Moving Quotes and Packing Strategies: Protecting Your Valuables

You’re moving. It’s a truth you consider with undeniable dread — if only because the efforts involved will demand time, energy and money you don’t have. It’s a tedious process, however necessary, and you’re cringing with the knowledge that you’ll soon begin the long labors of packing, inventorying and comparing moving quotes. You’re afraid such things will overwhelm. You’re tempted instead to ignore them. But that is a mistake of all too sad proportions.

Delaying packing (and choosing instead to haphazardly toss all of your collections into boxes the day before you move) will result in broken glass, cracked plastics and ruined cloth. You need instead to plan ahead and space the efforts along several days.

1. Choose proper containers: It’s easy to turn to those old boxes in your basement, to heft up the mold-soaked edges; but this will result in weak holds, sagging bottoms and eventual breaks. For a move find new containers to ensure that your items are secured.

2. Don’t over-fill: You want to finish packing quickly so your first thought is to shove all wares into their boxes and consider the day done. This is not wise. You must remember that crowding a container can offer you scratched items and too heavy pounds. You have to carry these packages, after all. Keep the weight low and the contents well separated.

3. Wrap everything: Don’t assume that stacking pieces in a neat fashion will keep them free of dents and damage. You must instead shield items with bubble-wrap, Styrofoam or even linens. Offer padding between rows to ease potential bad roads and sharp turns.

4. Keep it closed: If an object has value, it should not be stuffed into the corner, forgotten amongst the endless aisles. Bring it with you and ensure it’s protected.

Planning is required for any move; but beginning early and taking the necessary days will offer the best defense.