3 Tips for Packing and Unpacking for a Move

Moving to a new home can be stressful, and that includes the process of packing and unpacking. Check out these three tips for packing and unpacking for a move to help make the process simpler and go more smoothly.

1. Ask About Packing Services

Naturally, moving companies haul your belongings to your new home. In most cases, they also carry and haul your belongings onto and off the truck and/or van. However, some companies offer robust packing and unpacking services. In fact, some companies may even fully pack and unpack your home, so it's fully ready when you arrive.

This is a great idea for long-distance moves, but it can benefit anyone who doesn't have time to unpack because of other responsibilities. Of course, many people choose packing and unpacking services simply because they don't want to deal with the hassle themselves. Besides placing large furniture and unpacking all boxes, movers may:

• Unwrap items
• Do some cleaning
• Assemble furniture
• Organize items into boxes and in the new home
• Remove boxes and packing material

Another reason to choose professional packing services is they know what they're doing. There are some items that moving companies are not allowed to move and doing so could lead to possible complications. For example, some items pose a fire risk, such as scuba gear, nail polish remover, and fireworks. Letting professionals pack reduces the risk of injury, damage, and broken laws or regulations.

2. Protect Delicate and Sensitive Items

If you choose to pack your own items, make sure to protect anything delicate to reduce the risk of damage during the move. You can reduce the risk of damage by:

• Using bubble wrap or paper for extra protection
• Not crowding items into one box
• Not packing fragile items with heavy items
• Packing items into appropriately sized boxes
• Not making boxes too heavy
• Securing electronics

You may also want to move some items yourself. These may include expensive items, family heirlooms, etc. When it comes time to move the items yourself, or when the movers come to transport the items, make sure the area is clean and clear of obstacles, to reduce the risk of injury or dropping the boxes and damaging items inside them.

Many people also move their own important documents, and ensuring you protect these documents in file folders and secure boxes can help protect them. Important documents can include:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage license
• SSN card
• Passport

In the rare case that these important documents are damaged or lost, you won't have to worry about replacing them, which can be incredibly time-consuming and stressful.

3. Organize and Label Boxes

Make sure to organize all items and label the boxes. Start by separating items you don't want the movers to move, such as important documents. Remove them from the property or label them appropriately, so the movers know to leave them.

For the rest of the items, organize everything by category and/or where it goes. For example, if you label each box with the corresponding room (kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom, etc.), the movers can drop them off directly in those rooms, making it much easier when you arrive to unpack.

Of course, if the movers are unpacking on your behalf, you may want to add more detailed information, such as where the items should be placed in the room. For example:

• Kitchen cabinets
• Main bathroom drawers
• Master bedroom closet

If there are items you don't want the movers to unpack, make sure to mark the boxes appropriately.

Professional moving can do some or all the work on your behalf. Not only does this make the process easier for you, but it reduces the risk of damage and mistakes because professional movers have the skills and experience. Get started by contacting us at Coffee's Moving and Storage.