Tips to Keep Your Belongings Safe During a Move

Packing is one of the most important parts of a great move. Done right, it protects your belongings, saves time on moving day, and makes unpacking way easier.  Like President Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”  As a mover, packing is our axe sharpening time!

Here are some expert tips to get you started.

Handle Fragile Items with Care
The key to moving fragile items is padding and stability. Wrap glassware, dishes, and other breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use towels or soft clothing for extra cushioning if you’re running low on supplies.  A friend of mine with several small children once used stuffed animals between several delicate vases!  Always fill empty spaces in boxes with crumpled paper or packing peanuts—this prevents items from shifting during transport. And don’t forget to label these boxes “FRAGILE”, and if necessary, an “↑” up arrow on multiple sides. 

Pack Smart and Label Everything
Overpacking heavy boxes is one of the most common mistakes. Keep heavier items, like books, in small boxes and lighter items, like linens, in larger ones. Pack room by room so you’ll know exactly where everything goes when you unpack. Label every box clearly on at least two sides with both the contents and the room it belongs in.  This may take a little longer now, but you will save so much time on the backend not looking for random items at your new place!

Pro Tips Most People Miss
A few small steps can save big headaches later. Tape the bottom of every box with at least two layers of strong packing tape for extra support. Create a “first night” box with essentials like toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, and snacks—this way you’re not digging through boxes after a long moving day. And if you’re moving furniture, disassemble what you can, and keep screws and bolts in labeled plastic bags taped to the furniture itself.  I cannot overemphasize this last one.  You’ll save hours looking for those missing screws, nuts, bolts, and washers, and instead be able to immediately reassemble your dresser or bedframe.  Now you got some extra time for a much-needed power nap! 

Want to Skip the Packing Stress?
We get it - Packing takes time, and it’s easy to underestimate how much work it is.  We forget how much stuff we’ve accumulated, especially after we’ve lived somewhere for more than several years.  Like many processes though, there’s an art to packing: doing it efficiently, carefully, and quickly so you can get your move underway. 

Our team handles everything—from wrapping fragile items to organizing boxes, to disassembling and reassembling big pieces of furniture.

Armed with these tips, whether you decide to pack it yourself, or bring in the pros, your move will be as stress-free as possible.