If you plan to pack your own boxes it is important that you do it correctly. Failure to do so can result in damaged items that your moving company may not reimburse you for. Additionally, correct packing methods will make unpacking that much easier. So to make sure you've packed your belongings in the best way possible, follow these 4 quick tips:
- Grouping: Try to keep the contents of each room packed with similar items. Don't put bedroom stuff, living stuff, and basement stuff all in the same box if you can help it. This will make unpacking easier as you won't need to lug the same box to 3 different rooms. When you start packing, make sure you place the heavier items at the bottom so they don't damage any lighter items that are packed in the same box.
- Protection: Place a layer of protection at the bottom of the box as well as on top of everything once the box is filled (i.e. packing peanuts, bubble wrap, packing paper, towels etc…). Make sure to wrap any items that are fragile - so if you are packing your dinner china you will want to wrap each item in a protective layer. Also wrap anything that you think could damage something else (i.e. a heavy item that might rattle around and break another item).
- Weight & Fill: You don't need to fill your boxes all the way, but if you don't, make sure to fill the empty space with packing materials. An item that shifts during transit can cause damage to other items in the box. Make sure the weight of the box doesn't exceed 30 pounds - not too heavy for you to carry and not over packed that it might rupture during transit.
- Closing Up: Seal the boxes with strong packing tape so they don't open up during transit. Also, make sure to label each box with it's contents so you can find everything more easily when you unpack. You can even create a number system - put a number on the box, and on separate sheet of paper note what is in that numbered box.