Getting boxes just for a day or two may seem like extra work. However, you’d be wrong if you gave in to the temptation and skipped this part. Moving boxes are a key component of every move, and without it, you will face many risks, from furniture damage to personal injury. That is why we have prepared this quick guide to enlighten our audience about using moving boxes simply and efficiently.
First, let’s start by understanding the benefits of boxes during a move. It’s not for no reason that experts explicitly recommend it.
Benefits of Moving Boxes:
Packing your things in boxes can make your entire move smoother and faster. Essentially, they are to safeguard your belongings during loading, transportation, and unloading activities; but they also offer many other benefits.
- Allows you to categorise and label things.
- Easy to carry, load, and unload.
- Space saving due to better stackability.
- Reduced risk of injury while lifting or transporting heavy furniture.
- Easier and quicker re-settlement.
For all these reasons, including boxes in your move is a vital consideration. Never think that plastic grocery bags will do just the same—it’s nothing but taking a risk.
Tips on Moving Boxes:
Not everybody will have good experience with moving boxes because not everybody knows how to do it. Here are some great pointers you might want to consider for a comfortable move.
1. The Right Box Size
Primarily, three types of boxes are used while moving. Small boxes, also known as wine or book boxes, are the first. Big boxes, or tea chest boxes, are the second. Port-a-robe boxes that contain a hanging rail inside for transporting clothes are the third.
Most people require small and big boxes, but if you have clothes that you’d like to transport as they are, you might also need port-a-robe boxes. Therefore, you should take a good look at your belongings and see which boxes you will need for a smooth and efficient move.
2. The Required Amount of Boxes
Understanding the amount of packaging you need is a crucial step in your moving process. It will be difficult to get an idea until and unless you begin decluttering. Hence, you should take adequate time, at least one week before your moving date, and work out how many boxes of each size you will need. This way, you will not have any last-minute surprises that can derail your moving process.
Here’s what each box size will cater to:
- Small Box – Books, wine, cutlery, crockery, pantry items, and other small items.
- Big Box – Duvets, sheets, towels, pillows, and other lightweight sundry items.
- Port-a-robe Box – Clothes
A common rule of thumb is that a one-bedroom home typically requires about ten small boxes, five large boxes, and a couple of port-a-robe boxes. A two or three-bedroom house needs twenty, ten, and three respectively. You can start off with this estimate and adapt as you go. It will make your work twice as easy.
3. The Correct Method of Packing
Many make the mistake of directly stuffing boxes with things randomly and taping them off haphazardly. Let us tell you that this is not the way to do it if you want to keep your things secure and move conveniently. Here’s what our experts recommend.
- Step 1 – Buy or rent the required moving boxes.
- Step 2 – Get the things ready to pack into the boxes securely. Packing tape, bubble wrap, scissors, markers, and box cutters are a few important ones.
- Step 3 – Reinforce every box’s base before packing. Use packing tape to secure all sides of the box and place layers of bubble wrap (or packing paper). This will cushion your things and prevent them from falling out or breaking.
- Step 4 – Fill in the boxes one by one carefully and in an organised manner. Place the heaviest of the lot at the bottom to maintain balance.
- Step 5 – Refrain from overstuffing. It will be difficult to carry, load, and unload. Ideally, one person should be able to carry one box.
- Step 6 – Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill the excess space in a box. It will prevent items from moving and clashing.
- Step 7 – Tape the top of the box firmly at the end and keep your boxes ready to be moved. Label each box with its contents and designated room, ensuring everything goes in order.
If the removalists find it challenging to lift any box, try to remove some items and ensure the weight is manageable.
4. Pack a ‘First-to-Open’ Box
When you arrive at your new home, the last thing you want to do is dig through the dozens of boxes for one roll of toilet paper. That is why we recommend you put a separate box for all the immediate essentials you need for the first 24 hours. It includes toiletries, a few changes of clothes, medications, basic kitchen supplies, mobile/laptop chargers, or any necessary documents. You may also need some tools like scissors or screwdrivers.
This little thought can save you much time and effort when you are engulfed in a bunch of boxes yet to be opened.
5. The Ideal Box Placement
There’s a method to box placement that many often ignore. A poorly packed truck can lead to damaged items or an unsafe move. Your removalists, if you have hired any, will mostly look after this, but it’s always better to re-check and ensure everything is proper.
Ideally, you should place the heavy boxes at the bottom, as it creates a stable foundation for the lighter ones. Then, on top, you will place the boxes with fragile items, which prevents crushing. Ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the truck or van, or they may shift during the transportation.
Lastly, you may also choose to secure the load with ropes or bungee cords. This keeps everything in place.
Final Word:
Now you see the art and science behind the moving boxes, don’t you? It’s a great part of a move, so never underestimate it.
If you feel it’s too much work, simply work with a professional mover like us—Yes Movers. We know what an important event it is to move for homeowners, so we always bring our best to every relocation. Book a consultation and discuss your moving needs to learn more about us.