Pack your belongings like a pro
Safety of your personal possessions is a number one priority when preparing for a move. To pack everything properly can be a challenge, and it becomes a nuisance if not done the right way. Spend a little time to learn how to pack your belongings like a pro and never worry about damage or loss during moving.
Categorize your belongings
Four main categories that we need to pay special attention to when preparing for packing are: clothes, furniture, appliances, china. We will look at each, highlighting the most important parts that will save time, space and make a difference in quality.
Procurement of materials
Before packing you need to gather the required packaging materials:
- boxes
- padding supplies
- bubble wrap
- vacuum or garbage bags
- wrapping paper
- packaging tape
- labeling stickers and markers
Learn how to pack your belongings like a pro
Advanced tips for a good start
Clear some space to make a packaging station. Build a platform from a larger box or use a desk, safe-proofed with padded materials or bubble wrap to avoid damaging your items. Place your packaging materials close and organize your stuff in the order of packing. Separate stickers and think of a labeling system that will suit your needs. As you pack, use a checklist so you can track your progress. Now you have a glimpse of what it means to pack your belongings like a pro!
Packing clothes
It is time to learn some useful hacks that will turn a dull and lengthy process of folding clothes into something fun. So pay attention and take notes as we explain the do’s and don’ts of packing clothes!
To keep or not to keep – That is the question!
Get rid of what you don’t need. Consider the climate you are moving to and throw away or donate worn out or torn clothes. You probably have something that doesn’t fit you anymore, so decide whether you are going to keep it or not. Pick something comfortable to wear on your moving day and set it on the side. Also, consider the time length of a move. You might want to change at some point, so set aside some additional change of clothes.
Label all your boxes and make lists of all packed items
Sorting clothes
In order to be able to pack your belongings like a pro, you have to think like one. Categorize everything by size for packing. Separate your summer and winter clothes. Sorting them by season will help when unpacking. One more thing to consider is the material. Avoid having to iron clothes once unpacked by carefully folding something that wrinkles easily.
Packing advice
Leave lighter clothes in drawers. Don’t take them out and pack them separately as they are already where they need to be. You can leave hangers arranged in the closet or fold them across the middle. Another option is to take a garbage bag, make a hole in the bottom and pull a hanger through it. This will protect your clothes from getting dirty.
Consider using suitcases too, but you might want to leave the wheeled ones for moving heavier items. Make sure that you pack your shoes apart from your clothes. Best would be to use shoeboxes, as they can be stacked into a larger box. When packing clothes in boxes, search the internet to find useful guides on how to fold clothes like a pro.
Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent damage during moving. Don’t pack jewelry with your clothes as it might make a tear. When using plastic bags have in mind that they do not provide the best protection. Vacuum bags are a better choice, but they are more useful for clothes that you might want to store for later use once you arrive at your new place.
Packing furniture
You are one step closer to be able to pack your belongings like a pro! But, do not take packing furniture lightly, this is not a simple task. Our best recommendation is to consider professional movers, but if you decide to do it on your own, we will teach you how to prepare your furniture for a move and keep it protected from any damage.
Before you start packing, you will need some tools to disassemble furniture, plastic or zip bags, cardboard boxes, masking tape and lots of packing paper.
The best advice is to disassemble furniture if you can. This will prevent damage or scratches. Store all small parts and screws in plastic bags, you do not want to lose those! If you have drawers, the smart thing would be to remove them as they may fall out and break during moving. To provide additional protection store them in garbage bags and tape them or tightly wrap with a piece of rope. This is important if you have clothes packed inside.
Wrap furniture legs in packing paper and pack them in a box. Use bubble wrap and protective pads to secure corners and to prevent scratches on the surface.
Packing boxes require careful planning
Packing appliances
First, gather and sort all small appliances you need to pack. Have in mind that some parts are fragile, so take extra time to pack them safely. Before packing, disassemble all parts. You might consider to clean and dry them thoroughly. If there are any loose or sharp parts, remove them and pack separately.
Second, wrap all appliances in packing paper and tightly place them in a medium sized box. Fill empty space with balls of crumpled paper which will provide additional safety and absorb any unwanted impacts. You might even want to consider using bubble wrap.
Finally, once everything is wrapped and packed, you can fill the box with packing peanuts and secure it with masking tape. Do not forget to label boxes!
The final chapter – china
It might sound like a title of an action movie, but if your china breaks you will not miss out on any of the stress and drama you would experience from watching one. It is not easy to pack your belongings like a pro, especially when it comes to fragile items.
When packing china or any glassware, wrap each item individually. Make bundles of plates and bowls by stacking, and not more than 3 or 4 per bundle. Place flat plates on the bottom of the stack.
Wrap mugs and cups separately, and tightly wrap the stems of wine glasses before you wrap them in packing paper and stacks in multiple layers, tucking in the sides. Consider the size and shape of your glassware, and decide what to put horizontally and what vertically. The best advice is to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter on the top.
When packing the items in a box, do not use regular cardboard boxes. A better option is to use dish pack boxes, as they are sturdier and provide greater protection.
Now you know how to pack your belongings like a pro
As promised, we showed you how to pack your belongings like a true professional. If you follow these simple steps you will master the art of packing in no time. Share this knowledge with friends, you never know who might need it!