Moving expenses can add up quickly, so some homeowners try to save money by doing some or all of the packing themselves.  There is nothing wrong with this idea as long as you pack properly in order to avoid damage to your belongings. It’s not just the breakable items you need to worry about—even things like books can become damaged if proper packing techniques are not employed. If you’re not going to hire professional packing services, learn to pack like a professional. It’s easier than you might think, and it will help ensure a stress-free moving day!

Plan Ahead and Allow Ample Time

One of the biggest mistakes DIY packers make is waiting until the last minute to begin. Instead, you should start packing well in advance of moving day. You can start with rarely used items, out-of-season clothes, and anything you won’t need before the move. Giving yourself plenty of time will allow you to not feel rushed, so you’ll be free to take the time required to pack properly.

Pro-Packing Tips

Moving is a learned skill, and the best professional packers go through extensive training. You won’t be able to go to packing school, but we’ve assembled this cheat sheet of our best pro-packing tips for some of the items in your home.

  • Dishes and Glasses. The best option is to use dish boxes and boxes specifically designed to hold glasses. This makes it much easier to ensure the items are protected. Wrap each dish and glass in packing paper and secure paper with tape before placing them in the box. Top with bubble wrap for an added layer of protection and clearly label the box as containing fragile items.
  • Books. Even with the popularity of Nooks and Kindles, some readers still prefer their books to be made of paper. If you’ll be relocating your personal library, you’ll need to gather several small to medium boxes. Books are heavy, so large boxes are the wrong choice for this task. Use soft packing paper as a liner between books and to wrap any sentimental or valuable volumes. Fill in any spaces in the box with packing paper.
  • Clothes and Shoes. For clothing, use suitcases. You’ll be moving them as well, and this is a great way to save space in the moving truck. For dresses and suits, consider investing in a wardrobe box. You’ll be able to hang your clothes inside avoiding wrinkles. When packing shoes, stuff them with paper so they will keep their shape and then wrap them so no scuffs will occur.
  • Furniture. Wrapping wood furniture protects from nicks and scratches. Moving blankets provide protection for upholstered items. If a piece can be disassembled, it’s a good idea to break it down. Side note: You’ll also want to protect flooring, doorways, and walls when moving furniture to prevent damage.
  • Electronics. Original boxes are best when moving electronics. If you don’t have them, choose very sturdy boxes. Don’t try to stuff as much as you can into one box. Instead, pack one or two things per box and be generous with the filler. Keep all accessories (cords, remotes, etc…) in the same box to avoid the nightmare of trying to pair everything up when unpacking. Take a picture of the setup before disconnecting wires. This will make it easier to set your equipment back up in your new home. 

General Tips

  • Don’t Leave Empty Space in Boxes: Too much empty space leaves room for items to rattle around. Fill in empty space with newspaper, packing peanuts, or other filler.
  • Label for the New House: As you label your boxes, do so for where they will go in the new house rather than where they were in the old house. This will make unpacking easier.
  • Reinforce Box: Before you begin packing, reinforce the bottom of the box with tape and line the bottom with a layer of bubble wrap.
  • Choose the Right Size Box: Use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for lightweight items such as clothing and bedding.
  • Consider Fragile-Only Professional Packing: Are you concerned about properly packing your large, fragile, or valuable items? You can still save significantly by doing most of the packing yourself and hiring professionals to handle only the specialty items. 

Easy Moving with Booth Movers

Another smart packing tip is to avoid the hassle of DIY packing and leave it the professionals. Since the 1940’s, Booth Movers has provided exceptional moving services. Our commitment to quality saw us named Mover of the Year for 2017-2018 by the New Jersey Warehousemen & Movers Association. If you’re a realtor in the area, click here to learn more about our Premier Partner Programs. Give your clients access to special pricing and VIP benefits when you partner with Booth Movers.