Whether you are moving or are placing some of your belongings in storage, packing efficiently makes a world of difference when it comes to keeping your belongings safe and secure. The last thing you want when unpacking is to find something broken or damaged. Fortunately, there are many tried and true tips and tricks out there that can help make packing a breeze, which will in turn make unpacking a much more enjoyable experience overall.
We’ve put together a list of some of our top tips for packing that will help keep your belongings safe and secure during your next move or while you place things in storage.
Tips for Packing: Declutter First
While this packing tip might seem like common knowledge, it’s one that’s often overlooked by people who are in the moving process or are putting their belongings into storage. Decluttering is a great way to help streamline packing, as it will eliminate any unnecessary items from your home that you don’t need or want.
Decluttering can be tedious, but the less you have to pack in the first place, the easier storing and then later unpacking your belongings will be.
Invest in Good Quality Moving Boxes
It might be tempting to go to your local grocery store to try to snag some free boxes, but investing in quality moving boxes will make all the difference in the long run. First of all, moving boxes are relatively inexpensive and the added durability that comes with a new moving box will make moving, storing, and stacking your belongings much easier.
Grocery and reused moving boxes might be appealing at first, but they may have already been exposed to some level of moisture which can compromise their structural integrity. The last thing you want is a box falling apart in your hands while you’re trying to move or store your belongings.
Use the Right Size Boxes and Don’t Leave Space
Packing might seem as simple as putting your belongings in a box that fits and calling it a day. However, there’s actually an art to packing efficiently—using the right box size is incredibly important. When you use the right-sized box, this will allow you to move and store your items safely and will also ensure that your boxes are balanced and not too heavy. A good way to approach packing is to place your heavier items into smaller boxes. Lighter items like linens and pillows are better suited for large boxes.
Additionally, you want to make sure that when you’re packing you don’t leave empty space in your boxes. Empty space leaves more room for your belongings to jostle around and be damaged. If you’re packing a box and find that you have empty space, try filling in the gaps with clothing, towels, or packing paper.
Add a Room or Coloured Packing Label to Your Boxes
When unpacking your belongings or trying to find a specific item in a storage unit, there is nothing worse than having to sift through dozens of boxes to try to find what you are looking for. To help keep your belongings organized, print off coloured packing labels or use coloured masking tape to give each room or category its own colour and add them to your boxed items. This will help keep your things organized and will make unpacking a breeze.
Whether you are packing to move or are putting your belongings in storage, these packing tips are sure to help you streamline the process and keep your items safe!