Photo Credit: (iStockPhoto/lisegagne)
When you’re stressed about moving into your first or next apartment, you might be tempted to toss all of your belongings in the nearest box, tape it up and lug it to your car. However, improperly packing moving boxes may cause damages to your stuff, or worse, yourself, if all of the contents drop on your foot.
Avoid having to repack or purchase new knick-knacks by packing boxes correctly the first time, using the tips below.
Purchase sturdy moving boxes, or find thick boxes that were built to hold heavy materials, such as liquor boxes. You’ll find that liquor boxes, while strong, are often small, as it’s best to pack heavy objects in a manageable box.
Pack up one room at a time, and label all of your boxes with which room they go in. Write the word “Fragile” on boxes that contain breakable goods. Organize while you move, putting grouped items in bags first, and then put those bags into the boxes.
Reinforce the bottom of all of your boxes with packing tape. Packing tape is specifically designed to stick to the box and provides an additional layer of strength. Make sure you take this step, since it will likely prevent heavy items from falling through the bottom of the box.
Place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom for cushioning. Of course, this only applies to boxes in which you’ll be packing both heavy and light items.
Wrap items individually, placing crushed paper inside hollowed-out spaces in vases and bowls. Fill in the crevices of boxes with fabric items, such as socks or dish towels, heavy, crumpled paper, bubble wrap or packing peanuts to prevent items from shifting during the move.
Store the heaviest items in small boxes so they’re easier to carry. Never load any box more than 50 pounds, or 30 pounds if you’re smaller, so you can control what you’re lifting.
Pack the next-heaviest items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. This will prevent the lighter items from being crushed under the weight of the heavier items.
Make sure the items you’ll need first are loaded in the boxes last. This includes toiletries, kids’ toys, pet supplies and a change of clothes. If you’re using a moving truck, make sure these items are the last to go in the truck; if you’re moving in your car, make sure they’re easy to reach.
Don’t pack up the common sense. Consider the size, weight and shape of your objects when you’re packing them, and when in doubt, don’t let certain items leave your side. Place boxes with valuable items and personal belongings on the front seat of your own car when you move.
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