How Movers Professionally Pack Boxes During a Move

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On average, a standard 2-bedroom house takes around 3 to 5 hours to move successfully. That’s just the amount of time it takes to pack the bags and boxes you’ve already organized. When considering the amount of time it takes to get all of your belongings prepared for the move, that 3 to 5 hours seems like nothing. It’s a good idea to take some tips from professional movers to make your move more efficient, quicker, and less stressful.

Label all of your boxes. 

While it might seem tedious, labeling your boxes has several benefits. First and foremost, it’s a surefire way to keep track of your belongings. When unloading, you’ll know exactly where to put individual bags and boxes. This way, you’re not stuck with a crowded entryway. Organization is priority number one for professional movers since they have no time to waste on a poorly planned move. Labeling boxes is an easy way to accomplish this goal.

Heavier items always go on the bottom. 

An uneven weight distribution makes it very difficult to carry a box, especially when dealing with larger ones. Professionals like these Tampa movers note that placing the heaviest items on the bottom can solve this problem quickly. Not only are you avoiding the problem of balance, but you’re also protecting all of your other belongings. Lighter items could be damaged when heavier ones are on top. 

Don’t go overboard on the taping. 

There’s a happy medium you can find between leaving your moving boxes open and taping them up like a mummy. Two strips of tape across the opening should suffice. If you end up using too little, the box could open, and the contents could be damaged. While a lot of tapes will protect your belongings, you’ll have a hard time unpacking once you complete the move. It’s best to use just the right amount for a more efficient process overall.

Find the right sizes to use. 

Boxes come in all different sizes. While you might want only to use the largest options to fit more stuff, it’s not a bad idea to use some variety. There’s not a one-size-fits-all dimension that’s perfect for all of the items you need to move. For example, your TV is going to require a much different box than your microwave and so-on. Feel free to ask around at local stores to see if they have any leftover boxes you could have for free.

Avoid leaving empty spaces. 

Think about moving like a giant game of Tetris. If possible, you want to avoid leaving any open spaces in your boxes. The more empty spaces you have, the more boxes you’ll need. It either results in a larger truck or taking more trips. Either way, you’re spending more money. Take your time and try to fill up each box to the brim. You could even make a pile of smaller, awkwardly-shaped items that you place in a box to fill up space whenever necessary.

Packing Tips

Six Smart Strategies to Organize and Stack Your Storage Unit

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Putting things into storage sounds simple. Pull up the truck filled with your stuff, then start unloading it into the storage unit. When everything’s in, you shut the door, lock it, and drive off. That is one option, but your unit won’t be organized or properly stacked. Plus, you are going to be digging if you need to pull something out. Some planning ahead and putting in a bit of effort will help you stay organized while keeping everything in good condition while it’s stored.

1. Prepare Things for Storage

Pack your belongings as if you were going on a cross-country move. While the items may not be going that far, you want them to remain safe in storage. Use sturdy boxes for everything possible. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap. Tape each box and label it, so you know what’s in the box. Disassemble furniture as much as possible. Clean appliances to prevent pest infestation. Pack electronics in original boxes when possible.

2. Determine Your Organization Strategy

Before putting one box or piece of furniture inside the unit, you need to have a plan on how you are going to get organized and stay organized. For example, if you are storing a house full of items, you might group things from the same room in one location. Or you might want all the furniture items towards the back of the unit and boxes up front. Think about it before you start loading the unit.

3. Don’t Leave Empty Space

Every square inch counts. Make sure each box is filled with packing materials. Otherwise, they might collapse damaging their contents. Fill dresser drawers with clothes or smaller items. Put linens inside empty pieces of luggage. Leaving empty pockets is both a waste of space and a potential place for things to fall over or collapse into causing unnecessary damage.

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4. Use Shelves and Cabinets to Your Advantage

It’s likely that you are going to have small boxes and odd pieces that you haven’t packed. Use empty shelf space to store those items. Bookshelves and cabinets are perfect locations for this type of storage. As this Philadelphia moving and storage company encourages, just remember to secure those items before moving the furniture pieces out later.

5. Heaviest on Bottom

Always place the heaviest items at the bottom. It seems logical, but many forget this when trying to get the unit packed and the job done. Place sturdy pieces of furniture against the walls and in corners. Place the heaviest boxes at the bottom. Placing the heaviest items at the bottom will lessen the likelihood of damage. Lighter items should go on top of the heavier items.

6. Most Needed in Front

If you are going to need to access certain things while they are in storage, you want them to be towards the front of the unit, so you don’t have to go digging for them. They should be the last items placed and marked so you can get what you need without disturbing the rest of the unit’s contents.

Going through these strategies will help you organize and stack your storage unit in the best way possible.

Organizing Storage Unit

How to Safely Store a Fine Art Painting in Self-Storage

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If you’re an artist, an art collector or a gallery owner, there are times when you need to put your artwork in storage. If so, you probably realize that it’s not the same as storing regular household items. Artwork requires special care and handling.

Still, you shouldn’t let the idea scare you off. Storing artwork is a delicate process but if it’s done properly, you can rest assured that your paintings, statuary and other artwork will be safely and securely held for you.

When You Might Need to Store Your Artwork

  • You are moving to a new home or gallery and need to store the artwork during the transition.
  • You’ve run out of space at your home or studio, but the artwork is still selling.
  • You have some pieces you’d like to hold onto for private reasons.
  • You are temporarily showing another artist’s work at your gallery, and you need to make room.
  • You think the artwork will be safer in a secure storage location.

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Preparing Fine Art for Storage

Your artwork should be protected against bumps, scratches, and moisture. Use the right materials to keep it safe.

Don’t:

  • Don’t wrap artwork in plastic or bubble wrap. Moving companies indicate that plastic can trap moisture and lead to mold and mildew.
  • Don’t store paintings until the paint has fully cured.
  • Don’t apply tape or other adhesives to painted surfaces.

Do:

  • If you’re moving or storing canvas paintings during hot, humid weather, use a stretcher or a frame to “key out” (stretch) the canvas.
  • Use tissue paper, blankets, and soft cloths to wrap and protect the artwork.
  • If you’re rolling paintings to store them, roll them with the paint side out. Rolled-in paint is more likely to crack.

Choose a Storage Facility

Most storage facilities are clean, dry and secure. That’s fine as far as it goes. But to keep your artwork safe, you need more than that. Look for a specialty storage company that offers:

  • Climate-controlled units.
  • Dehumidifiers that you can place in your unit.
  • Temperature set at 70 to 75 degrees.
  • Protection against fire and flooding.
  • Shelving or pallets.

Follow these additional tips to ensure safe storage.

  • Choose an interior unit with no exterior wall.
  • Make a thorough photographic record of your artwork before you store it.
  • Sweep the unit of all dust before you put items in it.

Transporting Your Artwork

Transporting artwork can actually be the trickiest part of the storage process. Make sure to hire a moving company with knowledge and expertise in handling the transportation of fine artwork and collectibles.

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Get Your Art Stored Safely

With some preparation and care, you can get your artwork ready for storage. Pick the right storage unit, and you’ll be ready to move everything in with the confidence that it’s going into a safe, secure location. When the time comes to take your artwork out, it will be in perfect condition and ready to be enjoyed again.

Storing Fine Art