Packing Tips From Professional Movers

Moving from one home to another can be incredibly exciting, but also nauseatingly stressful. You never realize just how much stuff you own until it’s time to pack it all up, load it into a truck, and haul it across town (or the country!). Using professional movers, like Allegiance Van Lines, LLC, can help alleviate some of that stress. We can pack up your belongings as well as seamlessly move them from Point A to Point B.

However, if your budget only allows for moving your items, here are some packing tips to help you get started.

Packing Tips From Professional Movers

You may think that packing for a move is as simple as gathering up your belongings, tossing them into a box, and sealing it shut. You could do that, but these tips will save you a headache later on, when your new home is full of boxes to unpack.

Reduce Your Belongings

There’s no time like moving to take an inventory of your belongings to determine what is worth keeping. Start small so you don’t feel overwhelmed: a few weeks before your move, take it one room, one drawer, at a time.

Make piles of things to keep, and things to donate or sell. Host a garage sale for unwanted items, donate to charity, or post them to “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook. Your move will go so much smoother when there are fewer boxes to unpack.

Collect Packing Material

You will need cardboard boxes, packing tape, a marker for labeling, and packing peanuts or bubble wrap to protect fragile items. These things can be purchased at home goods stores, but often you can find them for free in “Buy Nothing” groups on social media.

Other times, you can collect cardboard boxes for free from grocery stores or restaurants. Reusable storage containers can help cut down on waste.

Pack Well

Throwing all your items in a box may be effective for transfer, but it won’t protect them from breaking. Nor will it be easier to figure out which boxes have items that go in certain rooms of your new home. Label each box according to its purpose: “kitchen,” “bedroom,” “bathroom,” etc.

Once you’ve labeled each box for each room, start packing safely. Heavier items should go on the bottom. Lighter objects should perhaps be wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap (you can even use tea towels or clothing to reduce waste) and placed on top.

Be sure to write “Fragile” on boxes with delicate items so they are handled carefully. Some breakable items, such as hutches with glass doors, are best left to the care of professionals to ensure their safety.

A general rule of thumb is to use small boxes for heavy items and larger boxes for lighter items. A large box may seem like a good idea for books, but you may struggle to lift it!

Use Labels And Color Codes

As previously mentioned, labels are helpful for knowing where each box will go in your new home. Additionally, you may find it helpful to use a color coding system as well: blue for bathrooms, red for kitchen, etc.

Be sure to label a box or bag for items you will need with you before the move. You’ll need a pair of clothes, pajamas, a toothbrush, medication, and shoes, at the very least.

Make Arrangements For Your Children And Pets

On the day of the move, your home will be filled with people lifting heavy boxes and furniture. This can be potentially dangerous for small humans or animals, who could potentially get in the way. To ensure their safety, you may consider boarding your dog or cat for the day, or having a sitter take the kids to the park.

You may also consider clearing a room ahead of time and containing the pets there while the movers do their job. With these family members not able to get underfoot, everyone will be safer.

Additional Preparations For Moving

The following suggestions are just a few extra touches to make moving day more efficient for everyone involved:

• Have water. This is a nice courtesy for the people who are lugging heavy couches and beds through your home and into a truck. You may also want to show them where the bathroom is, should they need it.
• Have cash for tips. Tips aren’t necessary, but if you are satisfied with the job your professional movers did, cash tips are a nice touch.
• Clear your walkways. Whether it’s the pathway leading from the driveway to your house or the hallways inside, make sure these paths are free to allow for movers to get by with ease. Large blankets or tarps can also help protect walls and floors from getting scuffed as they move by. If you’re moving to a colder climate, make sure that walkways are cleared of snow and salted before movers walk on them.

These additional steps will help make the day go as smoothly as possible.

Professional Movers In South Florida

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Allegiance Van Lines, LLC is here to help! A trusted, reliable South Florida moving company, we treat your belongings with the same care as we would our own. Whether you need help with the heavy lifting, packing, or storage, we do it all.

Let’s get moving! Call today for a free quote at 561-210-5120.