A substantial amount of
money can be saved by packing your household goods yourself. To
insure safety for your belongings, care should be undertaken while
packing to avoid unnecessary damage to your belongings.
• Use strong containers, in good condition, that can be sealed
with strapping tape. These can be purchased locally from moving
companies.
• Keep in mind what the box will weigh after it is loaded: 40
to 50 pounds is considered the maximum.
• Empty spaces in boxes should be filled with crumpled newspaper
or bubble wrap to keep things from shifting in transit.
• Books should be stacked on end and generally in smaller boxes
than other things due to their weight.
• Label each box after packing so that the movers will know which
room to put it in and to help you prioritize which ones need to
be opened first.
• Remove all breakables from drawers before moving furniture.
• Don't pack valuables such as jewelry, collections, checks or
savings books.
• Packing takes longer than you expect so allow plenty of time.
Pack items that aren't frequently used first and unpack them last.
• Organization in packing will save you hours of time and plenty
of frustration in the long run.
• Items that are no longer wanted can be donated to charity and
you may be eligible for a tax deduction.>