More people are moving on up. More than 40 million Americans move from one part of the country to another each year. The high number suggests that a long distance move is simple. But that isn’t always the case. You need to understand how to pack belongings so you don’t lose or damage them.
What do you need in terms of supplies? How can you keep track of everything you own in all of your boxes? What should you do to keep antiques and essential belongings safe?
Answer these questions and you can move a long distance without maiming your favorite things. Here is your quick guide.
Get Packing and Moving Supplies
Many people assume that they all need are cardboard boxes and tape. Though these are important supplies, you will need more for moving long distance.
If you need to protect certain items from water and condensation, you should store them in plastic bins. You can find plastic bins in any office supply store. Cardboard can get wet, and belongings inside can become soaked.
You can put clothing, towels, and soft objects in plastic bags. You can use trash bags that are more durable than standard plastic bags.
In addition to tape, you should have bungee cords on hand. They should fit around your plastic bins so the lids stay firm over top. If you don’t know who to turn to, find a moving service that helps with packing and unpacking.
Clean Your House
Cleaning your house is an essential step when preparing for a move. It will help sell your house if you don’t have a buyer yet. It will also let you uncover belongings that you may have forgotten about.
Go room by room cleaning your floor, walls, and ceiling. Start with your attic and work your way down.
If you find belongings you want to take with you, pack them away. If you have anything that you don’t want to take, donate or sell them.
Pack Like Objects Together
Don’t split up similar items across different bins or bags. Keep your clothes with your clothes, and keep your appliances with other appliances. If you are concerned about your belongings breaking against each other, you can use moving paper or bubble wrap.
Make sure to label the outside of the container with prominent writing and dark colors. Attach a piece of yellow duct tape, then write in black Sharpie a brief description of what is inside.
Write a number on each container and make a list that details what’s inside. Keep the list in your wallet so you always know what bin contains what.
Break Down Big and Heavy Items
If you have a big object, try to bring the entire thing in one piece. If you have something that is very bulky, you can break it down.
Bookcases and long dining tables are very easy to break down. But do make sure that you are keeping track of the individual nuts and bolts.
Put them in a plastic bag and attach the bag to one part of your item. If you can, label the nuts so you know where they go in your item.
Dismantling a bed involves removing the mattress and box spring. Use a marker to show where the spring is supposed to go. If the bed is elaborate, make a diagram of its pieces.
Wrap up Fragile Objects
Anything made of glass or ceramic needs extra protection. Bundle the object with a thick piece of paper or inside of a plastic bag. Then put some packing paper or bubble wrap around the outside and place it inside a box.
When you are putting fragile objects in the same box, place heavier objects toward the bottom. Stack things together whenever possible and secure the box itself with duct tape. Press the box to the side of your truck so it doesn’t slide around.
Follow guidelines on how to pack antiques. Do not use plastic wrap around wooden furniture because the plastic can trap moisture and cause damage. Use blankets and foam padding instead.
Keep Everything Snug
Do not leave too much space inside your box. If you can fill in a gap with a small object or moving paper, do so.
Try packing objects inside other objects. Place batteries and cutlery inside cups, bowls, and reusable containers.
At the same time, don’t overpack your box. If a side of the box bulges outward, it is hard to put the box in your moving van.
When you are filling a moving van, you should keep your boxes snug against each other. Put your heavy boxes along the bottom and make one layer out of them. Then place your lighter boxes over top and stack them all the way to the ceiling.
Put Essential Belongings in Your Personal Bag
Everything that you cannot afford to lose should remain with you. Medications, personal documents, and family heirlooms can go inside a handbag or piece of luggage.
Put your documents inside their own plastic crate. Use folders to distinguish different papers from each other, and make copies that you keep somewhere else.
If you must put an essential belonging in a box, take a photograph of it. Keep the receipt for it and get insurance to cover any damages.
Prepare for Your Long Distance Move
Don’t prolong your long distance move because you are concerned about your stuff. Have cardboard boxes, plastic crates, and sturdy bags.
Clean your house so you can find some belongings you forgot about. Keep similar objects in the same containers, though you can break down your bulkiest things. Give extra care to your antiques and glassware.
Keep things snug inside your containers, then pack your van from wall to wall. Do remember to keep your essentials on your person.
Once you’re packed, go to experienced people for help. Muscleman Moving serves the Austin area. Get a free quote today.
