Full-service moving companies offer packing as a professional service. While some outsource their packing, you get the same well-qualified team for packing and moving at Bisson. However, if you’d rather pack up your belongings yourself, here are some pro tips to help you do it right.
Gather Your Packing Supplies
Make sure you have a flat work surface, large enough for your biggest items. Have a scissors, utility knife or box cutter available for slicing through cardboard when necessary. You will also want a marker (and maybe labels) for identifying box contents, heavy-duty packaging tape and a notebook and pen to log all of your packed cartons. You also need the right packing materials. Use professional-grade moving materials to make sure your belongings are safe and secure until they arrive at their new destination. Only use sturdy corrugated cartons that can fold shut. Moving cartons are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some can even accommodate special items like dishes, a flat screen TV and mirrors. There are many good options available for cushioning your fragile items, like tissue paper, brown craft paper, cushioned paper, wax paper, bubble wrap and foam peanuts. Use whichever you prefer, just make sure you don’t use newsprint, as the ink may rub off and stain your items.
Get Packing
Start well ahead of moving day and pack a few cartons a day. Packing one room at a time will make unpacking a lot easier. Make sure the bottom of the carton is secure and strong enough to hold the weight of the items you’re packing inside. The heavier the items, the smaller the carton you should use. As a general rule, limit the content of each carton to 50 pounds so it is easier to carry. Pack heavier items into the box first and lighter items near the top. Plastic baggies are useful for keeping small, loose items together inside the box. Use plenty of filling material in cartons to protect your valuable, fragile items.
Label and Log
Mark your packed cartons with a box number and the room where the movers should place them in your new home. Record the box numbers, how many boxes were packed per room and the box total. Compare your numbers with the box inventory provided by your mover during the truck-loading process.
Follow these simple steps, and rest assured that your belongings are well packed for their journey. If you decide to let the professionals do the packing, contact Bisson for a free moving estimate.
