10 Moving Packing Tips

American film writer, novelist and playwright Ben Hecht once wrote: "Time is a circus, always packing up and moving away." To ensure a timely move that in no way resembles a circus, review the ten tips below to assist in your packing process:

1. Packing Supplies - keep the following supplies handy for packing:
• Boxes - ALL sizes - begin collecting them (either from friends who have them, or from local stores that receive goods in them) at least six weeks prior to your packing day;
• Permanent marking pen (so it does not smudge/transfer onto clothes);
• Bubble wrap;
• News/tissue paper;
• Heavy-duty packing tape (always tape the bottom of each carton before filling);
• Scissors;
• Tape measure
2. Use strong boxes/containers that can be secured tightly. If your moving company does not supply them, you should purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobes, large pictures, mirrors, glass tops/shelves, clocks, mattresses, etc.; Also, check with your local self storage facility, as they often provide them to their storage clients;
3. Pack audio-video equipment in original boxes, labeling accompanying cables and tightening all screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects from which they are removed;
4. Make 50 pounds your box weight limit! Heavy items such as books (which should be packed tightly, on end), canned food, etc. should be put in smaller cartons;
5. Label each box, indicating the following:
(a) Which room? (i.e Master bedroom; spare bathroom, etc.)
(b) Fragilty? IF YES, mark the box prominently on all sides)
(c) Priority? (i.e. should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first)
6. Cushion contents with packing material (i.e. foam peanuts, bubble wrap, new/tissue paper.) Save room by using towels/blankets to wrap fragile items; all breakable items should be wrapped individually. Use paper to cushion the bottom, sides and top of cartons. Stack plates vertically (as if in dish drain); place glasses/stemware upright;
7. Have rugs and draperies cleaned prior to moving, leaving them wrapped/sealed for your move;
8. Pack medicines in a leak proof container, or, even better, keep them with you;
9. Carry all valuables with you;
10. Check with local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on particular plants, etc.

Tony Gonzalez has enjoyed a prosperous career in general contracting but has decided to complete his college degree in - of all things - sociology - and enjoys blogging about his daily observations of our "human society" and other musings about life and people.

Tony has an interest in all things storage. Tony is an expert on self storage in
Houston.