Packing boxes to load into a moving truck is an art as well as a science. At Eager Beaver Moving and Storage, we have a set of strategies that we highly recommend to help you pack and load your boxes in a way that ensures minimal shifting during the moving process. This technique follows basic physics principles, but don’t worry; you don’t need to take a science class to learn how to pack your belongings. All you need to do is follow a few essential tips.
Preparation Makes Packing Easier
The best way to ensure you have a smooth packing process is to come prepared with packing supplies. We suggest bringing various box sizes of a uniform type to use for your belongings, such as rolls of tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and other packing materials. When you have all your supplies ready to go, you’ll be a packing machine ready to go room by room. You’ll also save time without needing to run to the store for forgotten supplies.
Heavy Items in Smaller Boxes, Lighter Items in Larger Boxes
Loading and unloading moving boxes is hard work. You can help yourself (and your back!) by packing heavier items into smaller moving boxes. This will prevent you or your professional movers from sustaining injuries by lifting a large box filled with heavy items. Lighter objects, such as pillows, blankets, and linens, are ideal for filling big moving boxes.
Heavy Items Go in First in Mixed Moving Boxes
If you’ve ever played with lego or building blocks, you’ll know that the best way to build a sturdy, tall tower is to stack the blocks with the bigger, heavier pieces at the bottom and the smaller, lighter pieces at the top. It’s the same principle with packing your boxes. Heavier items need to go in first, along the bottom of the box, gradually working your way to lighter items at the top. This prevents the heavy items from crushing the lighter ones. It also prevents your belongings from shifting around inside the box, putting pressure on the cardboard walls and base.
Two Essential Boxes Every Move Needs
As you’re packing up your belongings, there are two important boxes to remember: the essentials box and the catch-all box. The essentials box should be clearly labeled and contain the items you’ll need and miss in the first 24 hours in your new home. The catch-all box is the last one you’ll pack, where you can toss in any last-minute missed or forgotten items as you’re clearing out your space.
The Science of Packing the Perfect Box
Effective packing will help make your task easier and it will help your local moving company if you’ve hired professionals. Packing effectively can also end up saving you money as less of your items are damaged during the moving process. Let’s quickly recap the principles of packing the perfect box:
- Come prepared with moving supplies
- Pack heavy items in small boxes
- Pack light items in large boxes
- Pack heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on top for mixed boxes
Loading Your Boxes
Similar principles apply for loading up your boxes as for packing them. The heavier items should be loaded first, with lighter boxes on top. Using uniform boxes will also help to keep your stacks of boxes equal and balanced during transportation. When you load your boxes, it helps to fill the back section first and secure it with straps or rope before adding boxes to the next section. Professional movers will have their own formula for loading their vehicles, but if you’re renting a moving truck, it’s best to follow their guidelines for loading.
Professional Packers and Movers in Edmonton, Alberta
Eager Beaver Moving and Storage are your go-to experts for packing and transporting your boxes on moving day. We have a team of experienced movers with the supplies, tools, and techniques to move your belongings securely and safely from your old home to your new home. Get a free moving estimate on our website.