The main reason why goods get damaged while in transit during relocation is poor packing methods. When planning to relocate, moving experts advise that you package your valuables properly for several reasons, including:
- To minimize the chances of damage while your goods are being transported
- To reduce the amount of space taken up by goods in transportation vans
- To enable easy handling of goods during the entire relocation process
- To allow easy identification and unpacking of items once you get to your final destination
Proper packing is a delicate process that requires a certain level of planning and skill. Below, the discussion will feature the steps you should follow to pack your valuables recommended by the top moving experts in the relocation industry.
1. Make plans on how to pack your goods as early as possible before your actual move
It is recommended that you start preparing your items for your long distance or interstate move as early as possible. If you begin packing late, you will likely make mistakes and carry things that you do not even need.
2. Inspect Your Home and Identify What You Will Take and What You Will Leave Behind
It is improbable that you will need everything you currently own in your home. In most cases, the point of moving is usually to get a new start in life. Create two detailed lists containing the items that you feel are necessary and those you think you can do without in your new home.
3. Declutter Your Home By Getting Rid Of Items That You Will Not Be Need
Packing in a cluttered space can be hectic and confusing. It also usually increases the chances that you will pack the wrong things. To give yourself working space, consider throwing away or donating what you think you will not need.
4. Consider If You Will Use Professional Packing Services Or It Will Be a DIY Process
Depending on how busy your schedule is, you can choose to entrust packing to professionals. If you have a lot of time on your hands or start the process early, you can do the job yourself. However, it is worth noting that you should research how to do the job right if you choose to pack goods by yourself. If you are moving long distance or interstate, go through the interstate moving guide over the internet. By hiring professional movers, you don’t have to worry about the job being done improperly since these experts usually have the training and a lot of experience. It is recommended to hire professionals if you are moving interstate, as it will make your move much smoother.
5. Separate The Items You Would Like To Relocate To Your New Home
Different items require different packing techniques. This is because some goods are more fragile than others. Separate the valuables that need specialized packing, such as items made from glass and electronic gadgets, from those packed without any special care, such as fabrics and clothes.
6. Collect The Requisite Packing Tools and Gear
To get your items packed securely and adequately, you need to have the right tools at hand. Ensure that you have the following at hand:
- Wrapping paper
- Padding paper
- Enough cartons
- Cardboard packing boxes if necessary
- Hammer
- Nails
- Labelling pens
7. Start Packing The Items You Do Not Need First
Before starting your packing, create an inventory of all the items you will be relocating to your new home. This is the list you will use to ascertain that all your goods have safely been transported to your new home.
When packing your goods, you should start with the items you will not need until you have relocated. Ensure that you also group similar items and put them together in a single box. For example, your framed pictures should be placed in one single box.
It is recommended that when packing, you move from one room to the next. You are immediately done packing the goods from one room or a group of items, and you should carefully label the box indicating what is contained within. This will help the people handling the move to understand how the boxes should be handled and where they should be unloaded and placed when the move is complete.
When packing, you should also ensure that the most massive goods are put at the boxes’ bottom while the lighter items are placed at the top.
In boxes containing fragile items such as glasses and plates, ensure no spaces are left in the packing boxes. Any leftover spaces should be filled with padding paper to prevent fragile items from breaking when knocked against each other.
Lastly, you should ensure that all boxes are sealed correctly and that the ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ sides are clearly labeled.
8. Ensure That You Pack The Items That You Need Constantly Separately
There is nothing worse than realizing that you packed essential items you need daily like your toothbrush and medication in a hard place when relocating. It is recommended that you package the items that you tend daily in a carry-on bag or case that you can easily reach when the need arises.
9. Ensure That Your Boxes Are Loaded Properly In The Truck For Transportation
Proper packing is not just about putting your valuables in packing cases; it is also about ensuring that they are correctly placed in the transportation van.
Group your items based on their fragility and ensure that you are at hand to ensure that the van loaders take proper care when putting the items in the trucks for transportation. You should also ensure that you are at hand during the unloading to guide the moving professionals.
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