Published: January 01, 2024

Mastering the Art of Packing: 5 Steps to Ensure Your Belongings Arrive Safely

Moving to a new home or simply packing up your belongings for storage can be a daunting task. The key to ensuring your items arrive safely at their destination is proper packing. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, these five steps will help you pack your belongings securely and protect them from damage during transit.

Step 1: Gather Packing Supplies

Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Having everything on hand will help streamline the process and prevent unnecessary delays. Here’s a list of essential packing supplies:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Packing peanuts or foam padding
• Packing blankets or furniture pads
• Markers for labeling boxes
• Scissors and a utility knife
• Furniture dolly or hand truck (for heavy items)

Step 2: Declutter and Organize

Before you start packing, take the time to declutter and organize your belongings. Sort your items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. This will not only help reduce the number of items you need to pack but also make your new space less cluttered and more organized.

Step 3: Pack Room by Room

To avoid chaos and confusion, pack one room at a time. Start with the rooms you use less frequently and work your way towards the more essential areas of your home. Packing room by room ensures that you keep similar items together, making it easier to unpack and find things later.

Here’s a room-by-room packing guide:

• Kitchen: Wrap fragile items individually and use dividers for glassware and dishes. Pack spices and non-perishable food items separately.
• Bedrooms: Disassemble furniture if possible and wrap pieces in furniture pads or blankets. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
• Living Room: Protect electronics with bubble wrap and use furniture pads to shield furniture from scratches.
• Bathroom: Secure toiletries and breakable items in small boxes and label them clearly.
• Garage/Storage: Dispose of hazardous materials properly and pack tools and equipment securely in sturdy boxes.

Step 4: Use Proper Packing Techniques

When packing fragile or delicate items, it’s essential to use the proper techniques to minimize the risk of damage during transit. Here are some packing tips:

• Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion fragile items like glassware, dishes, and artwork. Place them in sturdy boxes and fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or foam padding.
• Label Boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will help you and your helpers know where to place each box when unloading.
• Secure Furniture: Disassemble furniture as needed and wrap pieces in furniture pads or blankets. Use stretch wrap to secure the padding in place.
• Heavy Items: Pack heavy items in smaller boxes to prevent them from becoming too unwieldy. Reinforce the bottom of the boxes with extra tape.

Step 5: Pack an Essentials Box

Before you seal up all your boxes, pack an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This box might include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, basic kitchen supplies, and any other essentials you’ll need right away. Keep this box with you during the move to ensure quick access.

By following these five steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your belongings during a move or while they’re in storage. Proper packing and organization are key to ensuring that your items arrive safely and that your transition to a new home is as smooth as possible. Happy packing!

For more information and help with the move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Southwest Florida or call (941) 759-5937.