Organizing a move is stressful enough, but improper packing makes it worse. Broken boxes, damaged items, and extra work are just a few of the headaches that can occur. Make sure your move is as smooth as possible by avoiding these eight common packing
mistakes.
- Waiting Until the Last Minute
Packing is time consuming. The longer you wait, the more rushed and disorganized it will be, so start as early as you can. A month is ideal, but allow yourself two weeks at minimum. Create a schedule. Set aside 1-2 hours a day to box up a room. Identify
which items need to be left out until the end and which can be packed up now. Starting early gives you time to wrap everything properly, so it’s protected during transport. It also gives you the opportunity to sell or donate unwanted items,
rather than dump them in the trash.
- Using Plastic Bags Instead of Boxes
Plastic bags break more often than any other packing material. Nonetheless, they’re commonly used for all types of items: clothes, bedding, towels, toiletries, food, even furniture sometimes. They’re the go-to for miscellaneous items lying
around the house.
But while they’re convenient, plastic bags don’t offer any protection. Items stored in them can easily break or become damaged. They’re unstable; during transit, they can shift and bang into something. Worse,
the bag can tear and spill its contents. Keep your stuff safe. Use boxes instead.
- Using Old Boxes
Using leftover boxes is an easy way to save money, but it comes with a downside. Old boxes are more likely to break than new ones. What’s more, if they weren’t designed for moving, there’s a chance they’ll crumple if anything’s
stacked on top of them. Purchasing new boxes costs a bit more, but they’re far more likely to hold up during the move. Moving boxes are also uniform in size, which makes them easier to load and organize, and more stable when stacked together
inside the van.
- Not Buying Enough Supplies
Economizing on supplies is another common packing mistake. Boxes, tape, and packing peanuts aren’t expensive, but people often try to get by with less than they need. Packing supplies are designed to keep your belongings safe and secure. Purchase
more than you think you’ll need. Odds are you’ll wind up using them, and they’ll save you a lot of money in the end.
- Failing to Protect Boxed Items
Boxes get bumped during moves, so make sure you’re prepared. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or moving paper before putting them in a box. If there’s empty space in your box, fill it with packing peanuts. Leaving boxes half-full is a
common packing mistake. Not only can items jostle against each other inside, an unfilled box can get crushed if something heavy is placed on top.
- Overloading Boxes
It’s tempting to fit as many items as you can into a box, but it can lead to serious problems. Overfilled boxes are unstable and difficult to stack. Anything placed on top is more likely to fall off, which can lead to big problems during transit.
Worse, packing too many heavy items can cause the box to break open or any handles to tear. Carrying it might even cause back injuries. Keep boxes under 50 pounds. If you don’t have a scale, pick the boxes up before taping them shut. If
you can’t lift a box easily, transfer a few items to a different box before sealing.
- Packing Hazardous Materials
Not everything in your home can be transported safely in a moving van. By law, movers are prohibited from carrying:
- Aerosol
- Ammonia
- Batteries
- Bleach
- Cleaning Solvents
- Fertilizer
- Firearms
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fireworks
- Kerosene
- Matches
- Motor Oil
- Nail Polish Remover
- Paint
- Paint Thinner
- Pesticides
- Propane
- Rat Poison
- Weed Killer
Even though it may be safe to store these items in your home, movers cannot guarantee their safety on the road. Including them endangers your belongings and the moving crew. Shipping them without your mover’s knowledge will void their liability
and leave you responsible for whatever damages may occur.
- Not Labeling Boxes
Without a label, the only way to figure out what’s inside a box is to open it up and dig through the contents. Without knowing where each box goes, movers have no choice but to stack them randomly in your new home, which complicates and lengthens
the unpacking process. Instead of setting up rooms quickly, hours are spent identifying contents and carrying boxes back and forth across the house. Taking a few moments to add labels when packing saves a lot of unnecessary time and effort in
your new home.
Allied agents work with you to create a moving plan built around your needs, time, and budget. Our resources are designed to reduce stress and ensure nothing gets overlooked. In order to make sure your belongings arrive safely at their destination,
we offer both packing supplies and packing services. For help avoiding common packing mistakes or to learn more about the assistance we offer, contact us today for a free quote!