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Packing all your belongings is one of the most important steps prior to moving. If you don’t go about this process carefully, you will end up having a lot of damaged and unusable things that you will simply throw in the rubbish bin when you unpack them.
6 Packing Mistakes to Avoid When Moving
Investing in professional packing and moving services will ensure all your valuable possessions will be properly packed and safe to transport. But if you want to pack some of your items yourself, make sure you avoid these packing mistakes which can cause you headaches and unexpected expenses:
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Underestimating the Number of Packing Supplies You Need
When buying boxes and other packing supplies, make sure you have more than you think is necessary.
This is because you may damage some of the boxes during the packing process, decide to pack some more items, or repack for safety purposes. If this happens, you will waste time running to the store to get more.
As such, it is best to err on the side of caution and obtain more packing supplies instead of less ahead of time.
Packing Everything
One of the biggest mistakes you may make when moving is deciding to bring everything you own now to your new home.
Although it may be hard to let go of certain items, keep in mind that the more you pack, the more you will pay for the overall moving cost.
As such, before you start wrapping an item, make sure you will have a use for it. In case it is a bulky décor item, think long and hard about its sentimental and monetary value, and if it is worth the cost of moving it to your new home.
Forgetting to Pack Certain Things
Another packing mistake that can be as problematic as packing everything is forgetting to pack certain items in their respective boxes. When you forget certain items, you will end up placing them in your car or stuffing them in a miscellaneous box.
To avoid making this mistake, create a moving inventory before you start packing. This list will help you keep track of all the items you will be bringing from every room of your house. You can then simply tick off each item from the list as you pack it.
This way, when you find yourself in urgent need of an item in your new place, you will have no trouble locating it.
Over-packing Boxes
Placing too many items in one box can cause it to rip which can lead to your possessions spilling out and breaking or getting damaged. An item from the torn box may also fall right onto your toes as you move or carry it.
Over-packed boxes can cause other injuries as well.
You can ensure you are not over-packing boxes by checking their weight limits. Make sure you adhere to the weight limit for each box. If a box isn’t designed to carry heavy items such as dishes or small kitchen appliances, pack only a few items in it or get a different, sturdier carton.
Failing to Maximise the Space in Each Box
Although it is important not to over-pack, you still need to maximize the space in each box. If you don’t, you will end up moving with a hundred boxes in tow.
To make the most of the space available, but large, heavier items into the boxes first then the smaller, lighter ones on top. If you do this the other way around, the items at the bottom will end up being damaged.
Make sure you avoid leaving empty spaces inside the boxes as well. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or old beddings to fill in the empty space which will also work as an additional cushion from accidental drops, hits, and blows.
Not Labelling the Boxes Properly
Labeling your boxes won’t take a lot of time but it will help you avoid a lot of stress when it’s time to unpack. With your boxes properly labeled, you will also easily find whatever you are looking for, such as some cleaning supplies, even if you haven’t unpacked everything.
Putting the right labels on boxes will also inform the removalists immediately about which boxes need to be handled with extra care and where to take them when unloading your possessions in your new home.
To label boxes properly, write the content list and destination room of each box on the top portion of each box. If you have any special instructions, write this on the sides of the carton as well.
By being methodical throughout the packing process, you will ensure all your possessions are fully protected and will reach your new home intact and ready for use.
Author Bio
Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.
1 comment
THANK YOU for posting this. I was looking for something pretty but organized to get me ready for our move.
If you’re not ready, moving day can become quite chaotic rather easily. Everything should be packed away securely in the right packaging materials. Each packed box should be clearly labeled and some of the furniture might have to be disassembled and wrapped in blankets for loading.