Proper packing is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowledge of utilizing the correct materials and packing methods are essential components to a move. Our years of experience in packing and moving customers have proven that packing correctly is critical to a successful move.
Our experienced and skilled packing teams can professionally pack your home or business. We offer full and partial packs as well a chandelier service. Our expert packers, utilizing the correct materials and packing methodology, will carefully pack your belongings to ensure a damage free move.
If you choose to do some or all of your own packing in preparation for your relocation, it’s especially important that you be familiar with the techniques that will best protect your possessions.
1. Types of packing supplies.
First, learn about different packing supplies that you might need for your move:
Packing boxes are specifically designed in various sizes for various purposes and the contents they contain. You’ll need many boxes in assorted sizes. All boxes should be in good condition, and must have covers on them in order that they can be closed up and sealed.
The rule-of-thumb here is that small, heavy articles, such as books, records, canned goods, etc. would go in smaller boxes. Bulky but not so heavy articles, such as pots and pans, linens, small kitchen appliances, etc. would go in somewhat larger boxes. Very bulky, lightweight articles, such as blankets, pillows, toys, large lampshades, shoes, etc. would go in the largest boxes.
The various containers that movers use are specially designed for the purpose. They’re double or triple-walled, with reinforced corners and their sized and shaped for specific uses. Many do-it-yourselfers make the mistake of thinking that all boxes are about the same, often resulting in damage to the contents in transit.
You might want to start collecting cartons from your grocery store and liquor stores. All too often grocery store cartons have the tops removed, but if you have a talk with the store manager he/she would probably be willing to save you some cartons with the covers still intact. Liquor cartons are excellent packing cartons. They are sturdy and contain dividers, which make them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, etc.
You can purchase cartons from your mover or from any packaging store.
Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap can be used to wrap very delicate, fragile items such as figurines. It is also very helpful to protect fragile surfaces such as mirrors, monitor and TV screens, fish tanks, etc.
For similar purposes you can use tissue wraps, foam sheets and Styrofoam peanuts. All those supplies can be purchased from packaging store. Visit our Packing Supplies section to learn about different online purchase options and prices.
Packing paper: You are going to need plenty of wrapping paper, and for that matter old newspaper can be used. Keep in mind, however, that the ink on newsprint never thoroughly dries. Consequently, the goods you wrap in newspapers are most likely going to be soiled and will require cleaning after unpacking, and before you put them away. For items you prefer to keep clean it would be best to purchase some packing paper.
Unprinted newspaper usually comes in 10 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs and 100 lbs packs, and can be purchased from your mover or from packaging store. Visit our Packing Supplies section to learn about different online purchase options and prices.
Packing tape: The best tape for this purpose is plastic tape. It is not recommended to use masking tape for moving purposes. Buy good packing tape and a high-quality tape dispenser. Cheap tape may not hold the pressure, and poor dispenser will certainly spoil your packing mood.
2. Planning your packing process.
Professionals can normally complete the packing for an average move in one day (usually the day before the van arrives). “Do-it-yourselfers” should allow more time, several weeks if possible. It’s unlikely that you will be able to drop everything to devote a full day to packing, so try to work it in between making necessary pre-move arrangements and your regular activities.
3. General packing techniques.
Packing with good technique and the right materials can mean an easier move, but most importantly, proper packing can mean you avoid losing valuable items to breakage in transit.
Packing techniques for heavy and light items.
- Basic rule of thumb – pack light items in large boxes and heavy items in small boxes. The heavier the box the harder it will be to move. Pack no more than 50 pounds per carton.
- Don’t over-pack a container, even the small ones. Don’t make them so heavy they’re difficult to lift without straining. And always remember – lift the box with your legs, not your back.
- When packing a box place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top. Group items of similar size and weight. Separate the items with bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent scratches caused by rubbing.
- Pack boxes to the top. This prevents them from being crushed when they are stacked. Fill each box as much as possible using crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap, towels, pillows and blankets to fill empty space to prevent shifting and breakage.
Make sure tops and sides of boxes do not bulge or sag. Under-packed boxes may collapse and over-packed boxes may rupture.
- Plates, books and things of a similar shape, should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength.
- To keep large items clean and sanitary, use furniture bags, and stretch wrap.
- Use moving blankets to wrap furniture, appliances, TV’s, or other large objects. Also, we recommend you to use edge protectors for any kind of delicate, expensive or antique furniture.
- When disassembling furniture, beds, lamps, etc. put the hardware and bolts into a plastic bag along with any assembly tips and tape it onto the item itself.
4. Unpacking tips.
Where to start
The normal reaction when viewing the moving-day disorder is the urge to put everything in its proper place as quickly as possible so the adjustment to the new surroundings can begin. But nerves can be spared and good relations maintained if you keep in mind two important points:
- You don’t have to unpack everything in one day or even in one week.
- Unpacking after moving can be fun, so try to do everything possible to make the process feel like the end of an enjoyable adventure
To start out, consider your family’s basic needs (food, rest, and bathing) and unpack accordingly, focusing your attention on one room at a time.
Unpacking tips for the kitchen
Once the kitchen is set up enough to function, it can become a haven where everyone can meet and take a break from the jumble in the other rooms. Resist the urge to unpack right away everything that belongs in the kitchen. Instead, start with the basics and leave less-frequently-used items in boxes until you decide your room and storage arrangements.
Unpacking tips for the bathroom
The next room to prepare is the bathroom. Make sure toiletries are unpacked and put in place, and the bathroom’s mechanical systems are functioning. Once the kitchen and the bathroom are operational, the rest of the unpacking can take place without a sense of urgency.
Unpacking tips for the living room
Now, shift your attention to the living room or family room. Before you start shifting heavy furniture around, it’s a good idea to make a sketch of the room and how you want it to look. It’s much easier to erase a rectangle that designates a couch and pencil it in somewhere else than it is to lift and move the actual couch around the room.
Unpacking tips for the Bedrooms
If you don’t get to the bedrooms on the first night, don’t be upset. Drag mattresses and pillows together in one room and have a family camp-out. It will add to the sense of adventure. Share the burden of assembling the beds and moving heavy furniture but allow each bedroom dweller to unpack and arrange his or her personal belongings. Professional movers will reassemble any beds which were dissembled.
Unpacking after you move may seem like another in a long series of huge moving-day tasks, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you take your time and make it fun. This is also one more great opportunity to evaluate your belongings to see whether more items can be donated to charity.
Packing by AZMovingPros is usually performed one to two days before the move for larger jobs, or the day of the move if the scope of packing is limited. AZMovingPros can give quotes on small jobs, such as packing a single cabinet of china, and on packing entire households and businesses. If you are interested in receiving a quote for your packing needs, contact AZMovingPros at (619)677-5964 ot email: azmovingpros@gmail.com.
