Packing well, for the short- or long-haul move

If you walk into a packing/moving supply store, you‘re bound to be bombarded by all the choices available to you. From the varying types of tape, to the multitude of box sizes, to blank newsprint and cartons of bubble wrap, just the packing stage of a move can be an overwhelming task.

Below are some basic guidelines you can use when packing up your most cherished possessions.

1.) Use smaller boxes for heavier items!  Books, tools, canned goods and other small yet heavy items can be back breakers if not packed properly. Please keep your movers’ backs (or your own, for that matter) in mind when packing up these heavier items. More smaller boxes are better than fewer bigger boxes in this case. Save your larger boxes for lightweight items like linens, pillows and clothing.

2.) Know the differences in bubble wraps! Typically there are 2 types of bubble wrap: small bubbles and large bubbles. The smaller bubbles are perfect for very delicate and/or smaller items like fine China, crystal stemware, vases, trinkets and the like. The larger bubbles provide better protection for electronics, small kitchen appliances, framed photos and lamps.

3.) All tapes are not created equal! Most people experience their biggest packing challenge in deciding which type of tape is the best choice. Typical options are clear poly (great for label covering and mailing), shipping/strapping tape (has added fibers for strength and added protection) and brown box/packaging tape (extremely sticky and tears by hand).

4.) Protect your dishes! There are many items available when it comes to packing your everyday dishware, including cushioned foam, blank newsprint (no inky mess) and packing kits (that include pockets/sleeves for your plates and glasses). Some kits even include the perfectly matched boxes at no additional charge!

5.) Stage your move! Whether you‘re expecting movers or plan to do it all yourself, consider the vehicle you will be loading your items into and arrange your furniture and packed boxes accordingly. Sometimes items can be condensed into one room to be staged out during the loading process. (This also helps you get ahead on the cleaning, if you clean each room as it’s emptied.)

6.) Miscellaneous supplies not to be forgotten! Packing peanuts (especially of the environmentally-friendly variety), mattress bags and sofa covers (particularly if your items will be stored for a period of time), shrink wrap (a ton of uses for this stuff!) and straps (to secure your items for minimal shifting during the move) are probably all offered in various shapes and sizes at your local moving supply store.

Lastly, it could also help to know that any store that sells U-Haul brand boxes also participates in the 100% buy-back guarantee. If you don’t use all of the boxes you’ve purchased, and you’ve retained your receipt, approved sellers will buy back your unused boxes at 100% of your cost!