Most people are so happy to finally be done with the moving and storage activities that they don’t even mind the dinner plates are chipped, there's a scratch on the coffee table or their favorite lampshade is bruised and battered. But there's no reason your household goods should become casualties of the moving and storage. With a little care and planning, and these storage and packing tips, you and your stuff will both arrive in mint condition. A little common sense helps when packing for moving and storage. Think of a stack of dishes in a box on the bed of a bouncing truck. No matter how well the sides are padded, a firm up-and-down jolt could crack the entire stack. On the other hand, dishes packed on edge and surrounded by bubble wrap have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed. In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Box-n-Go offers you a convenient way to estimate and purchase all you will need online. Everything you need is at your fingertips.
The undertaking of packing all your treasured memorabilia and necessities can be made easier by following these few simple techniques:
Start packing the right way – set a schedule.
Before you decide to do your packing yourself, consider the responsibilities. Sure, it takes time and energy to get the job done right, but doing it yourself can be a real money-saver, even if you're paying a professional to load the container. How you pack your things can determine whether you ever see them in one piece again.
Follow a timetable—people often underestimate how long it takes to pack! Time is everything - start packing several cartons each day, a few weeks prior to your move. Be sure that the items you pack won't be needed before your move, of course. By pacing yourself, you'll be more organized and the job won't be so overwhelming.
One of the many advantages of renting a storage container from Box-n-Go is that you can take your time packing. You have several days to pack all your belongings into the containers you have rented.
Plan your work.
The most important element in packing is organization. Take one room at a time. Begin with things you use less frequently, books, knick-knacks. Pack each room in separate boxes and label each box with its contents.
Assign a number to every room of your new home and label boxes with the number of the room in which they belong.
Establish work areas in each room. Pack one room at a time, labeling each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents and which room the box belongs in (i.e. kitchen, upstairs bathroom, etc.). Be as specific as possible — it will make unpacking much easier. Pack one area of the room at a time. It's best not to mix items from different rooms in one box. Also label boxes containing breakable items with "Fragile." Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.
Pack Like a Pro
Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until the last minute things you'll need until moving day.
Empty all drawers of breakable, spillable items and anything that would puncture or damage other items or otherwise non-transportable items. To safeguard against unnecessary damage, it's a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container that you can keep with you so the parts won't get lost.
Do not pack prohibited goods. Please see tips on what not to pack for further information.
Obviously, not everything will fit in boxes. Items requiring professional disassembly and/or crating (such as slate pool tables, chandeliers or large glass table tops) are best left to the professionals.
Supplement the packing supplies with copious amounts of crumpled paper, blankets and pillows; even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Then, pack with a plan. Packing smart, using good techniques and the right materials can mean fewer damaged items and easier storage and moving experience.
Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.
Make sure the items you'll need first are loaded in last when packing the container. You'll make access easier for the things you need (ie. kids toys, kitchen items, telephone and radio).
Use common sense when loading your storage container by keeping in mind the size, sturdiness, and weight of your boxes.
