and under it, write what items are contained in that box. On moving day this will not only help you know where each box needs to go, it will also save time during the unpacking process.

The next step is to go room by room and determine what items you will not need before your moving day. Pack all of these items up, careful labeling each box and recording it in your moving binder. If possible, move these boxes to a garage or some other staging area where they will be out of the way, but easily accessible when it is time for your movers to pack the moving truck. When packing boxes, be sure to wrap all breakable items carefully in newspaper or bubble wrap and be sure to pack heavy items on the bottom of each box. If an item in a box cannot be tipped on its' side during the move be sure to draw an arrow on the outside of the packing container noting which side of the box needs to remain upright. It is also a good idea when packing boxes to make sure that they do not weigh so much that you might injure yourself moving it, or that it crushes the box beneath it. Boxes will almost always be stacked on top of one another and it is a good idea to keep this in mind while packing.

Packing your clothes as space filler in boxes is also a good idea if you are looking to save on moving costs. It is also a good idea to fill suitcases, drawers, and the insides of dressers, etc., with items that will fit in them. This approach will make the best use of your available space inside the moving van, and lower the cost of your move. Just be sure to use good judgment when packing clothes and other items inside of empty spaces, if you think there is a chance an tem might be damaged in transport it is best to find another container to pack it in.

Large appliances also need special consideration if they are being moved. It is always best to refer to their manuals for any special instructions needed for moving. Refrigerators and freezers need to be defrosted and drained before they are moved in order to avoid water leakage. It is also a good idea to drain your washing machine before it is moved. The doors, shelves, and unattached pieces of these appliances need to be secured or taped shut in order to avoid damage during transport.

Finally, make sure every box that you have packed is secured with packing tape. Nothing ruins a move like damaging items at the last minute, or having to stop loading a moving truck so you can repack items that are now lying on your driveway. Remember to leave aside essential items such as a few days worth of clothing, medications, your moving binder, pens, packing tape, utility knife, cell phone charger, and any other items you might need while you are waiting to unpack.