If you are preparing for a major move, whether it is across town or to another state, it is important to make sure that you use good packing techniques in order to protect your belongings. If you learn how to pack your container storage like a pro, you won’t have to worry about reaching your destination to unpack boxes full of broken items. These tips can even be applied if you are renting residential construction storage to use on a temporary basis while you remodel or renovate your home. Take advantage of the tips below to make your next move with mobile containers in New Bedford go smoothly.
Tip #1 – Watch Your Weight
Limit packing boxes to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make them easier to handle when you load your container storage unit.
Tip #2 – Wrap Carefully
Make sure to wrap up the items that you are packing for placement in residential construction storage or moving via mobile containers in New Bedford so they won’t get broken. Use bubble wrap, moving blankets and other tools to make it easier.
Tip #3 – Choose Wisely
Pick cardboard cartons and boxes that are sturdy, brand new and made from quality materials for your move. Used boxes may seem like a bargain, but they often come with hidden surprises, like bugs that will infest your stuff or weakened bottoms that can break during a move.
Tip #4 – Create a Checklist
Make a list of the things that you need to pack. Pack in order of how frequently you use items, such as seasonal items first, seasonal clothing and then the things you use most often. Then when you unpack, you’ll be unpacking the things you need most first.
Tip #5 – Match Items
Pack items together that are like each other. For example, ceramic figurines should be packed with other fragile and delicate items, not with something heavy that could roll over in the move and cause damage.
Tip #6 – Stack Smart
Start stacking boxes in your container storage by placing the heaviest boxes on the bottom and the lighter boxes on top. You can secure a stack of same-size boxes even better by wrapping with plastic packing wrap so they won’t tip over during the move.
Tip #7 – Mark Everything
As you pack cartons for loading in your moving and storage containers, make sure to label them well. Use a system that works for you – either label by room or you can choose a numerical or alphabetical system and keep a list of numbered cartons and the contents inside. Remember – it’s whatever works for you.
Tip #8 – Identify Special Boxes
If the items inside the box are fragile, make sure to write “FRAGILE” on the box. If the items inside need to be kept or handled in a certain way, write “This Side Up” or draw arrows. If the items inside are things you will need immediately when you reach your destination, write “OPEN FIRST” or something else that will draw your attention.
Tip #9 – Decorative Items
Specialty items, such as lamps and lampshades or artificial flowers, should be packed in their own carton. Bubble wrap can be used to ensure that the items are protected, but these odd-shaped items should get their own box. Make sure to write FRAGILE on the box, indicate which side should be up and mark which room the box should go to at the new place.
Tip #10 – Food Items
Do not pack open items or perishable items in your mobile containers in New Bedford. If you have any food items like this that you want to transport that aren’t in cans or original, sealed boxes, pack them separately and bring them in your vehicle. Small containers of spices and herbs, as well as other condiment items, should be placed together in a small box and then put inside of a larger carton.
Tip #11 – Specialty Items
Household electronics, small appliances and other things that are fragile should be packed in their original cartons whenever possible to prevent damage. If you do not have the original packaging, speak with a packing supply company about getting generic boxes made especially for stereos, blenders, computers or other items.
Tip #12 – Use Tools Whenever Possible
If you can borrow or rent a hand-truck or dolly for your move – do it. The less strain you put on your back and legs, the better. A hand-truck can also be helpful for moving large appliances and pieces of furniture. Using tools can help make the job easier and allow you to load your residential construction storage or moving and storage containers faster.
Where to Get Mobile Containers in New Bedford
Valtran provides quality container storage to homeowners in Southeastern Massachusetts and the surrounding northeastern region. We serve clients in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey and New York. Give us a call today for a FREE estimate on our residential construction storage rentals or to find out about all of our services and product offerings.
