Your move is coming up, and you know what that means – it’s packing time! As you start to collect your belongings, you might look around and think, “How is all of this stuff going to fit in boxes?”
We’ve been there. That’s why we’ve created this list of tips that will help you learn to safely move even the most bizarre-shaped items in your collection. Let’s take a look at how you can pack like a pro, from learning how to pack dishes for moving to figure out the best way to box up those lamps and protect your breakables.
How to Pack for Moving: The Basics
Before you start handling any items, start by gathering the basics.
Let’s begin with boxes. You can ask local stores if they have any large boxes they want to get rid of. If not, you can also find boxes at many grocery or office supply stores. You’ll also need to gather items like bubble wrap, tape, and scissors.
Again, you ask stores for any bubble wrap they don’t want, or hop online and order some of your own. Another option is to use paper – like recycled newspaper or packing paper – to wrap your belongings.
How to Pack for a Move: Trickier Items
Once you’ve got your supplies ready, it’s time to move on to the main event. We’ll start by taking a look at how to pack simple items, like clothes, and then move on to trickier items, like dishes, picture frames, and other valuables you need to handle with care.
How to Pack Clothes for Moving
When it’s time to pack your clothing, the first step is to consider whether you want to use:
Boxes
Suitcases
Duffels
Vacuum bags
A combination of these items
Each one has a different shape, which can be useful when packing bulky items or things with hangers. If you’re thinking about how to pack shoes for moving, bags and suitcases might be easier, whereas cardboard boxes are perfect for folded clothing.
How to Pack Dishes for Moving
Packing potentially heavy but breakable items like dishes can be a real headache. Keep your items from bumping together and sliding around with these tips:
Grab a sturdy cardboard box and line the bottom with crumpled newspaper for some padding.
Wrap each dish individually, either in paper or bubble wrap, and place them in rows in the box to save space. This also keeps items from moving around too much in the box.
Don’t overload the box, otherwise it might break. Fill up any empty space with more newspaper or bubble wrap. You can even use kitchen towels.
How to Pack Pictures for Moving
When it comes to artwork or framed photos and moving packing, you might want to find specific mirror or picture boxes that fit their dimensions to ensure their safety. They're a bit more expensive than regular boxes, but raise the chances that your items will arrive unharmed. It’s also not a bad idea to look for cardboard corner protectors.
For pictures, grab a roll of painter’s tape and make an X across the glass with the tape. This will help prevent the glass from cracking.
If you have them, slide corner protectors onto the frame. Then, measure the frame and cut out strips of cardboard that you can tape to it for some extra padding.
Once the cardboard is in place, wrap the whole thing up in a couple of layers of paper or newspaper and slide it into the box. Just like with your dishes, fill up any extra space with paper or towels.
How to Pack Lamps for Moving
Much like with dishes and pictures, you'll want to carefully cushion your lamps in their boxes. Separate lightbulbs and delicate shades, and pack them separately so they don't break or get crushed.
How to Pack Books for Moving
Choose a sturdy box for packing books and tape the flaps from the inside so it doesn’t fall apart. Pack hardcovers upright so that their spines are together, just like on a bookshelf. You can pack paperbacks the same way, or you can lie them flat and stack them in the box.
You can pack them in pretty tight, but remember you still have to lift the box!
Introducing MASH Movers, Your Austin Area Movers
Even the most experienced moving pros may want to call in some help from professional packing services.
MASH Movers is one of the top choices when it comes to moving services in Austin. We can help you take on packing and moving with the flexibility, friendliness, and quality service that we do best.
As movers by day and artists and musicians by night, our team knows how to get the job done with a smile. Drop us a line if you’re looking for Texas movers in Austin, and see how we can help you!