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Packing to Move – Where to Start 

Posted Moving Preparation / August 26, 2019

Did you decide to change your current place of living? Packing to move and where to start with it is probably the first thing that comes to your mind after you choose to relocate. Before you begin packing, you should know that boxing up all of your belongings is not an easy task, and it will take time. I Love International Moving has put together a list of things that should make the moving procedure easier for you.

How Do You Start Packing Before Moving Day – Make a Checklist

First of all, you should make a moving checklist that will help you with dozens of moving-related tasks that you have to complete. It will also give you a day-to-day schedule and provide you with a much needed time frame. Just keep in mind that some of the tasks can be more urgent than the others, so act accordingly.

Use the Chance to Declutter

How do you declutter when you are getting ready to relocate? Living in one place for a while allows you to collect and hoard items, making the decluttering process necessary. The first thing you should do is decide what will and what will not be moving with you. You should keep in mind that packing up things that you won’t be using when you change homes is pointless. It takes the time of your day and it adds up to the total cost of relocating. 

Have in mind that the more you declutter the better. Go through each room, evaluate the belongings you haven’t used in a while, and decide if you really need them? When was the last time you actually used them? When you sort out the things you don’t use or you don’t need anymore, you can donate them, sell them or even give them to your friends. That way, you will give them a new purpose.

What to Put in Storage?

Have in mind that if your move is temporary, unnecessary things can be put in storage. No matter what the answer is, you should make sure that you decide what stays in storage,  and what goes before you actually begin packing.

Share Boxes and Save Some Money

Packing and relocating can cost a lot of money, so, understandably, you are looking for a way to cut down expenses. And there is no better way of doing that than to acquire free boxes

You can find them on Craigslist, or by asking friends and family if they have some. If you live in a big city, there’s a good chance that there is a liquor store in your neighborhood, so don’t be afraid to ask if they have any free boxes. The same goes for local groceries. Recycling centers are the perfect places to find boxes as well, and you can always bring them back when you are done, so someone else might use them in the future.

Moving Company – a Friend in Need

Before you actually begin putting your items in boxes, you need to find a good moving company. That is one of the most important pieces of the relocation puzzle, so don’t leave it until the end of the process. Find movers that suit your needs and budget.

Estimate Your Move

Make sure that when you get an estimate of your move, it doesn’t come with hidden fees or charges. Too many factors go into calculating the cost of transport. That’s why companies offer either a phone interview or even better, an in-home estimate.  Reliable companies tend to provide excellent customer service that answers all of your questions. 

If you are looking for a company that does international or domestic shipments, look into reviews that clients left. Nothing speaks more about the company than the review of a satisfied customer. 

Guaranteed prices for International Moving. No hidden fees or surprises! GET A QUOTE

What Not to Pack in Boxes

After carefully choosing what not to take with you, you should know what stuff you shouldn’t pack, because moving companies won’t transport them or they won’t guarantee for them. 

You should take your valuables with you, especially when it comes to important personal documents or items of sentimental value. 

Food is something you should avoid packing because it is prone to spoiling during transport and it can cause many problems from unpleasant smells to insects and mold. 

Don’t bring flammable stuff with you, for obvious health hazard reasons. These items should be disposed of in advance.

You should have in mind that transport companies have a list of items that they consider non-allowable when it comes to shipping.  The usual things that are found on those lists are:

  • Car batteries
  • Ammunition
  • Weapons
  • Fireworks
  • Cleaning supplies and bleach
  • Disinfectants
  • Acids, chemicals, and pesticides

Now We Pack!

When you decided on movers and checked off your list, you should start putting items in boxes. But is there a right way of packing your things? There might be a way to prioritize a group of items.  

  • You should pack out-of-season clothes first since you won’t be needing them at the moment. Plus, these belongings may have already been in boxes somewhere deep in your closet. 
  • Packing up rarely-used dishes and china comes next since you won’t be throwing a large fancy party while in the home switching process. When it comes to these items, make sure you label the boxes as fragile. 
  • Artwork, picture frames and wall hangings can be tricky, but they are items you won’t be needing while relocating. 
  • While you are finishing up some non-packing related tasks, you could always gather small items scattered all over your home.  
  • Extra towels and linens are perfect belongings to pack since the move is not the ideal time to pile dirty towels. You should consider using a few dishes and bath towels and packing the rest up. 
  • Choose a few books you want to keep easily accessible and pack the rest. Make sure to return borrowed books.

Tricks for Transporting Furniture

Transporting furniture can be tricky, so make sure to keep all parts together. Bolts, screws and other small pieces can be put in a box or a plastic bag and then tapped to the furniture itself. Disassemble all the furniture that can be disassembled. It will be easier to move and lighter to carry. Also, don’t forget to protect with protective padding all the furniture that can be scratched.

Get Organized 

While packing, make sure that you label your boxes. That will save you time when you begin to unpack in the new home. 

Cautiously Pack Your Fragile Items

You should write on top and sides of the boxes which room they belong to, and point out if the box contains “fragile” content. Make sure to properly wrap fragile possessions in several layers of bubble wrap and tape stray items together into a bundle. Also, if you run out of bubble wrap, things like towels, linens and pillows can be used to keep fragile belongings safe.

Packing and Taking Inventory

Taking inventory is beneficial on so many levels. If your boxes get lost, you can easily identify them and the stuff they contain. Insurance companies appreciate that kind of detail.

Now when your boxes are properly packed, your movers chosen, you can head out to the new adventure that a new environment brings.

Use a Moving Company – Save the Day

Hopefully, these tips will help you the next time you decide to move and they’ll aid you in managing your budget. If you choose to hire professionals for the move, keep in mind that I Love Moving is among the best movers in the business.

Blake Shaw

Bostonian and residential moving and packing expert. Blake Shaw enjoys bar-hopping, music, and writing insightful content.

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