One of the most important things you need to consider if you want to protect your belongings during your move is how you pack them.
This might seem straightforward, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who open up their boxes at their new home only to find their possessions damaged.
Of course, you could always opt to hire a team of professionals to make sure this doesn’t happen. But if you’re set on doing it yourself, here are a few things to consider when packing your moving boxes:
1. Start Early
Like most things, the earlier you start preparing, the better your move will go. As far out as a few months from your moving date you can begin packing non-essential items into moving boxes.
For example, you can empty out that closet you only open once a year, or clean out your china cabinet.
Consider storing these items in their own separate area so they don’t clutter up your house. After all – this will still be your home for a few more months! Garages, sheds, and storage lockers are all great options for these items.
2. Invest in The Proper Materials
It’s not enough to simply throw all of your possessions into boxes and hope they don’t break.
That’s why it’s important that you have all the packing materials you need to safely pack your belongings.
For example, you might need to purchase:
- Packing paper
- Packing tape
- Crates
- Boxes
- Cartons
- Mattress bags
- More.
Keep in mind that depending on the item you’re packing, you might need to make some special considerations. For example, you want to make sure delicate items like china and glassware are wrapped in plenty of packing paper and placed in boxes with packing foam.
You also might want to purchase custom packaging for large, awkward items like TVs and mirrors.
You might be wondering, “Where can I find all this stuff?”
Well, many moving companies actually sell packaging materials to homeowners who are looking to package their own belongings. Just get in touch and ask them if they have the supplies you’re looking for!
3. Use Clear Labels
The importance of clear labels is one aspect of packing your moving boxes that should never be overlooked. Not only will this help you stay organized during transport and unpacking, but it can also reduce the chances of you damaging your possessions.
For example, some items require special handling. Things like electronics can get damaged if they’re left in the cold. China and other breakables can crack or chip with the slightest disturbance.
Also, labels can help the movers know what to expect when picking up a box. For example, if you write “heavy” on the side, they’ll know to lift with their legs to prevent back injury.
Here are some of the labels your boxes should include:
- “Heavy”
- “Breakable”
- “Temperature Sensitive”
- “Valuable”
…and many others.
Western Moving – Edmonton’s Most Reliable Mover
Whether you’re looking for a team of experts to help you pack or you just need to purchase the right materials, Western Moving has been helping Canadians move for decades. Contact them today to learn how they can help with your moving needs!
