Moving 101: 7 Fast Tips to Pack a Better Box

If you’re moving, you know that packing can be one of the most challenging things. From ensuring your precious items don’t break to avoiding boxes that are too heavy to lift, there are lots of considerations built into the packing process. Fortunately, it’s easy to learn to pack boxes more efficiently as you move.

7 Packing Tips to Make Moving Easier

Whether you’re moving across the country or across the block, these packing tips will help your boxes perform well throughout:

1. Choose the Right Size Box

The right size box is the foundation for good moving. For best results, choose a box that offers enough space for your belongings, but not too much empty area. You should also look for boxes that are designed for heavier items, like books and televisions, to move these sensitive items.

2. Group Similar Items

Grouping similar items helps protect your belongings and prevent shifting during moving. Instead of mixing items from various rooms of the house, group similar items and make sure each box houses things that are roughly the same size and weight.

3. Put Heavier Items at the Bottom of the Box

Just like you put your eggs on the top of your grocery bag, you should put lighter items on the top of the box and heavier items down below.

4. Wrap Light Items to Prevent Them from Getting Lost

If you have a light, small item to place on top of larger items, wrap it in bubble wrap or packing material to ensure it doesn’t get knocked down to the bottom and broken during transit.

5. Fill Empty Spaces

Instead of just closing a box with lots of empty space, fill the empty space out with packing peanuts, newspaper, or similar cushioned material. This prevents your items from shifting during shipping and ensures everything will arrive at your new destination safe and sound. You can buy packing peanuts at your local moving store and, generally, can return what you don’t use.

6. Keep Boxes Light

Even boxes filled with heavy items shouldn’t weigh more than 30 lbs. Boxes that are too heavy increase the likelihood of moving injuries. With that in mind, separate heavy items into separate boxes and keep your heaviest boxes clearly marked and separated from lighter boxes.

7. Label and Seal All Boxes

Before transporting them, seal your boxes well with packing tape. Label each box with the name of its destination room on the side in Sharpie marker.

Packing for a Better Move

Packing is a major factor in a good move, and these seven smart packing tips will get you moving in style. From ensuring your boxes aren’t too heavy to finding the right filler material for your partially-filled boxes, there are dozens of ways to improve your packing methods for your upcoming move.