Pack it Up: Packing for Your Move

So you’re ready to make the big move into your first apartment. Exciting as it is, you most likely have plenty of packing and organizing to do so the move can go smoothly. Packing can be a tricky beast, so give it the time and energy it deserves and you’ll be pleased with the results.

• Supplies:
• First, don’t even think of packing until you’ve stocked up on supplies. You’ll need felt-tipped markers, boxes in various sizes, packing paper, large self-stick labels, box cutters, scissors, packing peanuts or bubble wrap and packing tape. Be smart; purchase much more than you’ll need. Remember, you can always return unused items after the move. It’s better to avoid a frantic trip in the midst of a packing nightmare by having ample supplies on hand.


• Organize:
• Begin packing early and do so with organization as your top priority. It’s imperative that you pack room by room. Keep a notebook with inventory of each box for every room. Mark each box with a label that indicates what room it belongs in, the box number and a priority level. If it contains essentials you’ll want to unpack immediately, mark it A. If it has items that are important, but not needed straightaway, mark it B. Mark all other boxes as C, and be sure to indicate clearly which boxes are fragile.


• In addition to the boxes you’ve purchased, use your luggage - it’s headed in the same direction anyhow. Suitcases and duffel bags are ideal for packing clothes, sheets, towels and the like. Also, have a separate box of things you’ll need for your first night - bedding, towels, toiletries, reading material, change of clothes, toilet paper, medications and an alarm clock. Take important documents and jewelry with you for safekeeping. Your cell phone and address book should be kept handy, as well.


• Packing Tips:
• When you get down to the nitty-gritty, packing isn’t so bad. Just follow some basic rules of thumb. First, you’ll want to keep it light. There’s nothing worse than picking up a packed box only to have the bottom drop out. Depending on what weight you feel comfortable with, you’ll want to make your heaviest boxes approximately 30-50 pounds maximum. To pack a box, you should first reinforce the bottom of the box with packing tape, then add a layer of packing peanuts to the base of the box. Put heavier items on bottom and lighter ones on top. All contents should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap or paper according to the level of protection they require. Add an additional layer of peanuts or crumpled packing paper to the top of the box before closing it. Finally, seal it well with strong packing tape.


• It’s important not to over or under pack a box. If over packed, the box could break open. If under packed, it could collapse in transit if placed under heavier boxes. Plus, there’s no sense in wasting valuable box space. Both situations should be avoided. Heavy items should be placed in the smallest possible box for ease when carrying.


• For clothing, maximize your use of wardrobe boxes. They’re by far the best way to move clothes unless your wardrobe consists mainly of items like jeans and t-shirts. Place shoes, belts and other clothing not normally hung in bags and place in the bottom of the wardrobe box. Next, add your hanging clothing. Pack as close together as possible to eliminate shifting during the move.


• When all is said and done, packing is a relatively painless process if you keep it simple and stick to a few rules. Packing properly is easy to learn, so take the time to follow these guidelines and you’ll be on your way in no time.

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