Basic Packing Tips, Part 2

Today I'm continuing the tips from my last post on basic packing for moving tips.  These ideas should help make the moving process easier and more manageable.  NOTE: Steps 1-5 were in my last post, and steps 6-10 are in this one.  :-)


6.    Furniture with small parts.

When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, you want to make sure that all the screws and other small parts don't get lost or confused in the move. To prevent this problem, wrap all of the tiny parts in a freezer bag. Then securely tape the bag to the underside of the item. This keeps the parts with the item they came from, saving hours of time and worry.


7.    Alternate packing materials.

Here's a way to solve two problems with one solution. When packing fragile items, use old towels, pillows, sheets, rags and t-shirts to use as cushioning around the objects. This provides extra protection against damage in transit, and will save plenty of room in your boxes.


8.    Criss-cross tape on box flaps.

Tape boxes along the seams where the flaps meet together. Then tape perpendicularly at the center of the first tape, forming a cross. This method provides extra protection against seams bursting in the move. 


9.    Stacking boxes.

Stack boxes by putting the heaviest on the bottom and the lightest on top to prevent crushing. Don't stack boxes higher than shoulder height to reduce the chances of toppling. Where possible, stack them against walls, leaving plenty of open space to handle wrapping and moving furniture. Make sure there is an easy path to enter and exit the room.

 
10.    The 30-pound rule.

Keep each box below 50 pounds absolute maximum and below 30 pounds wherever possible. Heavier boxes lead to a number of problems, including injuries; rips, tears, and burst seams; and chances of being dropped when loaded or unloaded.  Keep a bathroom scale in the room you're packing so you can keep the boxes below the weight limits.

Here are some additional FREE resources to make your move easier:

  *  Finding outstanding moving companies and movers at http://www.movers-edge.com/Movers-s/2.htm.

  *  Easy moving truck rental guide at http://www.movers-edge.com/Truck-Rental-for-Moving-s/34.htm.

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Moving Tips: Packing Electronics

Packing for a move always takes a seemingly endless amount of time. And that time increases when it comes to packing electronics. Electronics are fragile, can be unwieldy to pack and transport, and generally represent a significant investment.

Here are a few basic tips to make things easier:

• A picture is worth 1000 words- Use a digital or cell phone camera to take pictures of how complicated wiring (computer cords, speaker wires) is hooked up. Be sure to use plenty of light and careful focus so the pictures will be clear. Print each picture and put it in the top of the box holding the item. This will make hooking up the items in your new place much easier.
• Original is best- Always use the original packaging when available. (I realize that most of us don’t have the original packaging for much of anything, but I thought I would bring it up anyway).
• Double boxing- For especially fragile electronics, pack them first in a box with an excessive amount of biodegradable packing peanuts. Then pack that box in a larger box filled with biodegradable packing peanuts. This two-box system seems like a pain but seems to do a better job isolating items from jarring impacts.
• No loose ends- Wrap each cord carefully with cable organizers, heavy twist ties or heavy rubber bands. Never throw unwrapped cords into boxes- they get tangled and caught on other items.
• Cord labels- Consider getting a label maker and labeling the end of each. Then you'll know exactly which cord you're seeing and where each end connects when you put things back together.
• The two-inch rule- Use at least 2" of biodegradable packing peanuts around each side of fragile items.
  

Following these simple guidelines can remove a lot of stress in packing your electronics.

For more information, please visit our free moving checklist and moving tips at http://www.movers-edge.com.

Moving Checklist for 4 Weeks Prior To Move: Resources and Packing

Continuing our moving checklist for 4 weeks prior to your move date, here are guidelines on Resources and Packing:


c Hire movers or reserve the truck.

If you will be using professional movers, see http://www.Movers-Edge.com/Movers-s/2.htm for details on finding movers.

c Recruit help for the move.

If you're moving yourself, start recruiting friends, family, neighbors and co-workers well in advance. Offer free breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for your workforce, and be sure to deliver as promised!

c Get the essential moving supplies.

At minimum, you will need:

__ Markers to label boxes (preferably wide tip, dark color)
__ Moving boxes
__ Newsprint, packing peanuts or other cushioning material
__ Packing tape
__ Scissors or utility knife

c Make a moving organizer.

You can make a moving organizer for all your important notes, receipts, and important information by getting:

__ Binder, 3-ring, at least ½” wide
__ Pocket dividers to separate sections and hold important receipts
__ Paper for keeping all your notes (3-holed graph paper is ideal for this).

c Start packing!

For complete packing tips, see http://www.Movers-Edge.com/Packing-Tips-s/1.htm.

NOTE: Almost everyone under-estimates how much time it takes to pack, so start early and leave plenty of extra time.

c Start separating cherished items from the non-essential.

One of the biggest secrets of moving success is eliminating as many items from the move as possible. Donate items to charity, give them to friends, prepare them for a yard sale or throw them out.

What are your favorite items to check off? Please let me know.

List of Banned Packing Items

Yesterday I wrote about things you might not want to pack. Today I'm taking a different direction, focusing on things you aren't allowed to pack, at least not with commercial movers.

The basic ideas are pretty simple. Professional movers don't want to transport anything that:

• Can explode
• Could perish in the move
• Is highly flammable
• Is toxic
  

Always check with your moving company or truck rental agency to be sure you're complying with their rules and laws in your region. If you don't follow the rules, you can end up voiding your contract and other sanctions.

That being said, here is a brief list of what is most often forbidden:
Aerosol cans

• Ammonia
• Ammunition
• Batteries
• Bleach
• Candles
• Charcoal
• Chemicals
• Fertilizer
• Firearms
• Fireworks (even the little ones)
• Filled gas tanks/ fuel tanks
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Lawn equipment (if tanks aren't emptied)
• Lighters and lighter fluid
• Matches
• Nail polish remover
• Oxygen
• Paint remover
• Polyurethane
• Pesticides
• Plants and produce
• Sturno cans
• Turpentine
• Varnish

Avoid these items in your packing an you could save yourself big headaches later on! :-)