Often, packing for a local move appears to be easier than it truly is. This greatly underestimate how difficult it is to execute proper planning and care. For example, even local moves can become stressful when common packing pitfalls begin to compound.
Local moves can become tedious when people do not have a comprehensive plan. This haphazard approach leads to a barrage of issues; lost items, damaged belongings, along with wasted time and funds.
At Apex Moving Company, we offer packing services that maximize value and efficiency for our clients across the DMV area. Our professional packing service guarantees that valuables are taken care of from the start, however we advise that clients have an understanding of general packing principles.
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Starting Too Late: The Root of Most Packing Problems
Many general homeowners believe that they can pack their homes out in a day only if it is located within town, especially if it is only moving across town. However, underestimating time often leads to a spiral of stress along with chaos. Wrapping up items in the last minute is a recipe for disorganization. The best rule of thumb for a gaggle of clients and consumers is to pack everything, regardless of how far in advance of the date, along in advance.
If you wait until the last minute, you’re inclined to throw items into boxes without protective covering or labeling. Not only does this heighten the likelihood of breakage, but it also makes unpacking at the new location more complicated. Creating a timeline that allows at least two to three weeks in advance is crucial in achieving a well-planned move.
Avoid this blunder with a day-by-day packing checklist. Custom moving timelines offered by Apex Moving System help clients stay focused on the schedule.
- Lapse of Controlled Movement: The last few days tend to be filler days, so all the moving becomes rushed. This leads to disrupted packing strategies, which leads to broken or forgotten items.
- Disorganized Priorities: Off-season or rarely used items that are stowed away first may leave critical items far down the list.
- Exhausting Factor: Packing everything at the last minute ramp up the stress on moving day, causing mistakes, emotional exhaustion, and burnout.
Using the Wrong Packing Materials
One of the most overlooked yet impactful packing mistakes is not using the right materials. Many people try to cut costs by using second-hand boxes, grocery bags, or unsuitable containers. These might not be strong enough to hold heavy items and can break under pressure, especially if stacked improperly.
In addition, failing to use sufficient protective padding such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts can lead to damage. Fragile items like dishes, electronics, and collectibles are particularly vulnerable. Investing in the right materials or relying on services like those from Apex Moving System can help ensure items arrive safely.
Here is a quick look at the cost comparison for standard packing materials:
| Packing Material | Average Cost (Per Unit) |
|---|---|
| Small Box | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Medium Box | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Large Box | $2.00 – $3.50 |
| Bubble Wrap (12 ft.) | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| Packing Tape (roll) | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Packing Paper (50 pcs) | $9.00 – $12.00 |
- Cheap or Weak Boxes: Using old, worn-out boxes increases the risk of collapse.
- Improper Protection: Fragile items without adequate cushioning can be damaged beyond repair.
- Lack of Labels: Not labeling boxes properly leads to confusion when unpacking and delays in organizing your new space.
Overloading Boxes: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Moving boxes tend to be overstuffed, which is an ever-present mistake. Less frequent boxes often means fewer boxes to move around, which reduces hassle. However, heavy boxes are difficult to move, more likely to break, and probably injure someone. When vertical space is not drained of weight, distributing it becomes necessary.
Kitchens and books require sturdy, small boxes, while linens and pillows fit better in larger boxes because they are light and bulky. When a box surpasses its limits, it becomes challenging to stack and transport due to the risk of content damage.
Apex Moving System’s professional movers understand the importance of balance between weight and space for optimal safety and efficiency. If you prefer handling your move yourself, adopting some of their practices can save your back and belongings.
- Increased Risk of Injury: Strained backs from poorly overloaded boxes can occur if proper lifting techniques aren’t applied.
- Box Collapse: Even a new box can give way from the bottom if too much weight is applied.
- Packing Imbalance: Boxes that aren’t uniformly packed become challenging to stack and make movement during transit difficult.
Forgetting to Pack Essentials Separately
An “essentials box” is easy to forget, but for the first night or two in your new home, it should include toiletries, medication, chargers, clothes, and basic kitchen items.
Forgetting this can lead to rummaging through random boxes for a toothbrush or pajamas after a physically demanding moving day. While it may sound simple, this is one of the most basic and important pitfalls that can transform an easy relocation into a challenging endeavor.
Apex Moving Systems frequently recommends clients place this box within their car so it can be reached easily during transport.
- First-Night Frustration: As simple as it may sound, lacking the basic necessities of a phone charger or toilet paper can be genuinely worrying.
- Delayed Comfort: If you are unable to obtain the essentials immediately, you will postpone your ability to settle into your new space.
- Misplaced Medications: Safety and ease of access determine the regimen’s critical components, such as prescription medications.
Skipping Inventory and Labeling
Failing to label boxes or keep an inventory is one of the top reasons for confusion during local moves. Without clear labels, it’s difficult to know which box belongs in which room or what contents are inside. This leads to inefficiencies during both loading and unpacking.
An inventory system helps you track your belongings and ensures nothing goes missing in the shuffle. It can also help with any potential insurance claims if an item is lost or damaged. Apex Moving System uses a labeling system as part of their full-service moving packages, helping clients stay organized and stress-free.
- Time Waste: Not labeling boxes can lead to hours of extra work during unpacking.
- Room Confusion: Items may end up in the wrong part of your new home, adding frustration.
- Lost Items: No inventory means no accountability if something goes missing during the move.
