Category Archives: Packing Tips

Where To Get Moving Boxes

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When you’re finally ready to begin preparing for an upcoming move, it’s important to ensure that you have all of the correct materials needed to help you pack up and haul your belongings. The first step in preparing for any local or long-distance move is to gather your moving boxes and other materials, such as packing tape, bubble wrap, and more. This might sound simple, but ensuring that you have the supplies needed to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home can be surprisingly challenging. Wondering where to buy moving boxes and how to begin the process of preparing for an upcoming move? Keep reading to learn a few simple tips from our moving experts!

Where To Get Moving BoxesChoosing the Right Boxes

When selecting the right boxes for your move, it is important to determine what size box is right for the items you need to move. Be sure to reserve large boxes for light objects such as pillows, stuffed animals, lampshades, and other items that will not fill a large box and make it too heavy or dangerous to carry. Smaller boxes are best for heavier items like books, large toys, and small appliances.

1. Buy Them

The easiest way to get moving boxes is to purchase them. Of course, whether you decide to purchase or not depends on your budget and how many boxes you need to pack up your household. The most significant advantage of purchasing boxes is that you know exactly what you are getting and can even buy complete moving kits, saving you time and effort. Individual moving boxes are not expensive, but they can add up fast, especially if you need to buy several dozen.

2. Friends and Family

Around 80% of all products sold in the United States are packaged in boxes. With the popularity of online shopping continuing to rise, your friends and family are very likely to have a stash of shipping boxes. Put the word out a few weeks before your move to let your friends and family members know you need any spare boxes. Also, ask your social media network to keep an eye out for anyone they know that recently moved or is looking for someone to take boxes off their hands.

3. Local Classifieds

Local classifieds are a goldmine for free or low-priced items, especially moving boxes. Some local sources you should browse include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle and Nextdoor. Do diligent research first and always arrange to meet in a public place or take a partner with you for pickup. Also, pay in cash (if they are charging for the boxes) or pay via Paypal (or similar), so you are not giving away your private information.

4. Retailers

Retail stores are constantly receiving shipments in boxes. Specifically, grocery and liquor stores receive shipments more regularly, and their boxes tend to be more uniform in size. Speak to a manager about getting the boxes once they are empty. Also, keep in mind that retailers do not like to sit and hold boxes because it takes up space. If you are given permission to take the boxes, pick them up promptly on the arranged date.

5. Recycle Centers

Currently, about 70% of cardboard boxes used commercially are recycled. That’s a lot of boxes heading for your local recycling center. Call the recycling center first to find out the rules for getting cardboard boxes before you head over. Most of the boxes will be broken down and flattened to save space. So, if you are going to go the recycling center route, be sure to stock up on extra packaging tape.

Moving Box Size Guide

To better prepare you to make a decision on which boxes you need for your move, check out our simple size guide below.

Standard Box Sizes

  • Small boxes: Measure approximately 16″ x 12″ x 12″ and are great for books, small items and kitchen tools
  • Medium boxes: Measure approximately 18″ x 16″ x 18″ and can hold small home decor items, bigger books, small throws and towels
  • Large boxes: Measure approximately 18″ x 18″ x 24″ and are essential for bedding, curtains, large kitchen tools and small pillows
  • Extra-large boxes: Measure approximately 24″ x 20″ x 24″ and can hold comforters, sheets, bigger pillows, small rugs and more

Free Box Hunting Do’s and Don’ts

Getting free boxes is a great way to cut down on moving costs. However, here are some things to keep in mind before you start collecting free boxes.

Packing Items Safely 

When it comes to packing items for a move, it is important to take the time to ensure that all items are packed correctly to prevent damage from occurring and allow all items to arrive safely at your new home. Be sure to wrap fragile items like glassware and electronics in bubble wrap, and use heavy-duty packing tape to seal boxes so that nothing falls out while in transit.

Moving can be overwhelming on the whole, but the process of packing is probably one of the most stressful parts. Not only do you have to sort, wrap and pack your belongings for transport, but there is also the added expense and hassle of getting boxes to pack. Thankfully, there are ways to source moving boxes, and some won’t cost you a dime. Here’s where to get boxes for your move so that you can have a faster, easier moving process.

Contact Pony Express Moving today to make your local move a seamless and enjoyable process.

 

How to Pack A TV Safely

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There aren’t many items that pose more difficulty during a move than a television. Uniquely shaped, fragile, and costly–TVs aren’t something that can just be packed into any old box and tossed in the back of a truck. That’s why it’s so important to know how to pack a TV prior to moving. Sure, it may cost you a little additional time and money on the front end, but when your 65-inch flat screen arrives at your new place in the exact same condition it left the old one, you’ll be glad you invested in the effort!

Whether you’re preparing for a cross-country move or simply placing your current TV in storage after an upgrade, the following guide will teach you how to pack a TV prior to a move properly:

How to Pack A TV SafelyHow To Pack A TV For Storage or Moving: Materials, Preparation and Packaging

  1. Purchase necessary materials

There are several items necessary to make sure your TV is safe during the moving process, including:

  • Furniture Pad
  • Blanket
  • Mover’s Wrap (i.e., bubble wrap)
  • Box Tape
  • Flat Screen TV Cover
  • Cardboard TV Box
  1. Disconnect all cables and accessories

First, you’ll want to take pictures of the television and entertainment center that you’ll be disassembling for reference later, particularly photos of how the wires from accessories like DVD players and gaming consoles are connected to the back of the TV. The next step is to unplug all the cords from the back of the television and wrap them up into neat coils before placing them, along with the remote(s), in a clear, well-labeled plastic bag.

  1. Remove the TV stand or wall mount

Depending on whether your TV sits on a stand or is wall-mounted, you’ll want to remove it and gently lay it screen-side down on a towel or blanket. At that point, you can disassemble the stand or remove the wall mount, making sure to place all screws and other components in the same plastic bag as the cords and remote.

  1. Clean the TV 

After all the cables and wires have been disconnected and the TV removed from the stand or mount, you can clean the screen with a TV screen solution, used canned air to get rid of the dust in the back vents, and a microfiber cloth on the outside TV casing will do wonders on the dust.

  1. Protect the screen

When discussing how to pack a TV safely, nothing is more important than protecting the screen. Ideally, you should save the original packing material the TV came in, but if not, bubble wrap, a blanket, or a flat screen TV cover–which can be purchased at most local hardware stores–can be wrapped around the screen and secured with tape.

  1. Use the right box

In terms of the box, if you don’t have the original packaging, your best bet is to purchase a TV moving box kit from a home improvement retailer like Home Depot or Lowe’s. These handy all-in-one kits come equipped with foam cushions and double-walled boxes, which can be expanded or contracted to accommodate nearly every size of television.

  • How To Pack TV For Moving Without Box

There are some situations in which a TV box simply can’t be procured prior to a move, and in those instances, you will need to know how to pack a TV for moving without a box. Moving experts recommend that you should first wrap the television in at least three layers of bubble wrap, plus a furniture pad or thick blanket, and then secure it between larger pieces of furniture.

How To Protect A TV During Move: Shipping and Transportation

Many larger televisions simply won’t fit in a car or SUV, and even if you manage to fit your flatscreen in your vehicle, the vibrations in the cramped setting can leave the screen vulnerable to cracking or screen distortions. That’s why it’s advisable to utilize a rental truck–and be sure the TV is placed upright and between two other flat, sturdy objects (a mattress is one great option) to ensure any load shifts in the moving truck do not smash the TV.

Hire an Expert to Move Your TV

As you can probably tell, there’s quite a bit to consider when thinking about how to pack a TV safely. From making sure you have all the necessary supplies and materials to disassembling and cleaning the TV, to packaging and transporting it, it can be a lot to deal with. That’s why so many people turn to professional moving companies to handle the packing and transporting of large, costly items like TVs.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

How to Pack Fragile Items When You Move

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When it comes to your belongings, some items are certainly more fragile than others. Fine art, glassware, and other antiques require careful packing and handling, as well as proper storage, in order to remain in pristine condition, especially if a mover is handling your items. Whether you’re packing a valuable set of delicate china or even just a few old photographs, here are some tips to keep your fragile and valuable items safe during the move.

How to Pack Fragile Items When You MovePrepare in advance

When preparing for a move, the first thing you should do is sit down and create a list of all your delicate, valuable, or fragile items. This inventory list will be invaluable in the rare, but oh-so-unfortunate event that anything breaks or goes missing during the move and you end up having to make an insurance claim.

In addition to creating an inventory list, it’s also important to take a few photographs of each item.

How to pack and store the most popular fragile items

Fine China

If you’re packing different kinds of fine china or dishes, start by grouping like items together – plates with plates, bowls with bowls, cups with cups, saucers with saucers, and so on. Neatly wrap each item in tissue paper, keeping them organized by type and size. Use scotch tape to secure the tissue paper, rather than packing tape, as packing tape is very strong and can easily rip right through tissue paper.

Once the pieces are wrapped with tissue paper, wrap each piece with bubble paper, covering every exposed area. You should no longer feel the china underneath the padding.

If you’re packing china plates, you can stack them, but keep in mind that if the plates are heavy, you should not stack more than 5 plates at a time. If they’re light and small like saucers or bread plates, you can stack up to 6 plates. Use your best judgment here!

Glassware

Wrap glasses individually with packing paper, plain newsprint, or bubble wrap. To ensure that wrapping stays in place, secure it with a small strip of scotch tape. Glasses and delicate stemware are best protected from damage when they’re packed in boxes that are divided into individual cells, like this one.

Everyday glassware, from all purpose drinkware to casual stemware, should be stored in a dry, dust, and pest-free environment. While unpacking, you might be tempted to crowd your cabinets with as many glasses as possible, but it’s best to let them breathe and allow for some wiggle room. This will prevent scratches, as well as any accidental breakage.

Silver

Air can cause silverware to tarnish, so it’s important that all silverware pieces – flatware, coffee sets, dishes – are wrapped completely in clean, unprinted packing or tissue paper. Loose silverware should be wrapped in sets with clear plastic, tissue, or packing paper.

If your silverware is in a chest, you still may want to consider wrapping the pieces individually and repositioning them. You can fill all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or clean paper towels and wrap the chest with a large blanket or bath towel for further protection.

Vintage Photographs

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and loss of sheet integrity. To keep your old photographs in pristine condition during the move, it’s important to protect them from light as much as possible.

If unframed, the best way to store old photographs is in archival storage materials or a dark container, such as a Solander Box. Make sure that all materials are labeled “acid free” when looking to purchase scrapbooks, filing cabinets, or other packing and storage materials.

Fine Art

Handle artwork as little as possible. Finger oils can damage artwork by leaving smudges and oily residue. Especially when caring for prints and works on paper, you can greatly reduce the risks of creases, bends, or smudges by carrying paper by the two corners or by supporting the work from underneath, rather than pinching it.

It’s also important to remember to only lean canvases against a flat surface. However obvious,  leaning the front or back of a stretched canvas against a sharp or pointed object, no matter how small, will leave a dent that could irreparably damage the piece. If you lean a work of art against anything, make sure to lean it on the wood of its stretcher bars to ensure that nothing presses against the canvas.

Label your boxes

Once you’ve successfully packed your boxes, make sure to label each one with your name, the contents, and a vertical arrow pointing upward to indicate that the box should not be loaded on its side. In addition, the words “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE” should be displayed prominently on at least two adjacent sides of each box.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Post Move Unpacking Tips

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You’ve arrived in your new place! You must feel so relieved! Moving is hard work, and it starts with planning your relocation. Chances are, you’ve been on a long journey already, and you finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

And yet… There’s still more to be done.

Once you arrive in your new home, you just want to feel at home. We can’t blame you. But you’re surrounded by boxes and feeling overwhelmed. (We can’t blame you for that either, for the record.)

Luckily, there’s a strategy for unpacking after a move. With a bit of pre-planning, you’ll be able to unpack and settle quickly so you can relax in your new place. Unpacking Tips

Get Organized First

Moving day is a crazy time for everyone, and there’s little you can do about that. Between emptying your old place into the moving truck, tying up loose ends, unloading the truck into your new home, and all of the bits and pieces in between, it makes for a hectic (and tiring) day.

Hopefully, you labeled all of your boxes when you packed. Clearly labeling your boxes helps to ensure they make it to the right place in your new home. If you unpack the right boxes in the right place, you’ll find the whole process much more straightforward.

Clean Up

Your landlord or previous tenant may have cleaned the place before you arrived, but the most they technically need to do is clear it of any visible dirt. Before you unpack boxes, take a moment to do a bit of cleaning.

Grab the cleaning essentials: broom, all-purpose cleaner, rags, and paper towels. Give a quick clean to floors and surfaces in each room before you start on your unpacking project. You’ll feel much more at home knowing it’s free of any sign of the previous tenants.

Unpack the Essentials

Did you pack an essentials box? Hopefully, you followed one of our favorite bits of advice and packed a box (or two, or three) of your most essential items. That includes bed sheets, pillows, bath towels, toiletries, medication, pajamas, and a change of clothes and underwear. For some of us, the coffee pot and mugs are also essential items!

Unpacking your essential items first means you’re ready for a shower and a good night’s sleep when the time comes. It also saves you frantically digging through boxes and hunting for the things you need.

Prioritize Your Rooms

If the thought of unpacking an entire house leads to overwhelm, remember you’re not doing it all at once. Start with the most important rooms first, and go from there. More than that (and depending on how you labeled your boxes) start with the most important items in the most important rooms.

Generally speaking, we recommend starting with the bedrooms. Start by making your bed and move to the other areas of the room. Fill your drawers and closet so you can easily carry on with your daily life (such as getting dressed for work or the gym) without tearing boxes open.

Next, move on to the kitchen, living space, and home office if you have one. Once you’ve tackled all of your main rooms you can move on to the rest, such as the dining room, any other living room, and storage.

Declutter As You Go

While you’re unpacking, remember one thing: make sure you don’t create a mess while you go. Of course, you’ll empty boxes and need to find a place. But keep organized and declutter as you empty your boxes. You’ll thank yourself later, trust us. You may empty your boxes a little slower, but it’s best that you take your time and empty your belongings into their rightful place as you do.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Most Common Packing Mistakes

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Packing well is both an art and a science, and the people who hate packing (there are many) have forgotten this fact. Since many of us save our least favorite tasks for last, it’s no wonder that packing can quickly go wrong.

Most Common Packing MistakesPacking your things should never be an afterthought in your process of moving. It goes without saying that you need to pack smartly to protect your items in transit. You’ll also need to pack (and label) well so that unpacking is a breeze in your new home. The time you save in cutting corners comes back to you tenfold when it’s time to unpack, sort, and settle.

Here are some of the most common packing mistakes to look out for.

Procrastination

Whether you’re feeling a bit casual about the process or avoiding it as long as humanly possible, procrastination will come to bite you in the end.

You can follow all of the packing tips in the world, have all of your supplies together, and organize to a fault, but one thing is sure: if you delay to the last moment, all of your other preparations go out the window.

Start by assuming that you’re underestimating the time it will take you to pack. If you’re wrong, you’ll have bonus time left over. If you’re right, you’ll have given yourself ample time to pack without stress. Win-win, right?

This common packing mistake is so critical we could name it twice. Avoid procrastination, and the rest will more easily fall into place.

Winging It

Hand-in-hand with ample time is planning. Are you the breezy, in-the-flow, everything will work out in the end type? That’s great, for some things. When it comes to packing moving boxes, you need a bit more structure.

If planning and organization come naturally, you can skip this section. You’re probably already making lists, gathering necessities, and looking at a timeline leading to moving day. Keep it up!

For everyone else, take a note from the planners of the world. While it all may seem a bit neurotic, trust us: it will save you a lot of headaches. Going in without a plan may seem more comfortable at the outset, but inevitably things get missed, tasks forgotten, and you find yourself nearing moving day with a lot of stuff left on your plate.

Take the time to make to-do lists complete with dates to work toward. You’ll help ensure you don’t forget anything while saving yourself stress, time, and energy. Be sure to add the items you’re confident you’ll remember. You’ll either get a helpful reminder, or you’ll get an easy line to cross off.

Not Stocking Up on Supplies

When you get started with packing, make sure you have everything on hand. One of the worst things you can do in the packing process is to get on a roll, then have to stop and head out in search of more supplies.

Start with decluttering your home so you can get a good idea of what, exactly, you need to pack. Be discerning and sell, donate, or trash the things you don’t want, need, or use. There’s no sense in packing things that will just end up stashed in the back of closets or cupboards in your new home.

Once you’ve trimmed and organized your belongings, head out for all of your packing supplies. Sturdy boxes, quality packing tape, bubble wrap, foam sheets, and packing paper are a good place to start. Whatever you do: don’t forget the labels!

Labeling is crucial in the packing process. By clearly labeling your boxes (on multiple sides and the top, by the way), you’ll save yourself some time. Not only will you ensure they’re transported safely, your movers can also deliver the boxes to their appropriate rooms.

Packing Haphazardly

“I’m not going so far, this box will be okay.” Famous last words.

Don’t take for granted that your things will be safe in transit. Whether you’re moving down the block or across the country, you need to devote time and attention to how you pack your boxes. After all, moving day gets a bit hectic, and boxes do a lot of shifting between your current home and your new one.

Labeling helps tremendously (we did mention their importance, right?) but it’s no replacement for mindful packing. No need to overthink it and spend all of your time packing just so. Take the time to wrap your delicate items and use the right supplies for the right items.

Heavier items should go in smaller boxes. Lighter items such as linens, pillows, and clothing can go in larger ones. Specialty boxes are available for specific things, like dishes, glassware, and even wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Be deliberate about how you pack, and make sure your items arrive intact.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

How to Cut Your Moving Costs

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Moving can be a stressful time. With all of the little things to keep track of, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And that’s before you even start tallying up the cost of getting to your new place.

Moving costs can often catch people by surprise. The desire to save money can also lead to some drastic and less comfortable decisions, like assuming you can handle the grunt work all on your own.

Before you decide to push all of your belongings to the roadside so you don’t have to deal with moving, check out our tips on cutting moving costs.

How to Cut Your Moving CostsCollect Free Boxes

If you want to save some money, start with the packing supplies. Rather than paying for moving boxes, try collecting free ones. Places like liquor stores, bookshops, and groceries are great places to find boxes that would otherwise be discarded. Be careful to collect boxes in relatively good shape, particularly if you have fragile things to pack. Make sure to reinforce the seams with packing tape for extra care.

For most (if not all) of your items, you don’t need to buy bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Try using rags, towels, clothes, and other soft items to wrap fragile and delicate items. Clearly label your boxes on multiple sides to keep them extra safe.

Choose Your Dates Carefully

The principles of supply and demand apply to moving and prices fluctuate accordingly. If you are able to plan your move to save money, consider moving in the lower season between late fall and early spring. Even if you don’t have the luxury to choose the time of year, you can (hopefully) still choose your day and time. Holidays and weekends are more expensive than mid-week moves. That means you’ll cut your moving costs by scheduling your move on a weekday.

Do Your Own Packing and Prepping

While full-service movers can pack everything in your house for you, it will cost you. If you’re looking to cut moving costs, handle all of the packing yourself. As most movers calculate cost based, in part, on the amount of time it takes for your relocation, the more preparation you do ahead of time, the better. Disassemble furniture yourself and collect boxes in an accessible place.

Pull in Favors

Other costs can add up, like cleaning and making repairs in your place before you leave. Call in some favors with friends and family and see if they’ll come for a bit of a practicality-centric going away party.

The same goes for child and pet care on moving day. Having your kids – the two- or four-legged kind – running around can be dangerous for both them and the movers. Enlist the help of a trusted person in your life and save the cost of daycare.

Downsize

Since movers charge based on how long the move will take, you can assume that the more you have, the more it will cost you. If you want to cut your moving costs, take a moment to do some downsizing.

We recommend doing a bit of a purge before every move. Why bother packing and unpacking things you don’t want or need? Relocating is an excellent opportunity for a fresh start. You might even make some money if you have things to get rid of that you could sell. Give yourself enough time to sort, evaluate, list, and complete the transaction without pressure.

Check for Tax Deductions

Save your moving receipts – you never know how they may come in handy. If you’re moving for work, you may be entitled to a tax deduction on your moving expenses so keep good (and official) records.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services When Moving. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

How to Get Packing When You Don’t Know Where to Start

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Packing is not easy for everyone. It can be tough to get started, or to even know where to start. You may intend to do your own packing but find the task pretty darn daunting when you start with the first box. How do you get your whole house into boxes and then loaded into a single truck? If you’re not sure where to start, when to get started, or how to pack your stuff – you’re in the right place.
How to Get Packing When You Don't Know Where to Start
From managing your very first move to packing when you’re too overwhelmed to think, these simple suggestions from professional movers can help you start putting one box on top of another until your house is packed and ready to go.

Start with Boxes and a Permanent Marker

Start with that first box. Grab a stack of ‘Medium’ packing boxes and a permanent marker. Start with the rooms you use least, like the garage or den. Clear shelves into boxes (with padding, if needed) and label the box for its contents. Then start another box. Then another. Empty your off-season clothes into one box and your backup toiletries into another. Empty your bookshelves and desk drawers into one box and your less-used kitchen pans into another.

One box at a time, label by label, your home will get packed.

Break Up Your Packing into Manageable Chunks

If packing the whole house seems like a big task, break it up. Pack your office first, or everything in your closet you don’t wear weekly. Pack up your storage areas, they’re already half-packed anyway. Section your house into areas, leaving your most-used things for last. Tackle packing one evening and weekend at a time and congratulate yourself on hitting milestones.

Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Need

Moving is the perfect time to purge your possessions of anything you don’t need or don’t want to bring with you. All those shirts you never wear, the pans you never cook with, or the furniture too shabby to be worth the truck space can get kicked to the curb or – even better – donate them. There might be a young couple who desperately needs an old sturdy couch or a family who could really use that extra mattress.

Get rid of things you don’t need. Anything you wouldn’t miss in the new house is now a candidate to lighten your load and reduce the amount you’ll need to pack.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

If you’re not a professional mover, start early. Most people can’t pack their house over a long weekend, or even over three or four weekends. So, give yourself plenty of lead-up time to pack the house – and know when it’s time to call in the moving company reinforcements if you just don’t make enough headway before your moving date approaches. This is normal, not everyone is a packing machine.

Hire Professional Movers

Professional movers are an important resource when you’re planning a move. Many people hire movers to pack just their big furniture and most fragile objects, trusting their expertise to ensure these items make it to the new home safely. You can also count on a professional moving company to take you past the finish line if your personal moving efforts aren’t quite done when moving-truck weekend arrives.

Whether you need moving services to augment your busy schedule or because you’re not sure where to start, Pony Express Moving is here to help you get where you’re going. Contact us today to consult on your moving plans and schedule the professional moving services you need. We look forward to making your upcoming move a breeze.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

How to Pack Fragile Items For Moving

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If you’re in a rush to move, you can probably get away with throwing most of your belongings into a box without too much concern. However, chances are you want to protect your fragile items like your favorite mug, plates, or flat-screen TV. In order to ensure their safety during your Boston move, you should take the time to properly pack fragile items so that they are secure. It will mean you have to put in extra effort and attention into packing them correctly, but it will be well worth it when all of your items arrive intact.How to Pack Fragile Items For Moving

Gather Materials for Fragile Items

Before you start packing, you first need to get the appropriate materials. To prevent damaging fragile items, you need to provide some cushioning during transport. Boston streets tend to be quite bumpy, so if you don’t properly protect your glassware, they can easily shatter even if you just move a few blocks away. If you don’t already have some on hand, you should get the following items:

  • Moving boxes of different sizes
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper or newspaper
  • Markers
  • Tape and scissors
  • Dividers
  • Towels or socks for cushioning

You can find many of these items for cheap or even free if you know where to look. For boxes, you can ask family, friends, or even a local store if they have any that they plan on throwing out. As well, you can go to sites like freecycle , craigslist or Facebook marketplace and see if there are any listings for the supplies you need. If you work in an office, you might be able to ask the mailroom if you can take any extra supplies they might have.

Pack Your Fragile Items

Once you have everything in one place, it’s time to get packing. Your first step starts with choosing a proper box. You should opt for smaller boxes for your fragile items so you don’t over-pack. Not only are smaller boxes easier to handle, they are less likely to allow items to shift inside during the move. With that said, make sure the small box is also very sturdy as you don’t want it breaking down during the move!

Once you have the perfect boxes, you should secure the bottom and sides with extra tape. This will add extra support and keep it from bowing under the weight of its content. After that, add packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or even towels to cushion the bottom of the box. Now that you have your box prepared, it’s time to start packing your fragile items!

There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of your items breaking. Whether you’re packing your plates or glassware, you should take the time to wrap each individual piece. More delicate items like china should be wrapped in bubble wrap and then secured with tape. Other items that are a bit sturdier can be wrapped in packing paper or even things like face and/or hand towels.

Once everything is wrapped up, layer all of the items from largest to smallest. This way, the base of the box will be well-supported and your smaller items won’t get crushed. If you’re packing glasses and stemware don’t stack them. Instead, separate them with cardboard dividers to keep each item from colliding during the move. You should also fill glassware and other hollow items with packing paper to soften any vibrations.

After everything is in boxes, fill the empty space with packing peanuts, towels, or paper to further prevent these items from moving around. Don’t forget to add a layer to the top before you seal up the box!

Label Your Boxes

Regardless of whether you’re hiring professional Boston movers or not, you should always label the boxes with your fragile items so that you know to handle it with care. Make sure to also include an arrow on the side of the boxes telling them which side is up so they’re not carrying your boxes out upside down! Reliable movers in Boston will generally load fragile items last and will pack them near the top of the pile to prevent any items from accidentally getting crushed. If you have smaller trinkets or maybe a mug you really like, you should carry them with you separately. That way you won’t lose or ruin it during a trip.

If you are putting your items in storage for a while, you should take the time to create a content list on each box. Chances are you likely won’t remember what is in each box after a few months, so just writing fragile or glassware won’t really help. Plus, writing everything out will help you keep track of your items after the move and can help you unpack once you’re in your new place.

Handling Broken Items

Even the best laid plans can often go awry. Even if you did everything right, something still might break during the move. If that happens, you should be very careful when unpacking the items. Remember, handling broken glass or ceramic items is dangerous so be cautious. If you are moving with roommates or family, inform them of what happened and then remove the large pieces first. After that, carefully remove the other unbroken items and carefully wipe it down to remove smaller pieces. You should also vacuum around the box to clean up any small particles that might have fallen to the ground.

If you hired Boston movers, you should be able to file an insurance claim if you can prove that the fragile items were in one piece and properly packed. Most moving companies provide basic insurance that will reimburse you $0.60/pound for each damaged item. Some companies will go the extra mile and might even reimburse you more depending on the cost of the item. If you have a lot of expensive and fragile items, it might make sense to pay the extra money for full moving insurance. This way you can get a full reimbursement for your damaged items.

Conclusion

Packing might be tedious, but if you want to give your delicate items the best chance of making it through a move, it pays to take your time and do it right. Of course, if you don’t have the time to do the packing yourself, you can always hire a full-service moving company that will do all the packing for you. Just make sure to let them know what items need to be treated with care, especially if it’s not obvious!

FAQ

Are there alternative wrapping materials I can use instead of packaging paper?

If you have a tight budget, any cost-savings can be a godsend. Instead of buying packaging paper you can use clothes, towels, sheets, and other fabrics. Just make sure everything is washed and cleaned. If something breaks, during the move, make sure the items you use are properly vacuumed and cleaned of any stray glass/ceramic.

I don’t want to use bubble wrap for moving. What else can I use?

Bubble wrap is great for protecting your fragile items, but after you move chances are you’ll end up tossing it in the trash. If you’re concerned about the environment, this might be the last thing you want to do. Instead, there are more eco-friendly options such as biodegradable packing peanuts, seaweed packaging, air pillow, corrugated packaging, and more.

What items should be considered fragile?

Glassware and dishware are the obvious choices, but other fragile items include: lamps, pictures/frames, TVs, antiques/specialty items, tiles, collectibles, and more. Basically, it includes anything you really don’t want damaged!

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Don’t Forget Your Outdoor Items

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When you are planning for a move, it is common to think about all the items inside your house that will need to be moved to your new home. However, many people have numerous items, such as grills and patio furniture, outside that cannot be overlooked. Preparing and packing outdoor items for a move can be like packing some of your indoor furniture, but like with all home items, it is important to take special care to do the job right. Otherwise, you may arrive at your new home with broken furniture and a dented-up grill.Moving Outdoor Items

Deep Cleaning

Even before packing a cushion, do some deep cleaning of the outdoor furniture and grill. If they aren’t clean for the move, you might end up with dirt and grime on other belongings that ride beside them in the moving van. Spray all surfaces of the patio furniture down with cleaner, wipe clean and rinse with water. Make sure and get all the cracks and crevices on the furniture. For the grill, remove the soot and ashes from the inside and clean the grease or ash catcher. Additionally, consult the manual to see if there is a suggested cleaning solution for the inside and outside of the grill and to see if they have further recommendations for cleaning.

Packing

After you have cleaned your furniture and grill, you can begin to pack it up for your move. Remove pillows and cushions from the patio furniture and set them aside. Take apart any furniture items that can easily be disassembled and make sure to keep track of all the hardware in a bag or box that you can label and tape to the frame. Wrap the furniture pieces in moving blankets and take care to cover all the sides with the blankets. Once they are securely wrapped, secure the pads with tape to prevent damage. Make sure that any pillows or cushions are completely dry before packing them in boxes. Label the boxes for easy identification at your new home.

Remove grates, trays and small parts from your grill and carefully wrap them in packing paper and place them in boxes. You’ll also want to remove the propane tank from the grill. Verify with your moving company if they can load the tank on the moving van. You will likely need to transport it yourself or leave it behind and purchase a new tank after arriving to your new house, as most professional movers will not move anything flammable or combustible. Wrap the grill in moving blankets and secure with tape for safe moving.

Remember that a professional mover can assist with the packing and moving of your patio furniture and grill (minus the propane tank). If you want to forego the hassle of packing your outdoor and indoor items, Pony Express Moving Services would be honored to assist with your move.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Packing Tips And Tricks

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Packing Tips And TricksDe-clutter so you can pack less.

A crucial packing tip is making sure you don’t move anything that you no longer need. Lighten your stress and workload by de-cluttering before you enter the packing stage, which means figuring out what to toss, keep, sell, or donate. Take measurements of your new home and get rid of any furniture that won’t fit or you know you won’t use.

Invest in quality moving boxes.

It’s tempting to go to your local grocery store and try to score some boxes for free. However, moving boxes are relatively inexpensive, and the added durability can be worth the cost in the end.

Grocery boxes and reused moving boxes can be compromised due to wear and exposure to moisture or worse, a bug infestation. The last thing you want is a box falling apart in your hand while you’re trying to move it into the house.

Set a timer and pack for an hour a day.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. When it comes to packing, break down your packing into steps. If you procrastinate and try to pack everything the night before, you’ll likely become overwhelmed with stress.

Tackle one room at a time and spend an hour each day packing up items into boxes. Pack pairs or sets together and make sure your box is the appropriate size to hold a complete set of belongings.

Pack a moving essentials tote.

When you first move into a new home, it’s unlikely the first thing you’re going to want to do is to unpack clothes, do laundry, and go grocery shopping. Moving can take a lot out of your family, which is why creating a moving essentials tote ahead of time is tremendously helpful.

Give each room a different color packing label.

To stay organized, print off multi-colored packing labels or use different colored masking tape and give each room its own color. Label the contents of each box and include the room it belongs in. Then in your new place, use colored tape to mark entrances to rooms. This moving tip will save movers a ton of time. Instead of needing to read the label explicitly or play the room guessing game, they can just match color to color.

Don’t over-pack a moving box.

One mistake a lot of people make when moving is trying to cram all of their belongings into a few cardboard boxes they have around the house. Use as many boxes as you need to create easy-to-lift loads. Keep your largest boxes to no more than 50 pounds.

Use the right size boxes.

Place heavy items like books, in small boxes, and lighter items in larger boxers. This makes it easy for movers to organize and pack boxes into the moving truck. Be sure to pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top to avoid damaging breakables.

Don’t leave empty spaces in boxes.

Fill in any gaps with packing paper, clothing or foam peanuts to prevent items shifting around during the move. Use tape to close the bottom and top seams and around the edges where stress is concentrated.

Bundle the breakables.

For any fragile items you pack, use plenty of bunched-up paper and padding. Never place these items in boxes freely without some extra cushion. Spend the time packing these items correctly to save you stress in the long run.

Re-purpose household items for packing.

Think about how you can re-purpose things you have — like hampers, suitcases and laundry bins for storing some of your clothes and household items. To help take up as little space as possible, use vacuum sealing for your clothes.

Save space when packing clothing.

Clothing can be one of the most time-consuming elements of packing. The important thing is to save as much space as possible with clothes because excess clothing can take up most of the moving truck if you’re not careful.

Space-saving packing hacks for clothes:

  • Pack hanging clothing in garbage bags by cutting a hole on top of the bag then placing the garbage bag over a grouping of hangers.
  • Roll clothing instead of folding to save space.

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