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Properly Packing Your Possessions: Avoiding Broken Glass and
Lost Memories
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Center
While many
people may think it’s alright to pack their clothing and other
possessions haphazardly, there are any number of problems that
can arise from poor packaging during a move. Movers or helpers
can drop these boxes, which can split open due to poor taping or
make an uncomfortable crunching sound without the proper
padding. As well, boxes in transit can experience small jostling
that may damage delicate items like pottery, art pieces, and
other valuable items. Renters who simply stuff their possessions
in boxes and hope for the best may luck out in the long run.
However, people who are concerned about protecting their
investments and their beloved household items should take care
to package their possessions properly.
The first
step in packing possessions properly is buying and constructing
sturdy cardboard boxes and wooden crates. Renters who are
looking for a variety of box sizes can purchase them from the
post office and office retail stores for a low cost. As well,
renters who have former employment at retail or grocery
establishments can usually get sturdy cardboard boxes for free
or next to nothing. For those who want to use wooden crates,
going to a hardware store or home improvement retailer is
usually the best option.
Cardboard
boxes should be used general items that are not fragile and are
light to medium weight. Such items can include DVDs, books,
clothing, and cooking utensils. When constructing a cardboard
box, renters should tape and not fold the edges together to
ensure maximum box integrity. Packing tape is the best option
because it is durable and its adhesiveness lasts for a longer
period than duct or masking tape.
Wooden
boxes, in conjunction with packing peanuts or straw, should be
used for household appliances, art work, and other items of high
value that may be fragile. These boxes can usually be bought
preassembled, which saves time on nailing together the wooden
sides. Wooden boxes are typically heavier weight, which requires
several people and a hand cart to move from one place to
another.
With
plenty of boxes in tow, the moving renter can then begin to pack
up their items. About a month ahead of moving, renters should
save old newspapers, magazines, and the like. Paper is needed to
wrap around glassware, frames, and other items that need to be
cushioned from neighboring items. Like bagging groceries, people
should be aware of the weight that items in the top of the box
are exerting on items at the bottom of the box. Storing a
microwave on top of a bunch of CD cases, for example, is bad
packing. Heavier items should be placed at the bottom of the
box. Paper, packing peanuts, and other cushioning material
should be used on individual items and then placed liberally
before sealing the box. Finally, movers should mark the top of
the box so that helpers know which end is up.
The final
step in packing away items during the moving process is learning
how to place boxes and crates in moving trucks and vehicles.
Boxes with non-fragile items should be stacked as high as
possible in the moving truck, as these items are packed properly
and unlikely to be damaged. These should be the first items
packed away, so that heavier and more cumbersome items can be
moved with ease into the back of the truck. Smaller, lighter
boxes can be placed on chairs, tables, and other furniture in
order to keep them weighed down during the moving process. The
final step in the packing process is packing clothing and
miscellaneous unpacked items into the person’s vehicle. The key
to this step is to avoid stacking in a car or truck when simply
setting the items on the car seats will do just fine.
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