Moving and Packing Tips

Moving into a new apartment can be very stressful. In order to cut down on the headache of moving into your new apartment, here are some useful moving and packing tips to make things go more smoothly:

Packing Supplies:

Moving boxes and supplies are available at most retailers, however if you want to save money check with grocery stores, liquor stores or local retailers for boxes they are discarding. Just make sure they are strong enough to hold the things you are packing. Other packing supplies you might want to consider are:

• Packing paper (such as clean newsprint paper)
• Bubble wrap, tissue paper or paper towels for breakable items
• Markers for labeling
• Tape (such as masking tape, duct tape, or shipping tape)
• Scissors and/or box cutters
• Stickers (for box organization)

Before you pack:

• Having a game plan, before your move into your new apartment, is smart in helping to reduce the amount of stress associated with packing. Write down everything you intend to move, before packing, in a notebook. You may also want to consider having a central location to keep packing supplies and certain locations for organizing particular items. To make your move smoother, break down your goods into rooms which can later be grouped and color coated by box. For example, you may want to list your plates and eating utensils under “kitchen”. Then, when it comes to packing, you can color code each kitchen box with a sticker.
• Check already stored goods, such as holiday decorations and seasonal items, to make sure cartons and boxes are in good condition. Look for cracks in boxes, non-adhesive tape or water damage that might have occurred during storage.
• Make sure you have enough packing supplies ahead of time. Start looking for boxes and saving newspapers a few weeks ahead of moving. Nothing is more annoying during packing than having to run to the store for additional supplies.
• Start early! Start packing seasonal and/or occasional goods and clothing ahead of time.
• Sort through things you don’t want in your new place and have a garage sale or donate them to a local thrift store.

Packing Tips:

• Make sure before you begin, that you have a clear and flat surface in which to wrap items on.
• Economize on space by using blankets and towels as wrapping material or extra padding.
• Before packing, cushion the bottom of your box.
• To wrap an item with paper or bubble wrap, start at one corner and roll the item diagonally towards the opposite corner. Afterwards, fold ends inwards towards object. Secure with masking tape. Make sure no sharp ends or edges are left unwrapped.
• Pack boxes starting with heavier items towards the bottom.
• Avoid making boxes too heavy. Try to keep each box under 50lbs.
• Fill boxes to capacity. Lots of space can lead to items getting crushed during moving, while over packing boxes can lead to them tearing or falling apart.
• Pack delicate items together and make sure to label such boxes as “fragile”.
• Pack things together with similar shapes.
• Pack medicines and liquids in leak proof container.
• Wrap electrical cords together, securing them with either a rubber band or twist ties.
• Empty all breakable objects out of other items before packing (i.e.: drawers)
• Keep hardware and accessories together. Pack accessories and hardware, like screws and fasteners, in Ziploc bags and tape them to items.
• After packing a box, make sure to fill in any empty space with additional paper or padding.
• Draw an arrow on the outside of your box indicating which way is up.
• Test your box after packing by gently shaking it. Listen for any loud rattling or shaking sounds indicating unsecure packaging.
• Pack your moving van or vehicle in the order your want objects to come out.
• Carry all important and valuable items with you.