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Moving News & Tips

Your Guide to Packing for a Move

by Atmosphere Movers

May 25, 2023

Moving can be stressful enough - and then you have to think about packing! Packing up your belongings for a move can be a challenge - especially as you need to make sure your items survive the journey in one piece.

But here’s the trick – you don’t have to spend a fortune on packing prep if you know the right steps to make sure your possessions are secure and safe. 

At Atmosphere Movers, we help New Orleans residents make moves every day, and we’ve learned a thing or two about the packing process – from the best boxes to use to the packing materials you should invest in!

And now we’ve brought this wisdom together in a guide for packing your items for a move. Read on to learn about the basics of packing, and then get started organizing your belongings!

 
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Planning Before Packing

Before you start packing your belongings, it’s important to take some time to plan and organize. Start by gathering the necessary materials you’ll need, such as boxes of different sizes, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers for labeling boxes, etc.

This is also a great time to determine if you are going to hire movers in order to help with heavier items. Most professional movers will provide their own packing supplies, but you should still double-check before finalizing your plans.

Belongings have a funny way of disappearing during a move – whether due to being misplaced or simply forgotten along the way. To make sure everything makes it from A to B, create an inventory list of every item you’re taking with you. This will help ensure that nothing is left behind and can also be useful if any items are damaged during the move.

If you plan to use storage for your belongings, now is a great time to contact local locations to reserve a spot. We are happy to offer storage options at our New Orleans locations, so feel free to reach out for more information!

Finally, check with your insurance provider about coverage for damage during the move. Some companies offer special packages specifically designed for moving and you may be able to add additional coverage if needed.

 

Have A Strategy For Packing Boxes Safely

Did you know that there’s actually a proper way to pack boxes? While you might be tempted to just throw items in a box and call it good, this can lead to boxes becoming too heavy or having fragile items getting damaged.

To make sure your items are safe during the move, follow these tips when packing:

  • Choose high-quality moving boxes that can withstand the weight of your belongings.
  • Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap fragile items and fill empty spaces to prevent items from shifting within the boxes.
  • Label all boxes with their contents and mention their destination rooms to make unpacking easier.
  • Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes – this will help you to balance weight.
  • Use packing tape over the seams and corners of boxes to reduce the risk of them ripping or tearing open during transit.
  • Make sure all liquids are securely sealed in plastic bags before placing in the box, as any spills can cause damage.
 
A man tapes up a cardboard box in his Mandeville Louisiana living room. The sun streams in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the scene.

Packing by Room

Consider organizing your packing process on a room-by-room basis. It will make unpacking less overwhelming. Plus, you can label the boxes according to their contents and destination rooms.

Let’s go room by room and see what you need to prepare for each one.

Bedroom

Bedrooms are notorious for having a lot of items that need to be packed. Start by packing linens, pillowcases, sheets, and blankets in medium-sized boxes with plenty of stuffing material or bubble wrap.

As you go, pack up clothes hangers and hang items in wardrobe boxes so they don’t get wrinkled. Unpack these first upon arrival at the new home so that it’s easy to put clothes away.

Also, break down and pack up the bed frame first before anything else. Make sure all screws are placed in a bag and attached to the dismantled frame so that you can easily assemble it again on arrival at your destination.

Kitchen

Categorize kitchen items into fragile (glassware, plates) and non-fragile (pots, pans) items to pack them efficiently. This way, all the fragile items will be in one box and non-fragile items can go into a separate box. Place the fragile items in smaller boxes as this would help distribute the weight evenly.

For delicate glassware, invest in good cushioning material to wrap them individually before packing them in boxes of appropriate size. You can also use bubble wrap, nylon paper or fabric.

To ensure safe transportation of kitchen items, it is important that you label the boxes correctly and also mention ‘Fragile’ on them. You should also make sure to not overload any box as it can increase the risk of breakage in case they are bumped during transit.

Living Room

Your living room contains the bulk of your furniture pieces and fragile items. It is important to be extra careful when packing these items, as they are most likely to get damaged during transit.

When packing furniture, first disassemble large parts like desks and tables so that they can fit into boxes more conveniently. Similar to kitchen items, you should also label boxes containing furniture pieces clearly and mention ‘Fragile’ on them. If the piece is particularly fragile, wrap it in bubble wrap for extra protection.

For electronics like TVs and speakers, make sure that all cords are disconnected and placed inside their own containers for safe handling.

If you have any paintings and framed photos, wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure that any glass surfaces do not break. Place all items inside the same container for safe handling and transport.

Take pictures of electronic setups such as TV and gaming systems before dismantling them. This will help you reassemble them easily at the new location.

 

Types of Boxes to Buy

Investing in the right types of moving boxes can save you time and money in the long run. The better the quality, the more likely you are to protect your belongings. Look for boxes specially made for moving fragile items, such as dishes and glassware.

Consider purchasing the following:

  • Wardrobe boxes: These are designed with a built-in hanging rod for clothes that need to be hung up during the move.
  • Dish packs: Specially designed for packing dishes and glassware, these boxes offer extra protection for fragile items.
  • Bankers boxes: Ideal for packing documents, files, and books, their regular shape makes stacking easier in the moving truck.
  • Basic boxes: Moving boxes come in various sizes and can be used to pack all types of items. When choosing what size to buy, remember that heavier items should go in smaller boxes, while lighter items can be packed in larger ones.
  • Specialty boxes: Some moving companies offer specialty moving boxes, such as picture and mirror boxes which provide extra cushioning for fragile items.

Here at Atmosphere Movers, we sell a variety of moving boxes to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you aren’t sure what kind of box is best for your items, our friendly staff will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Loading Your Moving Truck

Everything’s packed – now it’s time to load the moving truck!

Optimizing the loading process of your moving truck will reduce the risk of damage to your belongings. The last thing you want is to find out that something has been broken when you reach your new home.

  • Start by putting the largest and heaviest items in first. Place them near the back of the truck, as this will stabilize your load, ensuring it doesn’t shift during the move.
  • Next, place lighter boxes on top of these larger items for extra cushioning and protection.
  • Fill any gaps between boxes and items with clothes or small items to prevent them from shifting around during the move.
  • Use straps or ropes to secure your load so it doesn’t move in transit. You want everything to arrive at your new home safely!

If you hire a moving company, let them guide you and ensure everything is loaded correctly. They will be able to secure the items correctly, ensuring they do not move during transport.

Let Atmosphere Movers Make Your Move Stress-Free

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be cumbersome or stressful. With the right planning and packing techniques, you can ensure a smooth and efficient move! At Atmosphere Movers, we are the New Orleans moving company you can trust. We specialize in local and long-distance moves, and we have the experience to make your move a success.

We proudly service northshore cities like Covington, Slidell and Mandeville and nearby areas in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or office, we are here for you from start to finish. Have questions? Contact us today and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to discuss your options.
 

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