Inventory Everything
This might seem like overkill, but it is so important. Creating a catalog of all your belongings will ensure that you know exactly what is packed in each box.
Going a step further, you can add numbers to each box and keep track of where it is in the truck or storage unit. This way you can easily find individual items you need quickly rather than searching through boxes.
Creating an inventory is also a best practice when it comes to accountability. If you are having a moving company move your belongings, it is good to have a list of everything they pack. This way you can make sure all of your items are accounted for and in good condition when the move is finished.
Clean Everything Before You Pack
From clothes to dishes, from furniture to books – everything should be wiped off and cleaned before it goes in a box or container. Doing this will ensure your items won’t develop any funky smells or residue during your long trip.
You may even want to apply a protective coating or spray to materials like wood, leather, and other porous fabrics.
Durability is Key
When selecting boxes and containers, it is essential to seek out heavy-duty materials, like sturdy cardboard or wood. Choosing boxes and containers that are a uniform size and shape will go a long way in easing the pain of packing them into a truck or storage unit.
Yes, you can pick up free cardboard boxes from grocery and retail stores, but they’re usually falling apart and sometimes dirty.
Lucky for you, On the Move of Murfreesboro custom makes all of our moving crates so that your items are safe and secure inside and they can be packed in an efficient manner.
Use Breathable Containers
You may think that using plastic containers and bags will protect your belongings from spills and dirt better than cardboard or wood crates, but they actually do a better job of keeping moisture in then they do keeping it out. Items that are packed in non-breathable, plastic containers are more susceptible to mildew and mold to grow on them. This is especially true in hot and humid climates.
Packing Clothes
Some people swear by vacuum sealed bags to store their clothes, but those are made of plastic and we just read what plastic will do to your clothes – make them more susceptible to mold and mildew.
Clothes especially need to be packed in breathable containers or garment bags that allow air flow. And feel free to throw in a couple silica packets for good measure.
Packing Mattresses
As with all the other items you’ll be packing, it is best to start by cleaning your mattress. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum to suck up any loose dirt is a great start.
You may also let some baking soda lay on your mattress and box springs for a few hours to absorb any odors that might be exacerbated by prolonged storage or heat. Again, just suck up the baking soda with your vacuum after a few hours.
Despite the warnings against packing in plastic, a plastic mattress bag is your best bet for deterring dirt, dust, and bugs from calling your mattress home. Reduce the chances of long term moisture accumulation by opening the plastic bag up every couple months to air your mattress out.
Additionally, store your mattress flat. Standing it up on its end will save space, but mattresses were not designed to be upended for long periods of time. Both memory foam and spring form mattress is can lose their shape permanently by doing this.
Packing Fragile Items
Fragile items should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap, packing paper, or anything soft and flexible. You will want to avoid using newspaper as the print can rub off on your items. Towels, close, dishrags, or any other fabric items also make good packing material. Be sure to clearly mark your box is as “fragile” on multiple sides to make sure it is visible.
Moving is not easy – it takes a lot of time, effort, and sometimes money, especially if you’re moving long distance. On the Move is fully equipped to pack, load, transport, store, and unpack all of your belongings. We basically do everything. So, let us help. Get in touch now for your consultation.
