Moving boxes like a pro
Moving can be overwhelming. It’s tempting just to want to dump your content in boxes and call it a day. Don’t. The LoadALot team has put together this ultimate guide for packing your boxes for moving or storage.
- Purchase the necessary packing supplies
Invest in actual moving boxes specifically designed for moving and storing your fragile items. Used boxes are likely to collapse and can even be contaminated. Other supplies to also have on hand include packing tape, labels, packing paper and bubble wrap.
Once purchased, create a dedicated packing zone where you keep all these items together.
- Sort items
Pack up one small area at a time. If you don’t need it, there’s no reason to pack it. Decide whether you’ll keep it, donate it, or toss it.
For everything you don’t want to take with you, but can’t say goodbye to yet, schedule a LoadALot pickup. We’ll move and store these items for you.
- Fill the box
For fragile items, make sure there are at least 5 cm of packing material on all sides of the box. For non-fragile items, fill every space that you can without making the box too heavy.
Boxes that aren’t full might collapse when stacked. If you need to, add excess packing paper so each box is packed tight before you close it. At the same time, the lid of your box should be able to close easily. If the lid is bent or bulging when you close it, take a few items out and try again.
Fill boxes so they weigh no more than 15 kg. Use small or medium-sized boxes for heavy items like books, and use large boxes for lighter things like duvets.
Another tip is to use brightly coloured tissue paper to wrap small items. That way, you won’t accidentally throw anything out.
- Seal and label every box
Seal each box with strong packing tape. To do this, tape across the top of the box with the flaps. Next, wrap another piece of tape across the top of the box against the flaps. This prevents the box from collapsing when stacked.
Finally, clearly label each box with its room and contents. Labelling not only helps you, but it will also make your movers more efficient.
- Call in favours early
If you’re relying on friends or family to help with your move, make sure you ask them in advance. It’s a good idea to send out an email with the details (where to meet, what time, what to bring and what to wear) so everyone is on the same page.
- Map out the best way to get to your new home
Don’t waste your move-in day to figure out the easiest way to your new home. You’re going to need an efficient travel route, and it’s better to plan this in advance. Take potential construction, traffic, detours and necessary stops into account when planning your route.
- Stack and store boxes
When you’re stacking your boxes – either on the moving truck or in a storage unit – make sure you put the heaviest boxes on the bottom. If you place heavy boxes on top of lighter boxes, the lighter boxes will unavoidably break under pressure. As those boxes give way, the heavy boxes will collapse to the floor, and everything inside is at risk of breaking.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, download our house moving checklist here.
Remember, we’ll help with as much as you want. We’re a full-service moving company that will pack, move, store and clean for you. Get a quote here.