Packing for a two-week vacation is tough, but packing for moving house is even more difficult. Not many people like to pack up, even though they look forward to their move. Start collecting boxes about a month or so from the date of moving. Supermarkets and hospitals have boxes that are still nice and clean, so ask for them or pick them up every time you shop. Start packing as early as possible so you don't feel rushed, and let's get started!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Started and Setting Up Items
Step 1. Assemble all moving kits and moving boxes of various sizes
You will need different types of strong boxes to pack items of different sizes. Make sure you buy a strong transfer box/carton and quality moving kits; You can also ask the experts for recommendations. Also, consider buying:
- blocker
- "Bubble wrap"
- Wrapping paper
- Newspaper, or blank newsprint
- Scissors
- Strong duct tape for transfer
- Label sticker
- marker pen
Step 2. Create a file set containing the important files that you will need during the transfer process
In it, enter proof of your moving truck booking, payment code for moving services (if any), medical records from a veterinarian (if any), tip for freight forwarders, proof of hotel bookings, contact information of important people (property owner or broker), and any other documents you may need before you finish unpacking.
Keep the bundle of files in a safe place, such as a wallet or personal bag, that won't be accidentally put in a box. This file should also be stored in a place free from heaps (which are bound to appear)
Step 3. A few days before moving, pack a bag or box for each family member containing a bar of soap, new toothpaste and toothbrush, towels and washcloths, a disposable razor if needed, some loose clothing (a type of sportswear) and two sets of clothes, as well as other things that the family member will need for a few days after the move (while the items are still in the box)
In this way, all their needs can be easily reached.
Store the box or bag in a safe place that will not be mixed with other items, for example in a car or other more distant place (office, or a neighbor's house). Carry the box or bag in your car or other means of transportation
Step 4. Gather old clothes that you can use for staging
Instead of buying foam or "bubble wrap" padding, use old clothes for the padding. This way, you not only save money, but also pack the things you need to keep packing. In addition, clothing is also usually stronger than paper or "bubble wrap". One paddle, two or three islands crossed, right?
For items such as glasses, wrap them in socks. Socks are a perfect wrapper for glass-like items. If the item can fit in a sock, then the item is safe
Step 5. Take photos of items that require complex assembly/installation, such as the back of the television
Are there items you've worked so hard to assemble and really don't want to take apart? Take a photo of the item so you can easily reassemble it.
Snap also the arrangement of frames and home decorations. In addition to making it easier to arrange, you will also get a nostalgic and memorable effect from the photo
Method 2 of 3: Pack Effectively and Efficiently
Step 1. Clear room for packing in your current home
Make sure you have plenty of free space, which you can use to drag and slide your things and pack them up. This room is the room where you do the packing process. Store boxes, moving supplies, pens, duct tape, and labels here.
When you pack and seal the box, write the number, room label, and contents of the box on the box. That way, if you have a number of boxes, you will know which boxes are missing, as well as tell the moving service provider how many items you have
Step 2. Start packing -- and pack effectively
Wrap each item properly, and cover with wrapping paper, "bubble wrap", or clothing as needed. Place heavy items at the bottom of the box, and light items at the top of the box. Put as many items in one box as possible to reduce the number of boxes you need.
- Pack heavy items such as books and toys in small boxes. However, do not let you pack too many items in one box until the box is too full and can be damaged.
- Pack fragile or perishable items with extreme care. If needed, use an additional layer of "bubble wrap" to pack the item. Place the plastic between the bottle and the cap so that the contents of the bottle do not leak. Also place a cotton swab between cosmetics that are easily damaged.
- Use newspaper / paper that has been torn / kneaded to fill in the blanks of the box / cardboard.
Step 3. Make sure you pack all the items in one room in a box with room labels to make the unpacking process easier
Start by packing by room, and pack small items first to free up space. Mark and seal each box so you can find items as you move.
It will also be easier to transport goods if you do this. If they provide excellent service, they will place the goods according to the label in the appropriate room
Step 4. Unload large items
Place the hardware in thick Ziploc plastic, depending on the contents and the space it comes in, then place the entire plastic in a box with the proper equipment -- such as an L wrench, screwdriver, pliers, etc. This will make it easier for you to unpack when you've moved.
Make sure you keep the box containing the hardware and tools in a place that is easily accessible to everyone so that the reassembly process can be done easily. Place earplugs for videos, remote controls, nails, and anything else you'll need as soon as the move is complete in this box
Step 5. Clean each room individually, starting with the kitchen
Take out the trash and pack only the things you need. Use food storage containers in the kitchen to store the little things you find when you empty out the drawers in your kitchen, desk, or workbench. Label the box according to its contents and the room it came from, then seal the box. Use plastics of various sizes for the same purpose; add a note inside each plastic that states the contents of the plastic, such as "stereo cable" or "stationery". Place all containers and plastic in the larger box, and label the box according to the room and contents of the box.
- Dishes, such as CDs/LPs, must be arranged vertically. Don't forget to check the contents of the dishwasher!
- If you have an item that you want to keep in shape, such as a necklace (to keep it from getting messy), use a plastic roll. Put the plastic over the object, wrap the object, then pack the object.
Method 3 of 3: Finishing the Job
Step 1. Pack the box containing the last item that must be opened as soon as possible
This box may contain items that you will still use until the day you move, such as small items you want to grab before you pick up something else. Also add items like dish soap, sponges, tissues, stationery, scissors, paper/plastic plates and forks, bottle openers, towels for each family member, pans, frying pans, plastic utensils, box cutters, etc.
- Remember that your family members still need to eat, wash their hands, and shower before you finish unpacking. This box will make your moving process easier.
- Also pack sweets (such as lunkhead) or hard candy in case a family member is hungry or weak on moving day. This method is good to do to prevent a bad mood.
Step 2. Stack the boxes when you are finished filling, sealing, and labeling the boxes
Try to stack the boxes in the room you just finished packing. Store the power cord and adapter in a special box so they are easy to find later.
- Clearly label the box containing the tools and cables, for example by painting them bright red or yellow.
- Rearrange the bolts or nuts according to the device after they have been disassembled so that you can easily assemble the mattress or lamp instead of looking for the bolts.
Step 3. If you note the squares you have, count them
Do you know where each box is? Are there any boxes that need additional sealing? Do you have more boxes than expected and you need to order a bigger truck?
Which box is fragile, and which box is strong? Is there a box you'd like to handle yourself to prevent the unwanted? You may want to separate them so you know where the box is
Step 4. Check each room and make sure all items have been removed
Place the last items in one room. Remember that once the truck is full, and the moving service provider has informed you that all items have been picked up, it is your responsibility to check each room and make sure nothing is left behind. When you're sure every room is clean, it's time to close the door and go!
Tips
- If you hate buying cardboard or have to leave some boxes outdoors, consider buying plastic boxes. Discount shops usually sell plastic boxes at prices not much different from cardboard. Plastic boxes are stronger than cardboard, have handles, stack firmly, and are waterproof.
- When packing, keep in mind that towels, rags, and socks can be good props for crockery. A plastic bag from a drugstore can also be a good blocker because it traps air.
- Order a truck as soon as you know the moving date. A week before the day of departure, contact the service provider and confirm your truck booking.
- Use styrofoam plates for food to avoid spoiling the plate.
- Pack the last of the cleaning supplies -- you'll need them in your new home.
- Pack seasonal items, such as Christmas lights, jackets, and gardening supplies ahead of time if you know you won't need them until you move. Throw away or donate things you don't need.
- A bag of clothes can be used as a barrier between glassware. Make sure you tie up a heavy bag, and make sure the bag isn't too full to make it difficult to carry. Label the bag so that the bag is not mistaken for garbage!
- Use duct tape, not tape, to seal the box.
- Use yellow duct tape to put a big X on glass, cabinets, or other glass objects. This duct tape won't prevent the glass from shattering from shock, but it will help you deal with broken glass as most shards will stick to the tape. Consider removing the glass panels and packing them in a special glass drawer or box. Measure the glass at the packaging store to make the box.
- If you need to disassemble furniture, wrap the bolts and label them accordingly. Attach the packing bolts to the furniture. This step is important when moving abroad.
- Many supermarkets provide vacuum plastic which can save space. If you're having trouble packing your bedding for fear of getting it dirty, buy a large plastic vacuum cleaner, fill it with plastic, and suck out all the air using an intermittent vacuum cleaner. Now your bulky luggage is smaller and easier to carry. (The weight stays the same, though, so be careful).
- Even though it looks luxurious, you can use a handbag as a storage container in the house, in the warehouse, in the basement, or even in the garage. Use camphor to keep your belongings from getting dusty, smelly, or damaged.
- Leave the contents of your drawers alone. If there are items that are perishable, place a towel or sock around or on top of the item to prevent damage to the item.
- Use pillowcases to package photos/paintings -- pillowcases are the perfect packaging for those items!
- You will be able to pack more easily if your room is clean.
Warning
- Arriving at the new house, let the moving service provider unload the truck. If any damage occurs, they will be responsible. However, if you help out, they will not be held responsible.
- Keep work/garden gloves on hand to protect your hands when moving. Don't pack the item! You will need it when transporting goods.
- Make sure you dry the water mat two days before moving. These mattresses take a long time to dry, and must be dry at the time of transfer. Keep the garden hose next to the water mat and move the two together, so you can start adding water as you get things out of the truck.
- As the day of departure draws near, put all the boxes in one room so that furniture and other heavy items can be moved first to the truck and you will have no trouble moving the last one.
- Not all freebies are good! Avoid free boxes from grocery stores or places that sell food, as they may have bugs or insect eggs. Try looking for a box from a liquor store (because the box is strong enough to support a glass bottle), or buy a box from a moving service provider. Nevertheless, the box from the office or office supply store as paper cardboard is good enough for storage and portability.
