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What's in this article?
- Packing For An International Move
- General Packing Ideas
- Buy Good Quality Boxes And Packing Materials
- Moving Boxes
- Make A Labelling System And An Inventory
- Fragile And Delicate Belongings
- When Packing Delicate Items
- Labelling And Creating An Inventory
- Ways To Pack Plates And Bowls When Moving
- Additional Tip
- Packing Glasses And Mugs
- Proper Packaging For Cutlery And Silverware
- Practical Tips For Moving Appliances
- Step-By-Step Guide For Packing Your Kitchen Appliances For A Move
- How To Best Pack Clothes For A Move
- Do's And Don'ts When Packing Clothes For A Move
- Easy Ways To Pack Your Shoes
- Basic Tips
- How To Pack Books For Moving
- Step-By-Step Process For Packing Books For Moving
- General Tips For Packing Books When Moving
- Packing Your Toiletries And Makeup Products For A Move
- Signs It’s Time To Throw Out Your Expired Makeup
- Additional Tips For Packing Makeup And Toiletries
- Packing Electronics For Moving
Packing for an International Move
The first step in preparing for an international move is packing. You can hire a company to do it for you, or pack everything yourself by using the following tips.
General Packing Ideas
The following ideas should help you be as ready as possible for your pre-move packing:
- Begin with the things you rarely use, like those kept in your basement, roof, shed, or garage.
- Work systematically from one room to another in a logical manner. Pack similar items together and group them. This will make unpacking an easier task.
- Remove everything from your cupboards and drawers, and pack them separately. Otherwise, your furniture will be much heavier and difficult to move. Both the pieces and the things inside them may also get damaged.
Buy Good Quality Boxes and Packing Materials
If you’re planning for an international move, then superior packing is definitely a must. Towels, blankets, and old towels will do little to keep your belongings safe during the long trip overseas. A few things to remember:
- Among your packing materials, you should have:
- Boxes made in different sizes and shapes. You should have small and medium boxes, as well large and extra-large ones. You’ll need different kinds of boxes for your glass, dishes, electronics, and wardrobe.
- Sticky and box tape.
- A dispenser for box tape.
- Zip-lock bags.
- Refills for your box tape.
- A cutter for your boxes.
- Permanent markers.
- Pliable Cardboard.
- Large amounts of polystyrene peanuts, packing paper, or bubble wrap.
- Zip ties.
- Stickers for fragile items.
- Rubber Bands.
- Buy more than you assume you’ll need. Having to find more materials during the process is very time consuming and frustrating. Speak to a removalist to take your remaining materials. Some will gladly help you and even give you a refund.
- Avoid newspapers as packing materials. The ink may stain your belongings. Butcher’s paper (white packing paper) is a much better alternative.
- Place small valuable items, such as your furniture’s nuts and screws in zip-lock bags. Label them properly and be careful where you place them, as their loss can become quite a headache.
Moving Boxes
To make sure your belongings and the movers are secure and safe, please follow these rules:
- Reinforce the boxes with tape along their sides, their top, and their bottom.
- The weight of each box should be distributed evenly. Heavier belongings should be placed at the bottom of the moving truck / container, while the lighter ones should be kept at the top, where they are safer.
- Do not overload your boxes, so they do not break. A box should not be heavier than 45 lbs (20 kg). A single person should be able to carry it.
- Make sure the items inside the box don’t move around. Add things until the box is completely full, so it will be more solid when stacking it. To fill the spaces inside the box, use packing paper, clothing, towels, bedding, or bubble wrap. This will stop the items from moving during the move.
- If you cannot tape the flaps down easily, then the box may be too full. Remove some of the things inside it until you can tape the flaps easily.
- Pick your box carefully. Cushions, pillows, and other light items should be packed in large boxes, while CDs, books, and other heavy belongings should be moved in smaller ones.
Make a Labelling System and an Inventory
A consistent and clear labelling system and inventory will make moving much easier. To make one, we advise you keep to these rules:
- Create a labelling system and an inventory, so your packing gets easier:
- To keep track of your belongings’ location, you can use a system based on colors. For example, you can label everything in your kitchen as red and boxes containing things from your bathroom as blue.
- To keep track of what needs to be first unpacked, make another system based on priority. We recommend you rate your boxes from 1 to 5. The items rated as 1 are top priority, while those rated as 5 should be left for last.
- Each box should have a label and each label should be very specific. Do not label a box simply as kitchen, but instead go for Plates and spoons (kitchen). This way, you’ll be able to locate specific things much easier at your new home.
- Make an in-depth inventory listing the priority, content, and number of each box. You will need it to check off your items when the company picks them up or when they arrive at the destination point.
Fragile and Delicate Belongings
Your fragile and/or delicate belongings must be packed in a special manner, so they survive the journey. Following are a few steps you may want to take, as well as some general tips you will find useful.
- For fragile items, you’ll need packing materials of greater quality. Towels, used boxes, and blankets will offer poor protection, so it’s best to stick with quality.
- For fragile items, you’ll need:
- Lots of packing materials, butcher’s paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc.
- Sticky and box tape.
- A cutter for your box tape.
- A dispense for your box tape.
- Refills for your box tape.
- Small or medium size moving boxes that are sturdy, double corrugated, and new. If you can ask your moving company for custom made boxes. Glass and dish pack kits are extremely useful. Their compartments can keep bowls, saucers, and plates, or even wine glasses and cups. Also, they contain padding made of foam which you can use to isolate your belongings for safer shipping.
- Pliable cardboard in individual sheets.
- Stickers to mark the boxes containing fragile belongings.
- Permanent markers.
- A clean, flat, and large working surface.
- After you have all these, put one of your fragile belongings in the middle of your working surface.
- Check the shape and size of the item. Noticing any protrusions, like a vase’s handle or a wine glass’ stem, since these are easy to break.
- Use packing paper or polystyrene peanuts to fill in the empty areas of the object (for example, the inside of bowls or of wine glasses).
- Use white packing paper to wrap it and use sticky tape to fasten the ends.
- The item should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap. Use sticky tape to secure the ends. Remember:
- Don’t create a parcel by wrapping more than one thing in a sheet to use less bubble wrap. During transport, the items may move inside the bubble wrap, hitting each other and sometimes breaking.
- For thin areas, use more bubble wrap. For example, to cover a wine glass’ stem or a vase’s handle.
- If you are wrapping oddly shaped, pointy or heavy fragile items, you may need more than bubble wrap to do so. If during transit, all the bubbles pop, your items will be left covered in plastic and poorly protected. In such cases, it’s better to use polystyrene peanuts or lots of packing paper.
- Take a sheet of cardboard and put the item you’ve wrapped previously on it. Add another sheet of the same size on top of it. Afterwards, bend the ends of the cardboard, as if you were wrapping the item itself. Use sticky tape to fasten the cardboard’s ends, so your belonging is as stable and snug as it can be.
- Pick a moving box for the fragile item you’ve insulated with cardboard, bubble wrap, and paper. Although it should fit well, do not leave too much space left empty in the box. Fill it with more materials.
- The box:
- If you’ve received the box in a flat form, assemble it, shut down all the flaps, and then secure them with tape. Use as much tape as you need.
- Make sure the base of your box is soft, but strong. Your belongings will land on it if they move during transport. Use several bubble wrap layers or packing paper to create it.
- Put your belongings into the box, on top of the base you’ve built. The most fragile items should be at the top. The way you place the item will depend on its shape, size, and fragility. Vases and glasses are best carried with their base down, while other items should be carried on their backs.
- Any empty spaces left inside the box should be filled with polystyrene peanuts of packing paper.
- Use more than sufficient box tape to fasten the box’s lid after closing it.
- If the items inside the box demand even more protection, then packing them using a double box method may be advisable:
- After closing the first box and using box tape to secure its lid, find another box that is slightly bigger.
- Put the smaller box inside the larger one.
- To stop any unwanted movement, use polystyrene peanuts, bubble wrap, or packing paper to cover any crevices remaining between the boxes.
- Close the larger box, and use the necessary box tape to secure it.
- Use a fragile sticker to mark the box clearly in an easy to see place. To let everyone know how the box should be placed, use an arrow.
- Let the moving company know of all your fragile boxes, as soon as they arrive at your doorsteps.
When Packing Delicate Items
Aside from the tips on how the moving process works, there are different techniques you may use to make sure even the most delicate items are intact. Here is some information you may need:
- Do not use newspaper to wrap your items. Some of us are still using this type of material, since we think it is easily available and less expensive. However, the ink may stain your belongings, especially if they are going to be in storage for a long period of time.
- Do not use old boxes or used boxes. The durability of the material will not be the same as a new one. If you are packing fragile items, it is recommended to get new boxes for storage. Using the best quality boxes is highly recommended for international moving.
- When you have plenty of fragile items, you need to store them separately. However, in some cases, this may not be applicable because of their sizes. You’ll have to maximize and organize them depending on this.
- Securing your items individually and packing them securely is a big part of this process.
- Put the hefty items in the storage box first. This will prevent damage in the early stages of moving. Most of the items will weigh differently and arranging them by weight will reduce the chances of damages.
- There should be a material separating each of the items. This could either be bubble wrap or even strong cardboard.
- For sharp items, cover the edges first before storing them to protect other objects that might ruin their form. Generally, damages are caused not just by accident but by carelessness when packing sharp belongings.
- Do not exaggerate packing the boxes. Not too loose and not too tight. Valuables should be packed in a way in which there are no empty spaces in between. You may want to ask for assistance from the moving company or check the instructions on how to do it.
- If you leave empty spaces inside your storage boxes, delicate items will move and may get damaged while in transit. Use the packing materials recommended in this article for a more secure transport of your fragile belongings.
Tip:
Always remember: If you shake your items, you will break them. If you are uncertain about how to properly pack your belongings to prevent them from shaking, get some tips first from the mover or use their website to get the information.
Labelling and Creating an Inventory
A detailed/accurate inventory and labeling process is important to have a successful move. Here are some guidelines:
- Create an inventory and use labels to unload your items smoothly. The details included in the inventory will provide you with a list of what items you need to monitor before and after the moving process.
- Using the color-coded system is also an effective way to identify and categorize your belongings. For instance, you can use white for documents and black for appliances. This will be a simple way for the mover to segregate each of the items being transported.
- Choose what items are to be unloaded first when moving. One way is labelling them with numbers on the visible part of the boxes. Let's say, you write 'one' for appliances, 'two' for the furniture, and so on. This will immediately simplify the process of un-boxing them, because you already have an idea of where to start.
- Be particular about the labels you use. Be specific. This will let you know where to find each item and where to place them when unpacking.
- Keep a complete list including the smallest items, contents, and their category, so you can identify them smoothly before the pick-up and until the unloading part of the moving process. Be mindful to secure a copy of this list and put it away safely for recording purposes.
Ways to Pack Plates and Bowls When Moving
It takes technique, knowledge, and some serious preparation to properly wrap plates and bowls. Bubble wrap has an important role here. We’ve listed some tips below to help you do it right the first time:
- Make sure you have all the packing materials you need. These include:
- Bubble wrap: you must have this first and foremost. The quantity will depend on your circumstances.
- New boxes and sticky tapes.
- A tape dispenser.
- Tape refills.
- Box cutter.
- Permanent markers.
- Durable cardboards.
- A flat, wide and clean working surface.
- Boxes designed to protect plates and bowls; this is a type of box that comes with foam and padding for a better and more secure way of storing.
- Wrap your items in three. You should use bubble wrap when doing this.
- Make sure your storage box is ready.
- If it’s a flat item, make sure you use additional tape to pack it properly. Please bear in mind to not use too much of it, or you might end up having a hard time removing it.
- Use a durable box which can keep your plates and bowls secure. The base of the box must also be soft to protect the items in case of an accident. You can create this base using multiple layers of bubble wrap and packing papers.
- Carefully place the packed bundles inside your storage box.
- Plates must be positioned sideways, since they can tolerate pressure better in this position.
- The heavier plates and bowls should be placed at the bottom part of the storage box while the lightest should be kept at the top.
Additional Tip:
Do not forget to place the plates in an upright position instead of piling them up. By doing this, you reduce the chances of them breaking. In addition, you may want to insert strong cardboards between the bundled plates or bowls to prevent scratches during movement.
Add another coat, if you would like to have multiple layers, by using bubble wrap or packing paper. Do not leave empty spaces since they may lead to movement and damage to your belongings. Properly close the storage box by using packing tape.
Mark each of the boxes as 'Fragile' and write an arrow to indicate how your belongings need to be positioned. This will help the moving company properly handle your items.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods nationwide. Call 888-241-3110 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.
Packing Glasses and Mugs
This requires cautious attention for wrapping, preparation, and most importantly, a lot of bubble wrap. Below are some guidelines you may want to read to prevent any damages:
- Prepare the necessary packing materials. These include:
- A supply of bubble wrap;
- New boxes and sticky tapes;
- A tape Dispenser;
- Tape refills;
- A cutter;
- Scissors;
- A permanent marker;
- Durable cardboard;
- Double-corrugated boxes;
- A clean, wide and open working surface.
- You need to ensure all the glasses and mugs are properly cleaned and dried before packing.
- Individually wrap the glasses by following these steps:
- Put the glass in the corner of the paper you are using.
- Roll it diagonally towards the other corner of the paper until the entire glass or mug is fully covered.
- Cover the stems of wine glasses using sheets of paper before you wrap them using a bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Prepare your storage box:
- If it is a flat item, make sure you use additional tape to pack it properly.
- Use a durable box which can keep your plates and bowls secure.
- Carefully place the wrapped glasses and mugs inside your storage box.
- Just like plates, these items should be placed vertically. This will prevent any damage during your move, especially if the ride/road is shaky.
- Similar to other valuables, heavier mugs and glasses should be placed in the lower part of the box, while lighter weight belongings should be at the top. This is applicable to all items.
- You may also include sheets in between these fragile items so there will be no scratches while in transit. It acts like a cushion that will protect them from damages.
- When it comes to filling the boxes with glasses, once you have started completing the first layer of the box, put some papers in between before proceeding to the next layer.
- Do not leave empty spaces when packing mugs and glasses. Use bubble wrap or any additional packing material at your disposal to maximize the protection.
- Always remember to put the bundles of packing paper at the topmost portion of each and every box, so it’s completely filled and the items inside do not move.
- Properly close and seal the box with tape.
- Make the word 'Fragile' visible outside each box and put an arrow that lets the mover know how these boxes need to be positioned.
Proper Packaging for Cutlery and Silverware
These items could lead to belongings near them getting damaged during the move. Sharp edges must be safely wrapped. This requires great attention and time.
Of course, your cutlery and silverware needs to be cleaned, bundled according to its size and type, and then placed in a tray where you can wrap it safely and securely. Follow the steps below, so everything goes smoothly:
- Gather all the packaging materials you will need during the process:
- Enough bubble wrap;
- Box tape and sticky tape;
- Tape refills;
- Cutter;
- Scissors;
- Permanent markers;
- Durable cardboard;
- Double-corrugated boxes;
- A wide, open, and clean working surface.
- Clean your cutlery and silverware first and make sure it is dry. It might get damaged if not washed and cleaned properly.
- Make sure the silverware is placed in bundles depending on its utensil category.
- Securely wrap each bundle using the packing paper and use sticky tape to seal it.
- Use a tray to hold the silverware, then wrap and seal it with a tape.
- When there is no available silverware tray, put the bundled items inside a storage box together with the same type of utensils.
- Do not leave empty spaces in between. Use bubble wrap and other available packing materials to fill them.
- To provide additional security to your belongings, place papers in between layers at the topmost part of the box.
- Properly seal the box using tape.
- Label the boxes describing the items inside them.
- You must safeguard your other items, especially if knives are included.
- Items with sharp edges must always be covered when packed.
- They should be positioned alternately inside your storage boxes.
- Knives and other sharp objects should be visible to make sure everyone is aware of them, and to avoid accidents.
Practical Tips for Moving Appliances
Packing up your kitchen appliances can be overwhelming. Appliances are essential items you will use after you move, so it is good to know how to properly pack and secure them, so they arrive safe and ready to use.
Step-by-step guide for packing your kitchen appliances for a move:
- Contact the manufacturer or dealer for specific moving instructions or just refer to the owner's manual if you have a copy. If you don't have it, try looking for the user manual online.
- Use the original box if you have it. Using the original boxes can provide the best overall protection during transportation. Some manufacturers offer a specially-designed packaging service for the items you purchased with them.
- If you don't have the original boxes, then find ones of a similar size and prepare packing materials, like:
- Packing paper and bubble wrap;
- Packing tape and sticky tape;
- Tape dispenser;
- Tape refills;
- Box cutter;
- Quality moving boxes from your mover;
- Permanent markers;
- Clean, flat, and large working surface;
- Appliances should be unplugged and power cords must be rolled up using zip-ties or rubber bands.
- Remove any small detachable parts from your appliances before packing them;
- For packing appliances containing water:
- Make sure to remove any water content in the appliance,
- Dry and clean before packing.
- For smaller and/or breakable components of the appliance, use packing paper or bubble wrap and pack them separately;
- Gather the manual, cords, and any detachable parts and place them in their corresponding, box including the user manual of each appliance;
- If you don't have the original box:
- Wrap it like a present by lining it with packing paper or bubble wrap, and use tape to fasten the wrap around it.
- Find a similar sized box to the original packaging. Ask your mover for an electronics box if you are packing an electrical kitchen appliance.
- Line the box with bubble wrap or packing paper for extra cushion and protection.
- For multiple appliances in one box, place the appliance upright in the box, with the lighter ones on top and the heavier items on the bottom.
- Place the user manual inside the box.
- Close and tape the box.
- Label the box with the content using a marker. Write "Fragile" if it contains glass parts.
How to Best Pack Clothes for a Move
The best way to properly pack your clothes for moving is the following:
- Clean out and rationalize your closet. Get rid of unused and unnecessary items by sorting your clothes carefully, and decide what goes with you to your new place. Implement the ‘One Year Rule' by setting old clothing aside. Sort things by the following categories: keep, sell, donate and throw-away.
- No longer needed and out of season clothes: Some of your clothes may be inappropriate to the climate of your new house’s location.
- Out of fashion or outdated clothes: Fashion trends often change, so some of your clothes may not suit your taste and current lifestyle.
- Old and worn out clothes: This may be the best time to dispose old and worn out clothes.
- Clothes you never wear which don’t fit your style: Some clothes may not match your style or you may just not like to wear them.
- After you have sorted and categorized the unwanted pile, dispose of the garments accordingly:
- Consider organizing a moving sale or sell them online.
- Give away or donate your clothes to your local charity.
- Use the clothes to wrap breakables and fragile items:
- Wrap long items using pant legs.
- For serving plates, wrap them in jumpers and shirts.
- Your socks can be used to wrap mugs and glasses.
- Make sure your clothes are clean and dry before you put them into a box or in a suitcase. Avoid packing dirty clothes to prevent unwanted stains and odors that can transfer to your other clothes.
- Pack separately the clothes you will need immediately upon arrival. For an overseas move, you may pack your clothing items in your luggage or suitcase to take with you on the plane, or have a separate shipment for them by air freight. Remember: it may take more than a month for your shipment to arrive via sea freight.
- The process of grouping your clothes can speed up both packing and unpacking. Pack smart by grouping your clothes according to:
- Material: Natural and cotton fabrics are soft and easily creased, so you need to be extra careful when packing them, while polyesters and synthetics can be crammed in a box or used as padding in the other boxes.
- Season: It is better to classify and pack clothes by season to make unpacking easier, corresponding to the season or weather condition in your new home.
- Size: Small items and longer clothes should be packed separately. Hang longer clothes in a hanging wardrobe and pack the smaller items in a normal moving box.
- Purpose: You can pack your comfortable clothes in one box and pack aside your formal and work clothing in another box so you can locate them easily.
- Prepare the following materials:
- Quality moving boxes,
- Packing tape,
- Box tape dispenser,
- Box tape refills,
- Box cutter,
- Scissors,
- Marking pens,
- A large, flat, and clean working surface.
Tip
Use small boxes for packing your clothing items because clothes can weigh alot. It is not advisable to use big boxes because the bottom can collapse. Overweight boxes are difficult to lift and may cause injury. Don’t make the boxes too heavy. You can keep the weight of the box at a manageable level by lifting it every now and then.
- You can use a wardrobe box for the clothes you wish to keep on hangers because it is equipped with a hanging rack across the top designed to hang your clothes on. Using a wardrobe box is a great solution to make sure your garments reach the new home unwrinkled and in perfect condition. Do not overload the wardrobe box, so the metal rod won't break. This kind of box can be provided by your movers.
- Prepare your box for moving:
- Secure every side of the box with packing tape.
- Line the base of the box with packing paper to protect your clothes during the move.
- Ways to place your clothes in a moving box:
- The folding method: It is the easiest, most comfortable and efficient way of packing clothes.
- Layer your clothes (bundling): This is an alternative technique to pack your clothes for a move. It saves space and prevents your clothes from creases by laying your large clothing items, such as jackets, on a flat surface. The jacket should lie face up, and you should start piling small clothes on top of it until everything is wrapped and encased in the biggest one.
- Use the rolling method: It’s the simplest method that can help you reduce wrinkles. It works on all kinds of clothing and saves space.
- Vacuum sealed bags: These bags can shrink and take up less space. However, it is not advisable to use this method if you are moving long distance or overseas because there is a great tendency for your vacuumed clothes to tear and rip off during long distance transport.
- Take adequate measure to protect your clothes from moths and other insects by placing insect repellant with your garments.
- Use crumpled paper to fill in any gaps.
- Close the box and secure it with packing tape.
- Label all your moving boxes clearly and inventory what is inside them.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods nationwide. Call 888-241-3110 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.
Do's and Don'ts when packing clothes for a move:
- Remove all the items from your closet. It will potentially save you from having to deal with damaged or broken furniture, and it will be safer and easier to lift the closet without your garments inside.
- Do not use plastic bags in packing your clothes. Exposure to air may damage delicate clothes.
- Keep your hats together in a box and use packing paper as padding to preserve their shape.
- Insert some small clothing items inside the shoes to keep their form and save some space.
- Get an extra box from your mover to ensure everything will be packed. Unused boxes can be refunded.
Easy Ways to Pack your Shoes
Keeping your favorite pairs of shoes intact and organized is simple. Just follow these steps so the entire process will be smooth and easy.
Some of the details you need to check are as follows:
- Get all your shoes from your shoe racks or wardrobe. Examine each pair and be firm when choosing which you never used. If you have not used it in a year, it is time to let go of it. You may create categories to help you know where these items need to go:
- No longer needed: If you are relocating to an area which will not require you to use leather shoes meant for winter, you may want to put those pairs in this category.
- Not fashionable: If you own items you purchased because of trends, you should place them in this category. These are the designs that will not go back in style.
- Damaged shoes: If you notice some pairs can no longer be repaired or restored, don’t keep them. They will only take more space and add to your moving costs.
- Not loved: Perhaps you’ve passed by a store and fell in love with a shoe. You felt it would look good on you, but it did not last that long. Instead of staring at them, you may lessen the burden of paying extra shipping fees by removing these from your list.
- Once you have completed this step, it is time for you to get rid of these items:
- Create an ad online (a garage sale will also help) and sell them at a reasonable price.
- Charitable institutions are always there to help ease your burden.
- Do not compromise your shoes. Use high quality materials. Some of the items you need are:
- The right amount of packing materials, like bubble wrap or paper,
- New or unused boxes and tapes,
- A box Tape Dispenser,
- Tape Refills,
- A cutter for your boxes,
- Pairs of scissors,
- Permanent Markers,
- A clean and flat working area.
- Ensure all of the shoes are clean and dry. Separate the sneakers from the formal shoes. Leather shoes must be dry so moisture will not build up inside the boxes.
Important Reminder: Expose your shoes to direct sunlight for at least a day or two, so you are certain your belongings will not have any moist inside them. You must do this, since sweat and moisture are not visible.
- Create a list and group your shoes depending on their category. When you unload your items, you might need some of your shoes immediately. A list will be helpful in such a situation, especially if you are travelling overseas. You may use “reasons for use” as the category, just to make sure you have the items when you need them.
- Pack your shoes in pairs using packing paper to protect them from scratches.
- When you’re using the original box, you need to take note of the following:
- Prepare the shoe boxes with packing paper;
- Carefully place the shoes inside the boxes;
- Make sure there are no empty spaces in between. For this, use bubble wrap or packing paper;
- Secure the box properly using tape;
- Use the right size for your storage boxes and be ready for packing. This time, you need to check the following:
- When you are wrapping the items, if it is flat, make sure any swings or excess are properly closed or taped. You may use additional tapes if they require you to;
- Use clean paper at the bottom part of your box. This way, dust or any unwanted particles will not cause damage to your shoes.
- Arrange them depending on their weight. Place the heavier items (like boots) at the bottom of the storage box and as you go up, lighter items (like stilettos) should be placed.
- If you no longer have the same box, you need to consider the following:
- You need to wrap it properly using packing paper and ensure the heavier shoes are stored right at the very bottom of the moving box.
- While you are making sure they are packed in pairs, maximize the space of your boxes by alternating the pairs inside it.
- When you are packing your boots, do it in a horizontal position because if they are in an upright position, they will cover most of your space.
- Safely put insect repellents inside the storage boxes, always. This is even more important when your items are in transit for a long period of time.
- Use bubble wrap or clean paper to cover any empty spaces inside the box.
- Properly close and secure your boxes with tape. You may use additional tape if necessary.
- Create a label for each box and be thorough when creating it. This organizing step will help you organize your inventory and find your belongings quickly. You may place notes like 'Shoes-Stilettos'.
Basic Tips
Aside from the helpful tips above, the following information will help your shoes arrive at their new destination in the same state they were in when they left:
- Do not put your shoes at the very bottom of your moving box. It’s the easiest and quickest way to pack them, but this will ruin your items. You may not able to use them when you unload them.
- Clothes and shoes must be stored separately. The clothes might be stained by the shoes or vice versa. There are some fabrics and shoes that require more care when stored.
- Do not use plastic bags when packing your shoes. Here are some of the reasons why you should not use it:
- Plastic bags easily get torn;
- It attracts moisture, and since there is no air, mold might build up;
- There are instances where plastic bags melt because of the heat being produced inside them.
- They can easily stick to your shoes.
How to Pack Books for Moving
House moving can be a very stressful event, especially for book lovers. It will be a struggle to decide which book should come with you and which one should go away. It takes time and effort to check torn pages, chafed book covers, dilapidated spines and crinkled edges, so this should be done ahead of time. Here are some helpful pointers and guidelines you can use on how to pack your books for moving.
Step-by-Step Process for Packing Books for Moving
Need help with packing your books? Here's a guide to help you pack them easily and keep them in their best shape and quality.
Remember: this is the best time to go through your collection and decide which ones will be taken with you. It could be a tough job, especially for book lovers who are attached to their collections.
However, you must create a list of your favorite and least read books. Rarely read ones can be donated, sold or given as a gift to your friend. You also need to consider the weight of the book as shipping heavier ones may be pricey.
Once you’ve determined which books will be packed, group them according to their sizes and categories. It‘s simple and faster to pack the same sized books, since they can all go in the same box.
Sample categories you can use are Large Paperback covers / Small paperback covers; large hardbound covers / Small hardbound covers. Make sure to use high-quality packing materials. This will ensure sturdiness and support the weight of the books. Some items include:
- Sufficient packing materials, like Bubble wrap, white packing papers (butcher paper), and industrial packing foam peanuts.
- Packing tape and sticky tapes.
- Tape Dispenser and tape refills.
- Box cutters.
- Small moving boxes, preferably double -walled corrugated boxes.
- Permanent markers.
- Flat and clean working area.
Consider the weight of the books when choosing your moving boxes. It is best to use small but strong and durable corrugated moving boxes that can be easily carried by one or two people.
Try not to overpack as much as possible. Overloaded boxes leads to higher chances of collapse and could easily ruin the books.
Assembling and preparing the box for packing: Store purchased boxes are often flat. While assembling them, make sure all the flaps are properly sealed and taped, especially the bottom part. Use as much tape as necessary to seal the bottom part as you wouldn't want your box to fall apart while being carried or while in transit.
Use industrial peanut foams, bubble wraps, crumpled old papers or newspapers to cushion your books. This will serve as their protection from dust, dirt, and even scratched. This is highly recommended when packing hardbound or leather bound books, as well as rare books you want to keep safe.
Highly valuable books, like the first edition and limited edition should be handled delicately and wrapped individually with packing paper and bubble wrap for added protection. Hardbound or hardcover books should be in an upright position as if you're placing them in a bookshelf. Ensure the books are tightly packed to reduce shifting which may damage them while in transit.
For paperback books, put the heavier ones at the bottom of the box. Lay them flat and alternate the book spines. Put industrial peanut foam, packing paper or bubble wrap to fill in the gaps. Avoid using knickknacks such as remote controls.
Small objects tend to bump and shake while in transport which can easily damage the covers and pages. Placing small packets of Silica gel can also help reduce the moisture of the box while in transit.
TIP: Start collecting packets of Silica gel months before you migrate or move abroad. These little packets can be found when you purchase new shoes, on electronics’ packages, and even on food packets. Buying new ones is also very cheap. Adding Silica gel on each box will keep your books arid and moisture free all throughout the transit.
Add crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap or peanut foam on top of the books before closing the box entirely. Doing this ensures your books are highly secured from dust and dirt, and it reduces the risk of damaging them.
When you’re closing the box, make sure it is taped tightly and firmly. Use as much tape as necessary. Properly label each one. Include a simple description of the content. This will give you an idea on how to properly carry it.
Move the boxes onto higher ground. Leaving them on the floor can make them acquire moisture and dew that can easily ruin the books inside.
General Tips for Packing Books When Moving
Here are some common tips you can use when packing your books for a house move to ensure they will arrive flawless and in mint condition:
- Do not pack books together to avoid buckling and twisting of book spines.
- If the books are resting on their sides, make sure the pages are facing upwards.
- If the books are placed opposite to the spine, the pages should face downwards.
- Provide additional protection for prized books and collections.
- Wrap each book with packing paper or bubble wrap before placing it in a box.
- Put a flexible cardboard to set apart each book, securing each spine and keeping the covers untainted during transit.
- Be extra careful when lifting boxes with books inside them, as they can be very heavy. It may cause you strain during the process.
Packing your Toiletries and Makeup Products for a Move
Finding out how to properly pack makeup and toiletries will help make your moving process easier. There are a few things you can do to make moving toiletries and makeup products easier and to maintain them during the relocation:
- Go through your makeup and consider throwing away any items that are past their expiration date and should no longer be used. Here’s when you should toss products:
- Replace after 3months:
- Liquid eyeliner,
- Replace after 1 year:
- Lipstick,
- Lip liner,
- Cream eye shadows,
- Blushers and Bronzers.
- Replace after 2 years:
- Pencil eyeliner,
- Powder,
- Stick concealer.
- You will need to prepare the following packing materials:
- Bubble wrap, butcher's paper, or packing peanuts;
- Zip-lock bags;
- Glad wrap;
- Cotton balls or pads;
- Packing tape;
- Box tape refills and a tape dispenser;
- Box cutter;
- Rubber bands;
- Quality small moving boxes;
- Markers;
- A large, flat, and clean working surface.
- Save your favorite makeup and assess what products you apply regularly and would need to access on an everyday basis. Carry them separately in a luggage you can take with you, so you’ll have easy access to all the items you often utilize.
- Keep similar items together and carefully pack your beauty products by type:
- Wet-Gels, liquids, and creams that could leak or spill.
- Dry- all powders, like eye shadow, bronzer, blush etc.
- Hard- Comb/hair brushes, makeup brushes, etc.
- How to wrap wet items:
- Spread out the lid of your toiletries and securely track the opening with glad wrap;
- Use rubber bands to fasten and lock the glad wrap;
- Then screw the lids back on;
- Use zip-lock bags to separate toiletries and makeup;
- Make sure the zip-lock bags are properly closed.
- How to wrap dry items:
- Unscrew the lid.
- Use extra cotton balls or pads in cosmetic cases to help prevent breakage.
- Screw the lid back on and use a rubber band to lock the item.
- Use zip-lock bags to carry similar items.
- How to wrap hard items:
- Fragile items can be packed using packing paper or bubble wrap. Afterwards, secure them with sticky tape.
- Depending on the size of the toiletries, place as much as the zip-lock bags can hold to secure them while keeping the bags tightly closed.
- For extra protection, zip-lock bags should be enclosed in a layer of bubble wrap secured with sticky tape.
- Make sure to label each wrapped item accordingly, so it won't be difficult to pick out what's inside the bubble wrap during the unloading phase of your relocation.
- Organize your boxes:
- For a flat box, use tape to secure all the flaps. Tape up the bottom as much as needed.
- Use a garbage bag or plastic sheet to line the entire box, so there will be no leakage to other boxes in case of a breakage.
- Place some bubble wrap or packing paper on the base of the box for extra protection and to act as a cushion for your cosmetics and toiletries.
- Put everything inside the box, heavier items first and the lighter one on the upper side.
- Make sure to stuff anything hollow and to fill any spaces with packing paper and bubble wrap to prevent the items from wobbling and moving inside the box.
- Put some bubble wrap or packing paper on top of the box for extra protection.
- Use a packing tape to tightly seal it.
- Mark the box clearly with its contents and set it as "Cosmetics and toiletries".
- Replace after 3months:
Signs it’s time to throw out your expired makeup:
There are a few simple ways to determine if your makeup has expired even without knowing the expiration:
- Nail polish: Separating polish is a sign it has expired.
- Liquid foundation: Discard it if your liquid make-up looks separated and doesn’t blend back together.
- Powder foundation: If the powder has gone dry and flaky, it’s time to throw it out.
- Blush, bronzer, and eye shadow: A grayish film over the top and any changes in color could mean the item has expired.
- Mascara and liquid eyeliner: Toss it after three months to avoid the risk of transmitting bacteria to your eyes and getting an eye infection.
Additional Tips for Packing Makeup and Toiletries
The following are steps on how to avoid a cosmetic catastrophe caused by self-tanning products inside your box:
- To avoid accidents, such as stains and spills, wrap the item as much as required.
- Use zip-lock bags to separate self-tanning products.
- It is better if your products are packed in their original packaging to keep them protected and intact. Items in their original packaging should be wrapped with bubble wrap before putting them within the box for extra security.
- Some makeup products are prohibited and considered dangerous due to their content. That's why there are some countries that do not allow the importation of such items. Therefore, it is better to check customs rules to know which makeup products are forbidden.
Packing Electronics for Moving
Packing for electronics shipping or moving should be handled meticulously. You have to make sure your items will arrive intact and unscathed. We have listed down some tips and suggestions on how to properly pack your electronic items to secure them while moving.
Tips for packing electronics
Electrical equipment and appliances are very delicate and vulnerable. They are also very sensitive to changes in weather, and a little shaking can easily cause system failure and damage. The following steps will help alleviate your packing dilemma and confidently ship your electronic devices:
- Check product manuals and user guides for packing suggestions. Manufacturers often include a recommendation on how to properly pack your device. Most electronics manuals are now downloadable from the web, so you can easily get a copy in case you don't have the original.
- If you still have the original equipment box, it is highly recommended you use it. The appliances box is specifically devised to safeguard the items and secure them from any shock and/or impact during transit. You can also buy specialized equipment boxes directly from the manufacturers.
- You can hire a professional electrical technician to uninstall equipment like computers, video game systems, wall mounted televisions and speakers, so they are removed safely.
- Use high-grade packaging materials. Must have items include:
- A sufficient amount of packing supplies like bubble wraps, white packing paper, or butcher paper. You can also use Polystyrene foam peanuts.
- In case you no longer have the original box, you can buy brand new corrugated moving boxes. They are as strong and sturdy as the original box. Appliances, like DVD players, speakers, and home entertainment sets have specifically designed boxes that keep them safe while transported.
- Cable ties or rubber bands.
- Packing tape and sticky tapes.
- Packing tape dispenser.
- Packing tape refills.
- Safety knives and cutters.
- Permanent markers.
- A wide, even, and clear working area.
TIP: Anything that conducts electricity can easily damage your device. Use anti-static packing supplies like bubble wrap/foam peanuts to add protection to your equipment.
- Don’t forget to remove accessories such as:
- Batteries - Acid leakage can be harmful to your equipment.
- Portable storage devices such as USBs, CDs, DVDs, and other external hard drives should be placed in their cases.
- Remove ink cartridges and place them in a sealable bag.
- If you’re packing your laptops or computers, make sure you save a copy of all your files. Use hard to guess passwords and logins. Wipe or clean the back of your computer to take out any dust or dirt.
- If you are packing appliances, such as an electric kettle or a coffee maker, ensure they are completely dry and arid. It is recommended to clean and dry the items overnight before packing.
- Before removing cords and wires, take a picture of how the cords/wires are connected to the device. This will greatly help as your guide when you are reassembling your devices in their new place.
- Once you have a photo of the wiring setup, unplug all the power cords and remove the wires one by one. Carefully label each wire or assign colored stickers to it and its corresponding port. This will ease off any wiring trouble when you’re reassembling your devices. Secure rolled up cables and wires using cable ties or rubber bands.
- Wrap removable pieces, such as speakers, remote controls, or kettle bases in bubble wrap or packing papers.
- For equipment, like Televisions, DVD players, and other home entertainment appliances, it is recommended you use the original equipment box as much as possible. These packages are specifically manufactured to ensure the safety of the products while they are being transported.
- If the original box is not available, you can make the following modifications:
- Carefully wrap the appliance with bubble wrap or packing paper (as if you’re wrapping a gift). Use sticky tape to fasten the wraps firmly.
- Use a box that is about the same size as the original, or you can also use the box provided by your moving specialist.
- Secure the bottom part or your box with bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Place the equipment in the middle part, making sure that heavy materials are at the bottom and lighter materials on top
- Include the user manual/ guide in the box
- Use crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts to fill in spaces and gaps.
- Close the box. Ensure all the flaps are tightly sealed and taped. You can use as much tape as necessary.
- Label and tag each box accordingly. Make sure to include a description, such as "Electronics -DVD Player” or “Electronics - Fragile”.
Useful techniques for packing electronics
Here are some general tips you can keep in mind while packing your valuable equipment to safeguard and protect it while in transit to your new home:
- Keep all detachable parts and small items, like a remote control, in a designated box labeled “Electrical Appliance Parts”. Have an itemized list of what’s included in the box to prevent missing any important parts.
- Place your equipment in an upright position all the time.
- Do not place equipment on the hard drive next to a speaker. The speaker's magnet is capable of erasing and damaging the drive.
Packing Mirrors, Artwork, and Photos
Valuable items, like artworks, framed photos and mirrors should be given extra care when moving. These items are often bigger in size and fragile. You can use materials like flexible cardboards, bubble wraps, or strong moving boxes to keep them protected during and after transit to ensure they arrive at your new home safe and intact.
We have built a comprehensive guide to help you in packing your framed photos, mirrors, and delicate artworks, like oil and canvas paintings. You can find it below.
Packing Guide for Mirrors, Photographs and Canvass/Paintings
Here’s some simple steps you can follow to safeguard your pictures, mirrors, and artwork:
- Make sure you use high grade packing supplies. Necessary items include:
- An adequate amount of packing paper or butcher's paper and bubble wrap;
- Packing Tape and sticky tape;
- Tape dispenser and box knife or cutter;
- Indelible markers;
- Cardboard boxes or custom built moving crates;
- Glassine paper or acid-free tissue paper (for oil painting and canvas);
- A clean and level work area.
- Unmount the painting or mirror cautiously off the wall, laying it flat on a clean and stable work area.
- Create a big X on the surface using box tape. This strengthens the exterior of the painting and adds protection for mirrors and artworks with glass panels.
- Use Glassine paper or acid-free archival tissue paper to cover glass surfaces or mirrors, especially for oil paintings and canvasses.
- Place a piece of cardboard on top of the glassine paper. The cardboard should be just about the size of the glass or mirror leaving enough space to wrap around the frame’s edges.
- For extra security, you can purchase protective cardboard corners you can place on the edges of the frame. These are specially produced for this type of packing.
- Cover the artwork or mirror using bubble wrap. It is best to cover it crossways. Use sticky tape to fasten the edges and ensure the sticky part of the tape will not touch any portion of the mirror, frame, or artwork because the tape’s glue can stain the items permanently.
- Preparing and setting up your box:
- In case you still have a flat box, set it up accordingly, making sure all the flaps are fastened tightly using packing tape. Ensure the base of your box is securely sealed. You can use as much tape as necessary to avoid collapsing.
- Form a cushion inside the box by lining bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper.
- Carefully place your wrapped paintings and mirrors in the box.
- Put extra crumpled paper and bubble wrap to fill the gaps in the box. Make sure the items inside the box no longer move or shake, and add more materials as necessary, so the painting stays in place.
- Close the box. Add as much tape as necessary to make sure the flaps are closed firmly.
- Label the box “Fragile” and put an arrow ("UP" or ↑) to indicate the breakable items inside and the way it should be placed.
- Arrange the box upright instead of keeping it flat on the floor. It lessens the chances of shattering the glass frames and mirrors in case of an accident.
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Packing Suggestions for Artworks, Mirrors, and Framed Photographs
Here are some reminders you can use for packing your photos, mirrors, and artworks:
- Use the right type of packing supplies. For example, a specific kind of parchment paper may leave scratches on your glass frame or newspaper prints can blotch the painting.
- Refrain from using Industrial Packing peanuts or foam peanuts. It may crush to smaller pieces that can go between the panes and frames of your artwork.
- For loose artwork, take it off the frame, roll it and put it in a cardboard tube. Wrap your frame with bubble wrap then place it on the moving box.
- For antiques and highly delicate paintings, it would be best to get custom crates for superior protection.
Packing Lamps
Lamps can be a challenge to pack because of their unique or odd shapes. They are fragile items, so it is best to separate the lamp base and lampshade when packing.
The Best Way to Properly Pack Lamp bases is the following:
- You will need these moving supplies to get started:
- Bubble wraps and white packing paper or butcher's paper;
- Packing tape and sticky tape;
- Box tape refills and a tape dispenser;
- Box cutter;
- Marking pens;
- Quality moving boxes;
- Rubber bands or zip ties;
- A wide, flat, and clean working space.
- Carefully remove the lampshade after you unscrew the finial or fixture, then set it aside, for it will be packed separately.
- Get rid of the light bulb and discard it. This way, it won't fall apart during transportation. Incandescent bulbs are fragile and most likely won't make the trip. In some countries, the shipping of incandescent bulbs overseas is not tolerated due to custom's rules and ordinances.
- The best way to pack floor lamps for safe transportation is to dismantle them.
- Gather and bundle the power cord together, then attach a zip tie or a rubber ring.
- Wrap the power cord and base separately in bubble wrap or packing tape, then fasten them with sticky tape.
- The stand should be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper and secured with sticky tape.
- Load the lamp base and lampshade in separate box.
- Tape all the flaps shut if the box is still flat, and make sure the bottom of the box is taped up and secured.
- Line a box with bubble wrap or packing paper to create some cushion and protection for the lamp.
- Place the power cord and the lamp base inside the box. The heaviest item should be placed on the bottom and the lighter one on the top inside the box.
- Ensure a tight fit by filling the gaps with scrunched up packing paper or bubble wrap for padding.
- Close the box and securely seal it with packing tape.
- Mark the box clearly with its contents and set it as "Lamps, Bases, and Stands”, then put an arrow to illustrate which end is up.
- Get ready for packing your lampshades.
The Best Way to Properly Pack Lampshades is the following:
- You will need a few supplies to get started:
- Packing tape;
- Box tape refills and a tape dispenser;
- Box cutter;
- Fragile stickers;
- Marking pens;
- Quality moving boxes;
- A broad, level, and clean working surface.
- Most often, lampshades are made of delicate linen and are usually light colored. They stain very easily, so make sure to rinse and dry your hands before taking them. The box should be 2 inches or 5 cm larger all around the large lampshade allowing some space inside the box.
- Prepare and assemble the box. Get a separate one for other lampshades.
- Tape all the flaps shut if the box is still flat and make sure the bottom is taped up and secured.
- Line the bottom of the box with bubble wrap or packing paper to make a protective layer and a cushion for the lampshades.
- Use the nesting technique for packing multiple lamp shades in a box:
- You can start with the smallest lampshade. Hold it by its wire rim and place it into the box.
- Cover the shade with plain packing paper.
- Repeat the layering until the shades are nested.
Tip: Do not use the nesting technique if your lampshades are very delicate and fragile. Pack them in separate boxes.
- The lamp shade should be packed separately from other items. Do not use any clothing as padding to fill the gaps in the box. Instead, use bubble wrap or packing paper. Cushion it loosely to prevent the lamp shade from receiving any damage during transit.
- Line the top of the box with crumpled paper or bubble wrap.
- Close the box and secure it with packing tape.
- Mark the box clearly with its contents and set it as "Lampshades" "Fragile.” Afterwards, put an arrow to illustrate which end is up.
Packing Soft Goods and Beddings
The best way to pack linens and beddings is the following:
- Clean your linens, beddings and towel by washing them. Make sure to dry them to keep the fabric in good condition during storage and transit.
- You will need these moving supplies to get started:
- Quality moving boxes;
- Packing tape and sticky tape;
- Box tape refills and a tape dispenser;
- Box cutter;
- Pair of scissors;
- Marking pens;
- A wide, level, and clean working place.
- Assemble and prepare an appropriately sized box:
- Tape all the flaps shut if the box is still flat, and make sure the bottom is taped up and secured.
- Line the bottom of the box with clean packing paper to keep your towels, bed sheets, linens, and mattress clean and safe during the move.
- Several ways to properly place your towels, linens, and mattress inside your box are the following:
- The folding method: It is the easiest, most comfortable and efficient way of packing your towels, linens and mattress.
- The rolling method: The simplest method that can help you reduce wrinkles. It works on all different kinds of fabric and saves space.
- Layering or bundling: This is an alternative technique to pack your towels, linens and mattress for a move. It saves space and prevents your items from creases by laying the largest item, such as the blanket, on a flat surface. The blanket should lie face down. Afterwards, start piling small items on top until everything is wrapped and encased inside it.
- Vacuum sealed bags: These bags can shrink and take up less space. However, it is not advisable to use this method if you are moving long distance or overseas because there is a great tendency for vacuumed items, especially delicate fabrics like cotton to tear and rip off during long distance transport.
Tip: Do not use pack sheets in packing your towels and blankets. Exposure to air and moisture can damage the cloth and fabrics.
- Take adequate measures to protect your items from moths and other insects by placing insect repellant with your garments.
- Use packing paper or polystyrene packing peanuts to fill in any gaps.
- Close the box and secure it with packing tape.
- Label all your moving boxes clearly with its content and set it as "Beddings" "Linens" "Towels".
The Best Way to Pack your Curtains
- Carefully wash and vacuum them before shipping. It is best to put them through a competent steam cleaning.
- For getting rid of the stench and for killing the tiny worms that may lie in your curtains, leave them to dry under the sunlight for at least one day.
- Instead of rolling, folding and sealing them through vacuum, using a dresser box is better for moving the curtains. Easily placing the curtains on a hanger with pads and folding them from top to bottom protects them from wrinkles.
Packing Rugs and Carpets
How to pack carpets and rugs for moving:
- Carefully cleaning them with a vacuum cleaner is needed before the relocation. Whenever possible, it is best to use steam clean
- Hanging them on a clothes line and allowing them to dry under the sunlight for at least one day helps in removing the stench and in killing any tiny insects in your rugs.
- For the rug’s backing protection, flip the feathery surface outside and roll it thinly, similar to the shape of a cigarette. Folding it will weaken the fibers; moreover, removing the pleats or cracks due to folding will then be difficult for you, so do not fold your carpets or rugs. Once you roll it up, you’ll want to secure the rug so it doesn’t unravel.
- It is better to use a string or twine to secure it and to avoid any unwanted blotch on the rug. Wrapping the carpet with canvas or moving blankets is your next step. Plastic wraps, which are heavy-duty, can also be used. However, moisture and condensation may occur due to the plastic if you leave the rug inside for a long time.
- Unrolling the carpet fast prevents it from curling permanently.
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