One of the services we offer is to pack up our Client's possessions. Over the last three years, we've learned a few tips that I thought I would pass along.
Our number one rule is that no box should weigh over 30-35 pounds. Anything more and you may have crushed or damaged boxes. By the end of the day, these boxes will feel much heavier.
Label each box with a "color code". We use color coded small round labels (3/4") that we buy from any office supply store. If you use one color for each room and place a sticker on each side, you can instantly find a box you might need quickly. This also helps everyone unloading to find the right room for the boxes. As an alternative, most of the truck rental Companies sell sealing tape that says "Bedroom, Kitchen" etc. Don't use this tape to seal your boxes. It usually pops up. But we do use it often to simply label rooms easily.
If your moving locally and have any clear plastic bins, they are very helpful to use during this time. You can see the contents and they're usually very easy to carry. We have a lot of these with wheels. By the end of the day, those are really worthwhile!
Since we're in this business, we buy our cardboard boxes from a wholesale box Company, but you can buy from truck rental companies like Uhaul. All these Companies have china boxes and wardrobe boxes. They are invaluable! When we used to buy from Uhaul, an average move was about $300 in boxes. While they can be expensive, if you don't use all of them and you purchased from Uhaul, they will allow you to return them.
If you don't use the china/plate boxes, when you're packing breakables, make sure to use an adequate amount of packing paper. Any vases or glasses should be stuffed with paper before packing them. Having paper inside of glasses or vases really helps to keep these items intact. Mark all of these boxes fragile or buy tape that says "fragile". It's worth it…the lettering is large and the wording is red. Hard to miss it! You can also use blankets, pillows, sheets, towels etc as packaging.
We also take great care in packing the boxes in a truck. Obviously, fragile goes on top, but make sure the very heaviest boxes are on the bottom. We put large furniture in first and tie it down so it doesn't slide in to the boxes.
When we get furniture ready to move, we always shrink wrap the pieces. (again, you can purchase at a truck rental place). Your furniture will be easier to handle and will not get dirty. We use mattress bags or mattress boxes to keep those clean too. If you have a couch that is really hard to get through a doorway, sometimes shrink-wrapping it really tight with make it much easier.
If you rent a truck, be careful what you pay. Some of these places "only" charge you 19.95 a day. Sounds great, but then you pay $.99/mile. That can really add up. Shop and you'll find big differences. Also try and move during the week. It can be cheaper rates. If you move at month end, reserve a truck well in advance. We also buy the truck rental insurance. For a few more dollars, all your possessions will be safe.
