How to Pack and Move Like a Pro

1. Prepare for Packing

This may be the first time move for you and so I would like to iterate that this is the most important step. Start preparing yourself for the packing and without delaying a single day, you should start the process right away. To begin with, start gathering cartons and other packing boxes. Most likely you have not kept original boxes of your fridge, washing machine, television or personal computer or PC. But that’s not an issue. If you don’t have those boxes, you can always approach your local groceries store and ask them to give you a few boxes, they usually have. If you don’t find enough boxes, then there is no alternative but to buy some. Apart from cartons of different size, you should also buy thicker packing or wrapping sheets, packing papers, packing tapes, ropes, padding materials, bubble wraps good quality cartons, old newspaper papers and marker for labeling. These are some of the most essential packing materials that you will be using, so prepare an estimate and procure these materials before you start packing.

2. Time to Start Packing

Once you have managed to procure good quality packing materials, you are good to start packing. But before you start packing, it would be great to create some space so that you can pack all of your goods properly. Before putting goods into the box, you should clean and wrap each of the individual items properly using good quality packing paper or wrapping sheets. Once wrapping is done, you can put it inside the box carefully. Depending on what you are packing, you may like to pack multiple items in one box and in that case, you can create multiple layers. So place items at ground layer after cushioning the base then put wrapping pare on top of it and put items again. That’s how you can stock more items. Proper cushioning is really important here. You should also ensure that you are not putting lots of goods and items in one box; else the packing box or carton that you are using may get damaged or break. So keep that perfect balance and you will be fine.

You should be very careful while packing glassware or any other fragile item. Wrap them properly using multiple layers of wrapping sheets or bubble wraps and put crushed or scrambled news papers to fill the empty space and avoid any collision.

3. Pack Similar Items Together

As a general rule of packing, it would be wise to pack similar items in one box and if possible do it room wise. Room wise packing is good because you will be able to unpack your goods smoothly without any hassle and you would know which box is to be kept in which room. Once you finish packing a box, you can simply label the box. When labeling, write everything properly on the box and if there is any fragile item that require special attention then please mention that on the box/label to ensure that anybody lifting or handling the ox could understand what’s inside and how to handle that.

4. Packing Essential Items

When should you pack your essential items like plates, cup, glass, toilet soap, bath towels, first aid box etc? These items has to be packed last because you will be using these items till last moment and you require these items once your goods are delivered and before you unpack anything. I mean you need water to drink, plates and foods to eat, soap to wash your hands and face. There are other items that you can consider as essential like a pot, pan, knife, scissor etc. Pack these essentials items at the last minute and label it clearly so that you can unpack just one box and have access to all necessary items instantly. You may also keep baby food, biscuits, chocolates, water bottle etc for emergency. First aid box should be packed last and unpacked first too, so think of it as well.

5. Packing for Individual Members

While you are on packing essentials, it would be a good idea to have one bag or suitcase dedicated to one member of the family. This is to ensure that every member has his/her own bag with all essential items in it for a day or two. This is similar to packing when you go on an official trip. You can have a couple of trousers, shirts, t-shirts, tooth brush, comb, bathroom towel, toilet soap etc. Advantage of having such bag or suitcase is you don’t have to rush and unpack everything on same day in your new home. Since all family members are carrying their own suitcase, they can manage for a day or two if needed. Also you can carry such bags with yourself, so your moving costs will go down and you will get the liberty to enjoy your goods even before full unpacking is done.