Get organised
Before going into how to pack a box, a few points on how to prepare.
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If you shred paper at your office (or know people who do), collect it all in big bags. This is so useful, especially when packing glass/crockery. I always layer the bottom of my boxes with this when I’m going to pack glass goods.
- Try and leave only essential items unpacked. Especially at least a week before your scheduled move. If you are not currently using it, pack it (or give it away). This is an IDEAL time to get rid of unused items and have a good old clean out. It’s not always easy to get rid of things, but if you haven’t used it in months (or even years), chances are you are never going to.
- It’s very important to mark each box as you pack it. I find using a notepad helpful. I write 1,2,3…. etc. on each box and then 'Paige’s bedroom' or ‘kids’ bathroom'. Then on the notepad, I write the name and corresponding box number. Next to the box number I write the gist of the contents of the box so that I know which boxes I want/need to begin unpacking and which ones can wait for a while.
- This is especially helpful if your kids are at school. This way you know exactly which boxes need to be unpacked first so that they have all school related books/uniforms etc. available when required. Same goes for work clothes and essential kitchen items. Pack them last and unpack first for a smoother transition.
Glassware
- Don’t waste your time washing dusty glasses and cups that may not have been used for a while before packing them You will just need to re-wash them when they are unpacked. Newspaper print can make them dirty.
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When packing glasses, don’t just wrap them individually, also scrunch paper up and fill each glass with the scrunched paper.
- If you run out of shredded paper, use your tablecloths/small blankets/linen to line the bottom of the boxes. Then layer the glassware in-between the cloth.
- Be careful not to put too much glassware into one single box. This makes them very heavy. Instead, put glassware in the box till about half full, then fill with your Tupperware/plastic containers. Try and stick to items relating to the room, this will make it easier when unpacking items and putting them away in the related room.
Kitchenware
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Layer paper in-between your saucers and plates and then surround about 5 at a time before packing (preferably on top of your shredded paper).
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Start with the bigger dishes and fill these with smaller glasses like tot glasses/ tea cups etc.
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I use tubs / shopping bags to put my cutlery into, inside the box. It's easier to put these items away once unpacked into the relevant room/drawer.
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I also use my larger plastic containers (especially ice cream tubs), to keep all my spices, soup packets, toothpicks etc. The smaller things are then also self-contained and won’t spill all over into your packed goods.
Home and bathroom -ware
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When packing books or c.d.’s, these boxes become heavy if you fill the box. Half fill it with these items and then add other items which are lighter (like cushions etc.) to fill the box.
- Try to use medium sized boxes where possible, unless the bigger items to go into the box are quite light. The boxes get too heavy if they are too big. Remember to tape across both ways at the bottom of the box to secure it properly.
- For bathroom, pack some towels/ bath mats, at the bottom. Then use either plastic shopping bags (or ice cream tubs), to contain the loose items from your bathroom cabinets / shelves, layering them on top of your towels etc. In this way, the items pertaining to the room you are packing are grouped together and therefore it’s easier to put them into place in your new home.
I hope you have found some of my tips on how to pack a box useful. The key to packing is all about starting way ahead of time. You will be amazed at how long it can take to pack. The sooner you start, the less stress it will cause in the long run. Check out our article about how many moving boxes you will need for your move here.
All the best with your move.
Yours in great service,
Patricia Gardner
Bookings Co-ordinator – Two Men and a Truck