Moving to a new place can be quite exciting, but Packing everything for the big move can get a little hectic. Having an organized plan is key to any successful move.

It’s best to sift through your belongings before packing. Go through every room in your house and separate your things into two categories: To Keep and To Donate. Decide which items you prefer to keep and bring with you and which ones you can donate or give away to family and friends. Once your possessions are organized, phase one of your packing plan is complete.

Making sure your things safely arrive at their destination is a top priority. Some of the packing essentials you’ll need for the move are containers (i.e., Boxes, storage bins), fasteners (i.e., tape, zip ties, rubbers bands), cushions (i.e., bubble Wrap, saran wrap, stretch wrap) and scissors or box cutters.

With the essentials in hand, it’s time to pack. Below are some smart packing tips to protect your belongings during a move.

Damage-Proofing Glass Items and Electronics

Focus on items that are fragile first, like glassware or electronics. Once these are packed, the rest of the process should be easier.

Tips for Packing Kitchenware and Other Glass Items

• Place glasses and stemware in clean socks for extra padding.
• Protect fragile items from breaking by wrapping them in clean clothing or blankets.
• Pack breakables in bundles. First, individually wrap plates in packing paper, then group them by five or six and wrap them once more in a bunch.
• Place plates vertically in appropriately sized boxes to save space. Finding a box in which plates fit snugly can reduce the possibility of damage.
• Fill any empty spaces in a box full of glassware with rolled-up shirts or bubble wrap.
• When it comes to preparing items with glass for a move, such as mirrors or picture frames, the best practice is to cover these with masking tape. This can help you avoid injuries during a move by preventing broken pieces of glass from scattering.

How to Safely Pack Electronics

• If possible, use the box the device was placed in when you purchased it.
• Place your electric cables in plastic bins or storage boxes to protect from spilled liquid.
• Use zip ties to secure cables.
• Use old paper towel rolls to keep your cables knot-free, organized, and free of dust.
• Use anti-static material for padding.

Protecting Furniture During a Move

Once the glassware and electronics are packed, concentrate on the furniture. Tables, sofas, and desks can be scratched or scuffed during the move if they aren’t properly protected. Here are some furniture packing tips:

• Disassemble large furniture, if possible. Keep screws and bolts in a plastic bag and tape it to the bulkiest part of the fixture.
• Use furniture pads to protect tables and dressers from scratches and nicks.
• Cover sharp corners with cardboard cutouts.
• Cover couches and upholstered chairs with plastic wrap to prevent tears and cuts in the fabric.
• Hire a professional moving company or people with experience to move big furniture.

Other Smart Packing Hacks

Other possessions that should be packed carefully include cosmetics, jewelry, shoes, and books. Below are some ideas for packing your other knick-knacks properly:

• Place cotton pads inside powdered cosmetics, like compacts or eyeshadow palettes, to prevent breakage.
• Place necklaces in old egg trays to prevent knots and keep them organized.
• If you hired professional removalists, ask for wardrobe boxes to keep important clothes wrinkle-free.
• Fill shoes with crumpled paper, like old newspapers, to keep their form.
• Use book cartons to transport books.
• Cover books in plastic wrap to prevent folded pages and damage to paper covers.
• Place books horizontally in boxes.

Tips for Safeguarding Containers

Packing isn’t over once all your belongings are in containers. There are a couple more steps to take to ensure a safe trip for your possessions.

• Tape corners of boxes for more stability.
• Use a box cutter to cut hand holds into boxes for easy handling. Do this before placing items inside.
• Label all your containers. Make sure boxes with fragile items are distinguishable from the others.

When everything is padded and packed, you’re ready for the big move. If you packed everything properly, your belongings should arrive at their destination undamaged.

AUTHOR BIO

Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.