Moving to a new place can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you have a lot of things to carry around with you. However, with the right approach to packing and transportation, you can significantly lower stress and ensure a smoother transition.
Plus, you need to know how to pack all types of cargo and transport them, which can help you avoid any unpleasant situation and ensure a better experience for you.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about packing with moving boxes in Toronto. You will also learn about choosing the right materials to strategic labelling, and unpacking.
How to Pack with Moving Boxes
As you know, moving is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events. While there are limitless moving parts, the act of packing itself can be overwhelming. However, with a methodical approach, the right materials, and a few clever strategies, packing with moving boxes can turn a daunting challenge into a streamlined, efficient process.
Here’s a list of things you need to know about packing with moving boxes:
Choosing the Right Moving Boxes:
You need to keep in mind that not all the boxes are created equal. According to local movers, using sturdy, purpose-built moving boxes is essential for protecting your belongings and making the moving process manageable.
Small boxes measuring 1.5 cubic inches are ideal for packing your heavy items like CDs/DVDs, canned goods, tools and small appliances. If you overpack these things, you won’t be able to lift them. Hence, you need to avoid the urge to overfill them with items that are light.
Medium boxes measuring three cubic feet are ideal for general household items like kitchenware, linens, toys, and pantry items. These boxes are a good all-rounder for most rooms.
Large boxes around 4.5 cubic feet are best for lighter, bulkier items like pillows, blankets, towels, lampshades, and larger kitchen appliances. You should avoid filling these boxes with heavy items.
Extra-large boxes that measure around six cubic feet or more are the best bet for very light yet bulky items that don’t fit elsewhere, like comforters, sleeping bags, sleeping bags, and large decorative items.
You can get these boxes from companies offering moving services in Toronto, home improvement stores, and online retailers like Amazon. You can even go to local grocery stores, liquor stores, and big box retailers, as they sometimes have sturdy used boxes. However, avoid using old produce boxes as they may attract pests.
Essential Packing Supplies:
Apart from boxes, there are materials that are essential for successful packing. These materials include:
- Packing Tape: You should invest in strong, wide packing tape. Clear tape is usually preferred for easy label visibility. A good tape dispenser will save your wrists from any unwanted situations.
- Bubble Wrap: A bubble wrap can help you cushion fragile items, helping them avoid any sort of damage. They come in different sizes, making it easier for you to keep every item safe and secure.
- Packing Paper/Newsprint: Packing paper or unprinted newsprint aisideal for wrapping dishes and glassware as it won’t transfer ink. You can use old newspapers for general cushioning.
- Stretch Wrap/Shrink Wrap: These wraps are useful for securing drawers, keeping cabinet doors closed, and bundling odd-shaped items.
- Markers: Bold, permanent markers should be used for clear labelling. Different colours can be helpful for colour-coding rooms.
- Scissors/Box Cutter: You need these tools for opening boxes and cutting tape.
- Furniture Pads/Moving Blankets: These materials act as a cover for furniture and large appliances.
- Ziploc Bags: These bags are exceptionally good for small parts from disassembled furniture, keeping them with the corresponding item.
Strategic Packing:
Avoid throwing things into boxes. A well-planned packing strategy will save you time and headaches. For that, you need to do a few things:
- Start Early: You should begin packing non-essential items weeks or even months before you move out. This includes your seasonal decorations, books you won’t read, out-of-season clothing, and kitchen gadgets that are rarely used.
- Declutter Without a Second Thought: Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of unnecessary items. You should consider donating, selling, or discarding anything you no longer need, use, or love. Less stuff equals less to pack, less to move and less to unpack.
- Pack Room By Room: This will help you keep the items organized and make unpacking logical. You should label each box with the room it belongs in.
- Empty Dressers and Cabinets: While you might be tempted to leave clothes in drawers, it will make the furniture too heavy, risking damage. Pack dresser contents in boxes.
- Pack Smartly, Not Heavily: Always place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. You should fill gaps with packing paper, towels, or soft linens to prevent shifting.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Weight distribution is the main thing that you need to consider while filling your boxes. Avoid making any box so heavy that you or your movers cannot safely lift it. If a box feels too heavy, redistribute items in it.
Special Considerations for Specific Items:
Before packing electronics, make sure you have taken pictures of the wiring before disconnecting to aid the reassembly. Use original boxes and packing materials if possible. Plus, wrap components individually and label all cords.
For liquids or perishables, you need to avoid packing open liquids unless they are sealed in a leak-proof container and placed in a ziploc bag. You should also consume or discard perishable food items before moving.
You should also keep in mind that movers will not transport flammable liquids, aerosols, paints, or cleaning chemicals. You need to dispose of these things responsibly before moving out.
To Summarize
Packing with moving boxes shouldn’t be a chaotic nightmare. You just need to choose the right materials, adopt a systematic approach, and prioritize labelling, which will help you transform the most daunting aspect of moving into a manageable task.
You should also start early, declutter fast, and always think about how you should unpack. This way, you will be able to ensure a smooth, organized, and stress-free move.
