The Basics

If you have decided to pack on your own before moving day, you need to make sure that all of your boxes are ready to go before your movers arrive. Finalize your packing process the last day before your move, and leave out vital personal items that you use every day until the morning of your move and pack them separately – keep your necessities with you. Give yourself a lot more time than you think you will be needing and take it slow. You need to stay organized, make sure to plan the entire process and tackle room by room from least to most used to make the process simpler. Label your boxes in detail and sort them by weight – and most importantly, keep your boxes below 50lbs each.

Packing Supplies

Saving old newspapers can be a lifesaver, as they can be used as wrapping paper along with tissue paper. You’ll be needing a lot of boxes in various sizes that should be in good condition. Liquor boxes can save the day when packing your vases, plates or glasses and provide them with a lot of protection as well.  You’ll need some tape, preferably plastic tape – make sure that it is a couple of inches wide. Purchase markers in different colors to label your boxes, as well as colored labels, along with some specific materials such as wardrobe boxes, artwork boxes, mattress covers etc. Try to find the boxes of your electronics if you still have them – they will provide them with the best form of protection.

List of Items

No matter if you are moving on your own or with a moving company – you need a list of items. This will save you a lot of time during the unpacking process as well. Send your list of items to your moving company so they know exactly how to tackle your move, and make sure to check off your items as they are being loaded and unloaded off of the moving truck.

Packing the Kitchen

–        Stack three or four cups or glasses inside each other in a bundle and wrap them – you’ll need padding between each piece for protection.

–        If you have some liquor boxes, these items are perfect to pack them in. Any space should be filled with paper.

–        Plates can also be bundled and stacked together in the same manner with paper in between. Using bubble wrap to fill up your boxes with plates is the best form of protecting them.

–        The same process can be applied when packing pots and pans – but make sure to seal these bundles with tape. Do the same for bowls and similar items.

–        Don’t pack kitchen appliances with other items, but pack them together – but don’t overfill your boxes or make them too heavy. Wrap each appliance individually and remove all batteries from them – keep those in a separate box.

Packing Fragile Items

–        If you have found your original electronics boxes, pack them there and make sure to fill up your boxes with padding. If you don’t have them, visiting your local electronics store to obtain one is worth the trip as these are the most fragile and most expensive items that you are most likely moving.

–        Wrap your paintings, large photo frames and mirrors in blankets or towels for extra protection.

–        Pack your china in dish packs – if you don’t have them, leave them unpacked and have your movers pack your china for you as it is delicate.

–        Leave your glass table tops, statues, paintings or vases for your movers to pack or consult with your moving advisor.

Packing Non-Fragile Items

-Protect your mattress with a mattress cover, or wrap it in plastic wrap.

– Wardrobe boxes are great for packing curtains, table clothes and drapes.

– Roll and wrap your rugs in plastic wrap so they don’t get dirty during the move.

– Pack your miscellaneous items into larger boxes, but make sure not to overfill them. Always add packing paper to fill up the space.

– Documents should be packed in a separate box, and kept with you during your move.

– Pack your books in a lot of smaller boxes. Don’t make them to heavy to carry.

Additional Packing Tips

– Similar items should be packed together.

– Cords and similar items prone to tangling should be secured together to save space.

– Be generous with your padding – it could make a large difference when protecting your items.

– Place padding on the bottom of your boxes for extra protection.

– Heavy items go on the bottom of the box – lighter on top.

– Pairs of things should always be kept together.

– Shredded paper is a great alternative for padding.

– The more delicate your item is – the more padding it needs.

– Your boxes should be able to close easily with no force, but shouldn’t bend inward. If your box rattles, it needs padding.

If you want to skip the hassle of packing altogether – hire the best packers in Folsom and hire Movers Folsom to take care of your packing tasks today!