Tips for Packing for A Move

Best Packing Tips

Packing for a move? Just because you own it, doesn’t mean you should move it. Hazardous materials can endanger both yourself and your belongings. Some items that you should consider not packing include:

• Propane cylinders
• Paints and paint thinners
• Fireworks Nail polish remover
• Matches
• Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals
• Lighter fluid
• Gasoline
• Flammable liquids or solids
• Compressed gases
• Oxygen bottles

This may all seem like common sense now, but at the time of your move, these types of materials can often be overlooked.

Packing Supplies

Now that we know what not to pack, let’s talk about what you may need to prepare for packing. We recommend investing in the materials that the pros use, such as:

• Quality/strong moving boxes in a variety of different sizes
• 2” packing tape
• Butcher paper
• Permanent markers
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Tissue paper
• A utility knife

If you need a moving calculator to figure out just how many boxes, and packing supplies you will need for your move, just go to header and search for the calculator. There you will find all the items you may need from moving from a studio apartment, all the way up to a 5-bedroom home.

Types of Packing Boxes

• Wardrobe cartons: These make it easy to transport your clothes even have a built-in bar for the hangers.
• Mirror cartons: The two boxes join seamlessly to fit larger frames
• Mattress cartons: Boxes for crib size all the way up to king-size mattresses
• Double-wall cartons that extra protection for breakable items like fine china, pottery, and crystal
• Small cartons: ideal for heavier but small items such as books.
• Medium cartons: A good carton for toys, pots, pans, and smaller appliances
• Large cartons: Great for bulky but lightweight items like towels, pillows, and linens
• Extra-large cartons: Useful for bulky or awkward items such as lampshades
• Stretch wrap: This can be used to wrap furniture and keep it safe from other items

U-Haul Packing Tips

It’s overwhelming and can be a lot. Be sure to check out the moving calculator to help make some sense of it all. Another item to consider is don’t rush your move. Loading a Penske or U-Haul truck can be an overwhelming task. One that many people underestimate. We recommend packing over an extended period and having all your items fully packed by the day you receive your moving or rental truck.

• Get organized! Use a calendar to plan what to pack and when. Many people underestimate just how long it might take.
• Begin with items in storage areas such as the basement or attic
• Next, pack seasonal items for the season you are not in. For example, if it is summer, pack your winter gear/clothes.
• Pack room by room to get and stay organized.
• Designate a work area in each room to help you stay organized.
• Sort packed boxes by room and by weight to make loading the truck easier.
• Boxes should weigh no more than 40 lbs. Hurting oneself during a move takes a difficult task and makes it an overwhelming one.
• Leave out the essential items you will need in the morning and during your move.

Lastly, let’s talk about some best practices when it comes to packing boxes.

Packing Boxes

• Label every carton in detail. Buy a multi-pack of Sharpies, and mark each box with the room location, general contents, and whether the box may be fragile.
• Us the phrase “This Side Up” when applicable, and with breakables.
• To make your unpack go smoother and with more priority, you might want to label boxes with a number code such as 1A, 1B, 1C, etc. to imply which should be unpacked first at your new home.
• Pack boxes in layers, with a sheet of cardboard or some crushed paper in between.
• Place screws and other hardware in small plastic bags and tie them together
• Be smart about your packing, don’t pack your breakables… with a cast-iron frying pan
• Keep pairs of items and similar items together.
• Towels and blankets can be used for padding and cushioning.
• For very fragile items, pack them in individual small boxes, then pack those boxes in a larger box with plenty of padding.
• A box is perfectly packed when you can tape it securely closed with the cover perfectly flat.
• Wind electrical cords and cables so they don’t dangle and catch on things.
• And finally, seal each carton tightly with tape.

For more tips on packing for a move, please visit us at Moving Truck Driver.

For additional information, please read our next article entitled How To Pack A Moving Truck.