If you’ve ever moved before, you know that it can be a stressful process. The…
Moving to a new house should be an awesome experience — but packing often makes it a borderline nightmare. The truth is that packing is tedious and it requires a lot of time. Another downside is that certain items are way harder to pack than others. Books, clothes, kitchen equipment and accessories, lamps, and electronics can be a pain.
Certain packing techniques will help you pack efficiently and effectively, and make your moving transition a lot smoother. The key is planning and setting yourself up for an efficient packing experience. Here are a few packing tips on how to easily pack the most annoying (yet, necessary) belongings in your house.
Packing Books
No one really thinks about packing their books, until they have to. Sure, you can donate the ones you don’t want to keep, but what about the rest? The problem with books is that they are not portable, and are usually very heavy. In order to pack your books, you will need small boxes, tape, and a marker for labeling. Stand books on their ends to have more space in a single box. Fill the box to the top to prevent crushing the box. Use the tape to seal and secure the top and bottom of the box. Then, label it with the marker.
Packing Clothes
Most people underestimate the amount of clothes they have and forget their terrible hoarding habits. Although it seems straightforward, packing clothes can represent a challenge. The best thing about clothes is that they are foldable and can be moved easily. In order to pack your clothes, you will need garment bags, suitcases, luggage bags, large boxes, and garbage bags. Fold and place foldable clothes into the suitcases and garment bags. Then cover the packed clothes with a garbage bag.
Delicate items should be packed in luggage bags, and sturdier things like sweaters and shorts should be packed in boxes. If you don’t have luggage bags or suitcases, big boxes make a great replacement. Certain items can not be folded, so we suggest you use a wardrobe box to hang them in.
Packing Kitchen Items
Kitchen items are divided into three groups: plates, glassware, and pots, pans, and utensils. Since glassware and plates are fragile, you will need plenty of wrapping paper. Use boxes to pack away fragile kitchen items. Line the bottom of the box or container with crushed wrapping paper. When packing your plates and china you should wrap each plate individually, stack them together and then wrap them again. Then, place the stack laying on the edge of the plates.
Most glassware can be nested, or stacked inside one and other. You can use an ordinary dish box to pack nestable glassware. Place wrapping paper between each glass or cup when nesting them. Make bundles of 3 or 4 glasses and roll them in wrapping paper. Note that wine glasses are to be packed individually. If you have a liquor box with dividers it will work perfectly to pack your wine glasses and stemmed glasses.
Pots, pans, and utensils are easier to pack because they are not as fragile. Wrap cutlery in packing paper and store them in a medium-sized box. Pots and pans can be nested and packed in bigger boxes. Cooking utensils should be packed like cutlery, but keep a set or two close in case you need them.
Packing Lamps & Lampshade
Lamps and lampshades look great as decoration and are very useful. So why do we want to smash them when it’s time to pack? Mostly because they are big, heavy, and usually have awkward shapes. However, there are ways to make the packing process easier. Get some of that great packing paper handy and big boxes. Remove the lampshade and bulb, and wrap the electric cord at the bottom of the lamp. Line the bottom of the box with crushed paper, place the lamp and bulb in. Each lampshade should be packed separately, by itself using the same technique.
Packing Electronics
Electronics are not cheap, so packing them properly can save you tons of money. You will need anti-static packing bubbles or popcorn. Materials that conduct electricity can ruin your electronics in the moving process, so using special packing bubbles will safeguard them. Also note you will need sturdy boxes. If you’re using cardboard boxes it may be worth taping the bottom for safety. Remove all CDs and other media equipment from your electronics. Now, cover your electronics with crumpled wrapping paper. Place them inside the box, starting with the biggest item and finishing with the smallest. Fill any space with crumpled paper to prevent movement.
Use these packing tips to pack like a pro and make your moving experience a breeze! For more information on On The Go Moving and Storage, contact us today. Our professional packers and movers are ready to help you move safely and efficiently.
