A normal move is hard, a long-distance move is even harder. You can always turn back for something if it’s a few hours away — several states? Forget it. This is why you need to be prepared with our top packaging tips for your next long-distance move.
In today’s post, Nelson Markesbery Moving & Storage in Cincinnati, Ohio, discusses the top packaging tips for a long-distance move.
Required Packing Equipment
- Boxes in a variety of sizes
- Packing tape
- Strapping tape and/or duct tape
- Bubble and shrink wrap
- Thick permanent markers
- Ziplock bags
- Blank newsprint paper
- Scissors and tape
- Moving blankets and/or furniture pads
- Special boxes and crates for TVs, artwork, etc.
Effective Packing Tips & Techniques
Declutter & Organize
Decluttering non-essential items helps to streamline your entire move. You don’t have to waste time deciding whether or not something is worth moving or not.
If you have large, outdated items, like broken furniture, piled up in the backyard or densely packed in a spare bedroom, call a junk removal company to get it cleared out.
Donate old items that you no longer need. If it’s something of value, you might consider selling it online or hosting a garage sale.
Labels are Your Friend
Label every box. Losing things during a move happens frequently to people. They pack items safely and securely, only to realize they can no longer find them after the move is done. Labels help you to avoid this mistake!
If you want to get even more granular, color code your labels. It’s really up to you.
Hire Help for Organization
Hire a moving coordinator. Get a professional to help you organize, sort, and package your household items. When you hire Nelson Markesbery, we assign you a personal moving coordinator to handle the messy, tedious logistics of moving.
Pack Similar Items Together
Fragile items, like dishes, glasses, picture frames, and cups, should go in the same box, packed snugly in place around packing paper, foam peanuts, or bubble wrap for safety.
Pack Items Inside Furniture
If you’re taking your dresser drawers, suitcases, or wardrobe boxes with you, why not use them to pack your clothes? It saves time. It saves space.
Balance Weight of Moving Boxes
Strategize how you pack. Each box should contain a mix of heavy and light items that make it easy to load and unload onto a moving truck. This reduces the risk of a heavy box crushing items in a lightweight box.
Protecting Fragile Items with Wrapping
- Use the right materials. Bad packaging materials can result in damaged items.
- Create a cushioned base by adding crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap, or styrofoam.
- Place a corrugated box within a box for extra protection.
- Keep a good inventory of the items you’ve packed.
Maximize Space in Boxes
First, choose the right size box. Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for linens, sheets, and pillows.
- Nest items within one another. Find matching kitchenware sets or stack smaller pots and pans inside larger ones, ensuring that there is padding to prevent damage.
- Roll linens and clothes tightly as opposed to folding and stacking them. It reduces wrinkles and saves space.
- Fill small nooks and crannies in the boxes with smaller items like socks, dish towels, and scarves (be sure to label what you put in the box).
- Pack items like plates and cutting boards vertically.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothes, bedsheets, and pillows to maximize your space.
Packaging Large Items & Furniture
Large items like dresser drawers, bookcases, and bed frames shouldn’t be left to move and shift around during transit. Use a dolly to transport them safely and secure them in place with moving straps.
Use bubble wrap, foam padding, or moving blankets to protect mirrors, artwork, or glass tabletops.
Disassemble Your Furniture
Take apart your furniture pieces, including your tables, desks, bedroom sets, and stools. This saves space and makes it easier to move them.
Be careful not to misplace or lose the parts. It’s critical to keep each disassembled furniture piece in its own separate packaging, neatly labeled, and securely wrapped.
Find the Right Long-Distance Moving Help
Best long-distance moving companies, according to Forbes.com:
- Allied Van Lines
- United Van Lines
- North American Van Lines
- International Van Lines
- MovingAPT
- Mayflower Transit
Consider Alternative Moving Options
If you want to take your time with moving and packaging items, choose a portable moving container instead of a moving van. Pack your items gradually. Once you’re ready, the moving container pod is picked up and shipped to your new location.
If you decide to hire a moving company, you’ll need to know how to choose a reputable long-distance mover; find someone who is licensed, insured, and has good reviews.
Check Moving Insurance
Homeowners sometimes think their policy insurance will cover all of their moving needs. Check with your insurance company to verify the details. See if your plan has sufficient coverage of your valuables, be it furniture or fine art.
Review Moving Stipulations
The United States Department of Transportation prohibits certain items from being transported in a moving van/truck. Certain moving companies can have their stipulations on what they move and do not move.
For instance, at Nelson Markesbery, we request that all artwork and wall-coverings be removed before we arrive. This creates a clean environment for easy moving.
Hire a Long-Distance Moving Company in Cincinnati
We offer comprehensive moving services to get you from point A to B with the least amount of headaches. We’ll help you coordinate your move and even assist with packing. Contact us today for a free quote: (859) 371-8111.
