At Road Scholars we often advise our customers on the proper, most efficient way to pack and move, however, we rarely advise on the packing mistakes many people make. In order to pack your belongings well and have a smart, successful move, there are a few things we suggest you avoid when getting ready to move.
Having no packing plan is not a good plan
We’ve seen it many times, boxes loaded with stuff, whatever fits, no rhyme or reason. It may seem time-efficient at first, but trust us, it’s not. Packing room-by-room, then area-by-area is a safe bet. If you have a desk in your bedroom, pack those items on it and in it together. Then move to your winter clothes, then move to your books, etc. The more the items in the box make sense, the easier your job will be when you unload and unpack.
Also, keep in mind your turnaround time. The earlier you start packing, the easier the process will be, which means less stress, less room for error, and you’re less likely to forget or misplace items. All the stress of packing items on moving day leads to not only feeling rushed, but you’ll likely not pack well, and damaged items will likely be the result.
Buying cheap packing supplies will cost you
Like so many things in life, cheap may be great for the wallet but usually isn’t great for the quality of what you’re purchasing. Your moving supplies are no different! While you can get used or “barely” used boxes, consider using new, durable boxes, and for fragile items be sure to cover those with an appropriate amount of bubble wrap and paper.
It’s also a good idea to splurge on packing tape. Not only can the cheap tape be difficult to use and very frustrating (especially if you’re using one with a plastic feeder), but if the tape doesn’t stick well, it could spell disaster for your belongings.
Of course, never use boxes that you can see are in bad shape. Do you really want to trust your great-great-grandmother’s wedding vase to that box you found outside?
Packing wrong equals broken items
Be sure you pack each box correctly, yes it may take more time, but it’s the best way to get your valuables from Point A to Point B free from harm. A big part of correct packing means making sure there are no voids within the box.
If you see space inside a box it must be filled with something. That something can be in the form of crumpled paper, bubble wrap, towels, or other cushioning materials. The goal is to keep the items in the box from moving around inside the box during your move.
You can test your box packing success by picking up the box and giving it a gentle shake to see if you hear or feel too much movement.
Another packing mistake is over-packing your boxes. Don’t put so much inside that the box can’t handle the weight. There’s nothing worse than picking up a box and having the bottom fall out.
Skipping labeling is actually a time-waster
You may not want to take the extra 10 seconds to label your box, but that’s a big time-waster once you get where you’re going. When boxes are properly labeled you can move them into the correct room immediately rather than having dozens of boxes in the family room for days on end as you open them and then have to relocate them.
You should label by room, then provide a bit of detail, for instance: Master bedroom- dresser. Also, it’s vital to indicate if a box has fragile items inside, you want that label to really stand out so it doesn’t get mishandled. We suggest labeling in a different color (red ideally).
The takeaway
Packing correctly means some time management, some high-quality materials, and some know-how. If you follow these packing rules and tips, you should be in store for a less-stress move.
If you’d like more information on Road Scholars and our packing, moving, or storage services, we’d love to talk. Give us a call today.
ABOUT ROAD SCHOLARS MOVING
Road Scholars are true scholars when it comes to all things moving. Our movers are all background checked and are given the proper education to handle your most important possessions. From lifting techniques, to packing excellence, to details on how to successfully get through a challenging move, we give our movers all the insights they need to work at their fullest capability.
We’re also licensed and insured. We use only the best, state of the art equipment and vehicles. We’re affordable, honest, and experienced. Offering a very personal touch to a very personal event. Contact us at (303) 693-7070 or at [email protected]. You can also find us online at roadscholarsmoving.com. Proudly serving the Denver Metro Area, Centennial, Littleton, Englewood, Aurora, Lone Tree, Parker, all across Colorado and beyond.
