One of the services we offer at My Divine Concierge is moving service for couples or families downsizing to smaller homes. This kind of service is more in demand than you might think. According to a 2010 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 35% of American families moved at least once between 2005 and 2010. That is a lot of moving.
Over the years of helping people pack, move and unpack their belongings, we have learned a thing or two about doing it safely and efficiently. We have decided to pass along some of our knowledge by way of the following helpful tips:
Number Your Boxes
Nothing is more frustrating than getting to the other end of a move only to find out that you are missing something. Even worse is suspecting something is missing but not really knowing for sure. A good way to minimize these problems is to number your boxes as you pack them. Numbering enables you to know whether everything that went on the moving truck actually came off.
As an added benefit, you can use a numbering system to pack room-by-room. When it comes time to unpack, you will know what boxes belong in each room just by looking at the numbers. For example, numbers one through 10 are all things that belong in the kitchen. Boxes 11 through 15 contain items for the dining room, etc.
Distribute the Weight
There is a big temptation to make boxes heavy in the interest of maximizing space. One way to get around this is to develop a system of distributing weight evenly throughout all the boxes used in a given room. For example, rather than packing all of your DVDs and music CDs into a single, unbearably heavy box, distribute them across five boxes that will all include lighter items as well. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is on the backs of your helpers.
Packing Fragile Items
Packing fragile items can be tricky. If you choose to use boxes, the key phrase to remember is shock absorption. Most damage to fragile items comes by way of boxes being dropped or knocked together, items being stacked too high in the truck, and simple road vibration. Protecting your valuables by way of shock absorbing materials can prevent most of this damage.
We recommend using filler material such as packing peanuts, foam sheets, and bubble wrap. You can buy these materials very cheaply at any office supply store or DIY store selling moving supplies. Along with them, consider buying a few extra-thick, rugged boxes. The combination of heavier cardboard and the appropriate filler material will keep your items safe during the move.
One last thing that might help make for a smoother move is to take advantage of the opportunity to pare down your possessions. A move opens the door to reevaluating what you own and how much of it you need to keep. If you can get rid of a few things as you pack, you will have less to put in the truck and less to pull off when you arrive at your destination.
If you need help with your move, do not hesitate to contact My Divine Concierge. We are moving specialists capable of helping you organize, pack, move, and unpack at the other end.