The Moving Planner Blog

Even long distance movers will tell you: there is no way to make moving a stress-free experience. It’s always a major operation but there is plenty you can do to make the packing and unpacking process less painful. Here are a few tips:

1.    Label each box across the tape. Writing a quick note about the contents of each box makes sense. Otherwise it’s impossible to say which one should go in which room when it gets to your new home, without opening it up in the hallway. Labelling makes sense, but you can also use it for extra security. Tape the box up then write the type of contents and the room (eg ‘clothes, main bedroom’) across the tape on both the bottom and the top. Nobody will be able to open up the box without breaking your seal.  For storage and moving, this is a fail-proof technique.

2. When packing fragile glassware, pad it from the inside as well as wrapping the outside. Supporting thin glass walls from both sides dramatically reduces the chance of breakage.

3. Be careful when packing up the contents of tall bookshelves especially if there are kids running around. Take the books from the higher shelves first, otherwise the whole structure can get top heavy and tip over.

4. Distribute the weight. Being organized is a good start, but putting all the books in one box will make it too heavy to lift. Spread the heavier items around by mixing them with lighter ones. Instead of having one box for books, fill three boxes one third full and use the rest of the space for toys or pillows.

5. Some movers provide boxes but if your chosen company doesn’t, ask any local clothing or grocery store. They’ll have plenty of cardboard boxes in the storeroom and most businesses are only too happy to donate them to anyone moving house. Supermarkets usually crush theirs almost immediately, so aim for smaller stores.

6.    Get more boxes than you think you’ll need. Extra ones can always be recycled, but take a few and cut them into wide cardboard strips. Place one of these under the flaps of each packed box before you seal it up. It’s all too easy to be a little over-zealous when cutting the tape to unpack and sharp blades can slice through more than intended. An extra layer of cardboard will protect your clothing and blankets.

7. Old newspapers can be obtained free from coffee houses and corner stores. They are great for packing delicate items but beware- newsprint can leave black stains, so make sure paper-packed vases and dinnerware are kept away from white linen and silks.

8.    Have a charity box open while you work. It’ll save you from packing and transporting items you don’t really need or want anymore and the box can go straight to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Just make sure it’s clearly labeled and the right box goes to the thrift store!