Learning How to Pack

You may be very excited about an upcoming move and the new place that you will soon be calling home. And, while you may be looking forward to starting anew, packing probably isn’t on your list of favorite things to do. One of the harder parts of moving is deciding what will be coming with you and what you will sell or donate. Once you’ve separated out these items, you are ready to begin the process of packing.

Gather Your Supplies

To make your life simpler, it is recommended that you gather all of the packing supplies you are likely to need before you start putting anything away. You can reinforce the bottoms of boxes from local stores with packing tape to make them sturdier or you can purchase boxes from moving companies. You will need materials such as bubble wrap, crushed newspaper, and tissue paper for wrapping up fragile items. Tarps, towels, and other heavier soft items can be wrapped around furniture to protect it during the trip. And finally, permanent markers and labels are a must have for your packages to make placement at your new place more efficient.

Taking it Step by Step

Packing one room at a time tends to make packing go by much more quickly and helps keep like items grouped together. You will want to start with whatever items you use the least and, as your moving day gets closer, fill in with end items. Keep in mind that, for heavier items such as books, you will want to use smaller boxes to help keep the weight down. For electronic devices and small appliances, if you have the original packaging these items came in, then this is best for repacking. Make sure to remove any batteries from these items first.

Keeping it All Safe

You will also want to color code or label wires to make set up easier once you get settled. Any items that have spare pieces or small removable parts should have those parts placed in a separate sealed and labeled bag. Wrap power cords around items and secure them with tape so they do not get tangled or snagged on other packages.

If you are moving major appliances, you will want to give them a thorough cleaning and ample time to dry.  The recommended air out timeframe is a minimum of 24 hours with most appliances. For plates and cds/dvds you will want to pack these on their edges. Cups should be individually wrapped and placed facing downwards. For silver, wrapping it in cloth or paper specially designed for silver will help protect it. Wrap mirrors, pictures, and other flat wall pieces in bubble wrap, and then cover with cardboard and secure with tape. And, finally, remember to take the bulbs out of your lamps.

Try to pack each box as full as it will go without overstuffing and remember to label your boxes with room location and whether or not items inside are fragile. That way, unpacking will be a simple task once you arrive at your new home.