A lot can be said about packing when moving. This is often considered one of the toughest, longest parts of any moving experience. Stuffing your whole life in boxes and transferring them to another place is stressful for multiple reasons. First, it can be tough to decide what you want to bring with you to the move. Then, you need to worry about forgetting something if moving to Florida from another state. You will not have a luxury of going back and getting those things. But what happens when you have a local move to deal with? Do you need to pack all at once or are there special rules to how you pack for your local move? Find out all you need to know about the process in this article.
Decide how you will pack for your local move
The first thing you need to think about is who will do the packing. There are two options you can choose from. You can either opt to pack everything yourself or to call professional Miami Beach movers who will handle this task for you. Both of these have their advantages and disadvantages, of course.
First, you need to understand that, even though you are moving locally, packing is still really important. Even if you are moving just a block away, you should still secure your items. You never really know what might happen on the way there. Using bad packing material, like thin boxes – for example – might make them break and your items will end up on the pavement, damaged. So, it might be a smart idea to let your movers pack for your local move. They have the equipment and the experience you need.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a lower budget solution, then you can pack yourself. However, if this is the case, then you really need to be careful. Use only the best packing tools you can find – and read up on how to pack for a move thoroughly before attempting to do it. Keep in mind, though, that you should start this process at least a month or two before the move. That way, you can gather all supplies in time, and you will be able to pack for your local move at your own pace.
Use good packing supplies to pack for your local move
Another thing that is pretty important when it comes to packing for a move is what type of packing material you use. Although there are many ways to find free moving boxes, you need to keep in mind that they need to be good. The truth is that, sometimes, you will have to pay a bit more to get a higher quality moving box. This is, however, a priority during your move.
We already talked a little bit about why having a good moving box matters. You do not want it opening in the middle of the trip, or breaking from the inside. Usually, professional movers will suggest you use boxes made of corrugated cardboard. It is firm and tough and can withstand a lot of pressure. You still need to keep it away from water and moisture, because it can compromise the cardboard’s integrity.
Then, you should not forget to label your boxes when you pack for your local move. This might seem like an extra chore, but it is quite useful. Even when moving locally, you might end up having to deal with piles and piles of boxes. And no matter how good your memory is – you will not be able to tell where every box goes just from looking at it. Instead, simply write down the room where the box needs to go to, and deposit it there when bringing it inside. This way, you will be saving a lot of time on unpacking. Since that process can take almost as much as the packing itself, you will be thankful you took time to label your boxes.
Save the things you cannot replace for yourself
If you choose to use a moving company to move your items, you should still do some work. This is one of the perks of moving locally. So, when you pack for your local move, make sure you mark down the boxes of your prized possessions. There is no point in letting your movers handle a box of jewelry, for example. If something goes missing, it can be hard to replace a piece from your collection. What’s more, the box is small enough that you can carry it yourself.
Create a list of items like these, and pack them together. Then, set aside the boxes containing these items, and transport them yourself. Not only will they be more secure this way, but you will be saving on the move as well. Moving companies usually charge by weight or volume of the items – and you are reducing both by doing some of the work!
Clean up before you pack for your local move
Finally, one of the best things you can do while you pack for your local move is to clean up your home and declutter your items. As we live in the same place, we never notice just how many things we collect over time. Whether they be knickknacks and souvenirs we brought from our travels or those old issues of magazines we never seem to get to reading again, we gather so much junk. Moving is a great opportunity to, for example, downsize your kitchen and declutter it. Simply donate away everything you haven’t used in at least six months. This way, you will be more organized and ready for your new life in your new home.