Cutting corners and not packing properly can be tempting when you move locally, whether just down the street or a short drive away. However, this can be less effective in the long run because you’ll spend more time loading, driving, and unloading when you do it in small, unorganized loads. You also risk breaking valuables and other fragile items when they aren’t packed safely. Find out more about tips and tricks to moving locally below, and remember that local movers are on hand to help with any or all of these suggestions.
Adam’s Moving Service is a Local Moving Company in Seattle, Washington
When it comes to local moves, finding a trusted local moving company is one of the best ways to move. They offer many different options when it comes to moving, from labor-only assistance and truck rentals to full-service packing, loading, and unloading. Whether moving to or from an apartment, single-family home, or townhome, Adam’s Moving Service in the Pacific Northwest can move you safely and securely.
Tips for Packing Fragile Items on Your Own
If you decide to pack on your own, there are a few things to know to make packing easier as you pack, load, unload, and unpack your belongings.
Prep for your Local Move
First, prepare for your local move by cleaning out your current space. Remember that even when moving to a larger place, furniture and other pieces often do not fit well, so if there is a piece you don’t love, consider selling or donating it. Clean out spaces and throw away trash. Donate items you no longer need. Organize and identify fragile items that will need special care. You can even begin to group items and set aside fragile pieces if you have the space and time.
Next, purchase and acquire the proper moving materials for fragile items, including:
- Boxes: Ensure they are sturdy and are of many different sizes
- Box Protection: Packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or air fillers, foam sheets, and packing wrap
- Packing Tape
- Scissors
- Box Cutter
- Permanent Marker
- Labels and Fragile Stickers: this is optional but helps keep your boxes organized and identifiable while saving you time writing them out by hand
Wrap, Cushion, and Separate
Wrap each fragile item individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. If the item is exceptionally delicate, use more layers of protection. Then, secure the padding with tape or plastic wrap. Once you have wrapped your item, line the bottom of the box with foam sheets or crumpled packing paper. Then, place your item in the middle of the box and fill any gaps with padding, such as crumpled paper or packing peanuts. Ensure that each fragile item has space between the other and the box’s sides, bottom, and top. Otherwise, they stand at greater risk of being bumped, hit, or broken.
For dishes, glassware, and other uniform fragile items, you can use cardboard dividers or cell kits to prevent contact. Remember that each item should have its own compartment to avoid chips, cracks, and damage.
Label, Even if It’s a Local Move!
Encasing your fragile items makes them difficult to identify, so label each box! Label each box with the items and the room they belong in. Make sure to write or mark each box FRAGILE or HANDLE WITH CARE.
Use Smaller Boxes
Opt for smaller boxes for exceptionally fragile items, such as small figurines, family heirlooms, and porcelain pieces. You can package each small item in its own box or limit the amount of items per box. Smaller boxes reduce the risk of items shifting during transit.
Load Heavy Things First
When packing boxes, load the heaviest items first at the bottom and pack the lightest things on top. Ensure there is proper cushioning between each item. Doing so makes the boxes easier to load and unload and helps boxes not to tip during transit.
Hire a Local Moving Company to Load, Transport, and More!
Local moves can be done independently, but you can save time and money working with local movers. Professional local moving companies have all the necessary equipment, experience, and talents to make a move less stressful. Adam’s Moving Service in Seattle, Washington, is one of the best in the area. Whether you need packing supplies, truck rentals, labor only, or an all-inclusive package, Adam’s Moving Service has you covered. Contact us today for a free moving quote.
