Guide to Self-Packing

by Fatima Calderon

We are going to be publishing a series of tips to help you do the best and safest packing you can by yourself.

Why self-pack?

Not everyone can afford the full service provided by moving customers. Sometimes, depending on the size of the move and where you are moving to/from, costs can add up to a hefty amount.

While we recommend to always go with the full packing service from us – as the safest way to get your belongings transported door to door – we understand that this is not always an option.

The key to everything is planning and organization.

In this first entry to the series, we are posting general guidelines for self-packing, to make your work a bit easier.

Before you start packing, make sure to download the list of NON-ALLOWABLES so that you don’t include something that may get you in trouble.

Ø Room by Room

Set up an area in the center of the room and keep your boxes and materials nearby so they are easily accessible. Pick a starting point and begin packing in a clockwise direction. Packing is a tedious process, but having a plan can greatly improve your progress.

Ø Cushioning and Protection

• ·       Look for newspapers and phone books around your neighborhood. Crumple the pages of the periodicals into the shape of a ball and they make a great substitute for packing peanuts. But DON’T use these for wrapping items as they can soil your belongings!

• ·       Use your belongings as packing materials. Blankets, soft clothing, and stuffed animals also make a great substitute for packing peanuts.

• ·       Before taping any box closed, clearly label the contents of each box on its side. If you need to find something in a hurry, you won’t have to waste and reapply several feet of tape in the process.

• ·       Specially mark any boxes containing fragile items. If the placement of the box is important, also label the top of the box, so it isn’t placed upside down by mistake.

• ·       Make use of bubble-wrap to wrap fragile items. Items that are unwrapped but stored in the same box, even one loaded with packing peanuts, can bump up against and scrape against each other.

• ·       When possible, wrap especially valuable items in at least two layers of protection.

• ·       Make sure to put heavier items on the bottom of each box with more delicate at the top.

• ·       Using the right sized box is essential in order to avoid storing too much weight in one box or ending up with too much empty space.

Come back next week for the next entry to this series, where we will tackle packing electronics.