Many people agree that packaging is what makes any move incredibly stressful. Depending on how many things you have, you must transport them all safely and in one piece to your new home. That can be a big challenge, as it is necessary to pack and protect them from damage during transport. And when you have a lot of belongings, it creates extra pressure.
When you have a large number of household items, and you want to relocate them, one of the best ways to transfer them safely is in storage containers. Moving your belongings into a storage facility can be both a hassle and a costly endeavor, so learning how to pack boxes properly will save you both time and money.
Packing your things the right way makes a big difference. It’s not rocket science, but it can cost you some energy and nerves (and money). Learning how to do it the right way will help you greet the moving day relaxed. And if you click here, you can find some extra tips on storage options.
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Create a Perfect Fit
Choosing a storage container instead of packing every item is a smart move. You’ve just got yourself a convenient and easily accessible storage space ready to transport in a matter of minutes. Once you pack your belongings inside, you just have to wait for a moving van, and you’re all set.
One of the most critical steps in packing your belongings in storage is to ensure that all of them fit correctly. To do that the right way, you need a storage container of the right size. There are actually many different sizes available. This parameter is important because it will determine how much of a dent it will create in a moving vehicle when it goes down the road.
The rule of thumb is that a one to two-bedroom house (600–1,200 square feet) needs two standard containers (one has a capacity of 300 cubic feet). Every next bedroom will need an extra storage unit. In the case of a large house (4 or more bedrooms), it probably pays off to rent a moving trailer.
Weight Distribution
While this sounds easy, many people place boxes improperly, and this can cause them to be unevenly packed or to break down in transit. Improper weight distribution can be risky, mostly when the truck rides on uneven terrains and curves.
Most people make mistakes by packing large and heavy items first. That way, things like furniture and appliances will be all put on one side of the container, causing it to be overload. To avoid this mistake, distribute all bulky items evenly through the entire unit. Lighter things will go on top of them, and so on.
On the source below, see what things from your house could be useful as a packing material:
Disassemble Bulky Items
To learn how to pack belongings in storage containers effectively, disassembling bulky items is a must. The last thing you want while transporting belongings is to have them broken or damaged, just because you didn’t pack them properly.
So before packing, disassemble the furniture into parts. That primarily applies to all furniture with compartments (drawers, cabinets, closets). Wrap these items separately, then pack them in the same order to pack your other belongings.
The Science of Packing Boxes
Next, you will need to learn how to pack boxes properly inside of storage containers. First, you must know what things you will put in them. Heavier and delicate items should be placed in smaller packages, without other things that can damage them.
Lighter items can go into bigger containers, and feel free to pack them as tight as you can if they are not fragile. That way, they won’t move and damage. Adhere to the weight limitation if you use rented shipping boxes. An extra tip is to use as many boxes of the same size as you can. The packing process will be smoother.
It should go without saying that you should always start with the bottom of the box and work your way up. Fill them the same way as you fill the storage container. Put the heavier things on the bottom, and those delicate ones on the top. Also, put some important stuff on the top if you might need them before final unpacking. You should then secure the lid of the shipping box and tape it closed.
You Can’t Pack Everything in Storage Containers
Moving is an excellent chance to get rid of unnecessary stuff. That way, you’ll speed up packing and have less stuff to transport. Keep in mind that most movers won’t accept to transfer pets, hazardous materials, valuable stuff, or house plants.
Next, you must know which stuff will go with you. Those should be documents, jewellery, smaller artwork, and anything of a particular value and importance. Things like works of art, antique furniture, pianos, and safes require specialized transport, so make sure you organize that before moving day.
You should also avoid placing liquids or some toxic materials (like home chemistry) on top of your belongings. Instead, you should stuck them somewhere on the bottom. That way, you’ll prevent them from spilling and damaging the rest of your stuff.
Extra Safety
Although storage containers are generally safe, you can always take some extra precautions. For example, you can fill the space between the boxes with some soft things, such as bedding or towels, or anything that is not fragile. Then, you can use extra straps to attach the boxes inside the container. That way, you’ll avoid shifting your belonging all over the container during transportation.
Moving is such a stressful event, so you will want to take the proper precautions to ensure that everything is packed well. After finding the right size of the container, packing boxes properly is actually very simple. All you really need to do is follow the basic guidelines given above to get the most of the storage unit you rent. Adhere to some basic security advice, and you’re good to go.
