Use the right boxes for the right items.
You should place your most valuable items in sturdy boxes with reinforced bottoms.
This will shield your valuables from any damage that could have occurred from a
flimsy box.
Use sheets or blankets to protect your
pictures or other delicate objects. Also, when packing these items it is a good
idea to place them vertically rather than stacked on top of each other.
Be sure to mark the boxes containing
fragile items. The mover will be sure to be extra careful with these boxes, they
may also advise you to repack the box if they feel that it is not sturdy enough.
Pack heavy items in small boxes. Generally,
if you can't lift the box, you have put too much in the box.
Label your boxes. Make sure you not
only know what is inside each box, but also where the box is supposed to go. It
is also a good idea to mark the boxes that you will need to open first.
Host a garage sale or give goods away
to a charity. This is a good way to lighten your load and help others at the same
time.
Start your pack early! Pack a little
at a time or even one room at a time.
Use bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts to pack
your most delicate items. You can also use the bubble wrap to cover items that you
don't want to get scratched.
Be careful where you use tape. Avoid
taping painted furniture or wood, the sticky residue the tape leaves behind can
sometimes ruin the finish of your furniture.
Pack inexpensive clothing and other items such as
sheets or stuffed animals in large garbage bags.
Pack your computer using bubble wrap. Label
each cord so you know where to connect them to. It is also a good idea to make backup
copies of your files just in case anything goes wrong during the move.
For extremely delicate goods it is a good idea
to use two boxes. Use a large box and place Styrofoam peanuts inside. Then place
the object that you want to pack inside the smaller box, also fill this box with
Styrofoam peanuts.
Valuable items such as stock certificates, wills,
jewelry are very hard to replace. Consider packing these in separate boxes and transporting
these items yourself.
