Safe Packing Tips from Sacramento Movers

Moving to Sacramento is challenging but it can also be a rewarding experience. While you will surely encounter problems along the way, you can use the experiences of others who have found themselves in similar scenarios.

There are plenty of tried-and-true moving tips out there to make the whole process easier. In fact, the danger is in accumulating conflicting advice and getting overloaded with information.

Some moving tips focus on how to pack a moving truck most effectively. Others focus on smaller details, such as how to care for pets during a move or what to do when the movers are late. The most important moving tips, though, may relate to the physical move itself.

Packing tips for moving will save space, time, money, and energy during your moving process. Here are some helpful packing tips from experienced Sacramento movers you might want to consider:

Plan Ahead

When moving, the first thing you should do is to create a sound plan that you can use to make your move less stressful. Prepare a schedule and list everything you will need to begin packing months before your moving day. This head start can make all the difference.

Pack in Advance

What most people do not realize is that the packing process takes a lot of time. For the average 3-bedroom home, you could spend 3-4 full days packing. That’s assuming there are no delays, and you have all your packing tools. The earlier you start packing, the better it will be. You can start months before if you want.

It helps to know what supplies you need to purchase. This will save time since you will no longer have to go back to the hardware or craft store numerous times. Here is a comprehensive list of essential moving supplies you’ll need to pack your stuff.

• Moving boxes – Choose sturdy boxes that can withstand the weight of your items like heavy-duty cardboard boxes or specialty boxes. Buy large boxes for odd-shaped items. You can ask the store if they carry double-walled boxes.

• Exterior padding materials – Use this to wrap delicate items and prevent any unwanted scratches on your furniture. Furniture pads offer the most protection. However, for budget-conscious homeowners, unprinted newsprint or white packing paper can work fine as a substitute.

• Interior padding materials – Use interior inserts like packing peanuts, bunched up paper or crumpled tissue paper can be used to fill the empty spaces in your boxes and add another layer of protection. Wrap fragile items before putting them in a separate box.

• Plastic bags – Recycle plastic bags, garbage bags, trash bags, or zip lock bags are a great way to keep your personal items free from any water damage during your move. We recommend having a few stashed in the same box so you know where to look.

• Plastic wrap/ Shrink wrap – They are also great for making sure that your packing paper and furniture pads stay there while also offering another layer of added protection.

• Bubble wraps – Use this for excellent cushioning to protect fragile items. Bubble wraps with smaller bubbles provide less protection but are better for small boxes while the larger ones offer the most protection and are suited for larger boxes.

• Tape – Use strong packing tape like shipping tape to secure your boxes. You would not want to risk your boxes opening and their contents spilling during transit. Buy some shipping tape. This is less messy to work with and is easy to peel back once you get to unpacking your stuff.

Declutter and Discard what you no longer need.

More stuff means you need more time and money to complete your move. Since you have a lot of things, packing can get really overwhelming. If you have a tight deadline, better hire professional movers. Although, even expert movers will still take time to go through all your belongings.

To make things easier, you need to cut back on things. The easiest to discard are clothes that no longer fit you or toys that your kids no longer play with. For items with sentimental value, you might want to consider giving these to family and friends.

Pack Heavy Furniture strategically

One of the biggest concerns when moving is how to transport heavy furniture and bulky office equipment. Look for a moving truck where your home appliance or business equipment can fit. Bigger trucks often come at higher price rates. Aside from worrying about how you can carry these heavy items, you also need to know how to disassemble and pack them.

Do not overestimate your physical capabilities and injure yourself in the process of trying to do the heavy lifting all by yourself. Keep in mind that aside from being a safety hazard, this can also cause damage to your precious belongings. If not handled properly, your relocation could get more costly.

Here are some things to remember in handling heavy pieces:

• Measure First – Before making any attempts to move your dresser, determine if it would fit through your doorway, hallways, and stairs. Measure both your furniture and the space it would be passing through.
• Disassembling Tips – Disassembling your furniture can make it easier to haul and move. Several pieces of a table can be easier to transport rather than its full-sized version. Put the item in its original box.

For larger pieces of furniture, you need to lay it on the side or prop it up straight. Use proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees, lift with your legs, and keep your back straight so you don’t break your back in the process.

Prioritize packing essentials, lighter items and electronics.

Identify seasonal items and things you will not be needing immediately after the move to your new house and those which you cannot live without, even for only 24 hours. Do not forget to pack cleaning supplies so you can tidy up your new place.

Identify your essentials and valuable items. Pack them in a box separate from off season items. Although it seems like an unnecessary added task, this can save you from a lot of frustrating situations. Imagine having to open several boxes just to avoid eating on paper plates during the first few nights in your new home or finding out your washing machine is still in transit, and you have run out of fresh clothes. If you are relocating to start a new job, put a few changes of clothes in a carryall bag or small luggage.

Put your essentials in a bag or box which you can easily access during the move. Your first aid kit, toothbrush, hygiene items, gadgets, important documents, and other small items should be in this pack. If you have valuable jewelry and expensive tech equipment, it is better to carry them with you.

Pack fragile items using the right packing materials.

Wrap delicate pieces individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, and use dividers or additional padding to prevent breakage. Clearly mark these boxes as “Fragile” for proper handling. Pay special attention to glassware, ceramics, and porcelain. Secure the wrapping with tape to keep it in place.

Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam inserts to prevent movement during transportation. This will help absorb shocks and reduce the risk of items breaking. Properly pack glasses this way to prevent breakage.

 

Handle electronics with extra care

Moving electronics can be quite tricky. Extra precautions are necessary unless you want to damage expensive office equipment or house appliances. If you are moving long distances, chances are, the risk of damage gets higher. For lighter items such as your personal computer or laptop, it is better to just bring this with you. The anxiety of losing important data and electronic documents saved is often not worth it.

Unfortunately, you cannot always avoid having to transport your electronic items. You may have to rely on a professional moving company to bring these items to another state. You can consider the following tips to at least minimize the risk. After all, electronic items are often expensive and the files saved in the device are often hard, if not impossible to replace.

• Back Up Your Data: Before you pack electronics, make sure to back up all important data. Create a backup of your files, photos, and documents either on an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both. This will safeguard your valuable information in case of any unforeseen mishaps.

• Organize Cables and Accessories: Take the time to organize and label the cables and accessories that go with each electronic device. Use twist ties, zip lock bags, or cable organizers to keep them tangle-free and easily identifiable. This will make it easier to reconnect everything correctly at your new location.

• Disconnect and Pack with Care: Start by disconnecting all cables and accessories from your electronics. Place each item in its own labeled bag and pack them together with the corresponding device. Use bubble wrap or anti-static packing materials to protect delicate components and screens.

• Use Original Packaging if Available: Whenever possible, use the original packaging to pack your electronics. Original boxes are designed to provide the best protection during transportation. If you no longer have the original packaging, consider using sturdy boxes that are appropriately sized and provide ample cushioning.

• Provide Cushioning and Padding: Electronics are sensitive to shock and vibrations, so it’s crucial to provide adequate cushioning and padding. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, foam, or blankets to create a protective layer around each electronic device. Make sure they are snugly packed to prevent movement within the box.

• Label Boxes as Fragile: Clearly label the boxes containing electronics as “Fragile Items” to alert the movers and yourself to handle them with extra care. Use bold, large letters to make the label easily visible. This will remind everyone involved in the moving process to exercise caution.

• Transport Electronics in Your Vehicle: Whenever possible, consider transporting your electronics and valuable items in your own vehicle rather than the moving truck. This way, you have more control over their safety and can minimize the risk of damage from rough handling or extreme temperatures. In your own vehicle, you must organize your personal things for easy access whenever you need them during your move.

• Keep Temperature and Moisture in Mind: Electronics are sensitive to extreme temperatures and moisture. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, extreme heat, or cold during the move. If necessary, use climate-controlled storage or take measures to protect them from temperature fluctuations.

• Test Electronics upon Arrival: After reaching your new home, allow the electronics to acclimate to the new environment for a few hours before plugging them in. Once settled, test each device to ensure they are functioning properly. If any issues arise, consult a professional technician for assistance.

Pack clothes efficiently

In packing your clothes, you have accumulated in a lifetime can take too much time. We often do not notice that we have too many clothes until our wardrobes are bursting with them. Regularly purging your cabinets can help you in the long run. Some additional tips are as follows:

• Sort and Declutter: Before packing, go through your clothes and sort them into categories: keep, donate, and discard.

• Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Place your clothes inside the bag, seal it, and then use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air. This compresses the clothes, reducing their bulk and maximizing the use of space in your moving boxes.

• Pack by Season and Category: This will make unpacking and organizing easier at your new home. Keep similar items together, such as shirts with shirts, pants with pants, and so on. Label the boxes accordingly to help you easily locate specific items later.

• Use Suitcases and Duffle Bags: They provide built-in storage and are easy to transport. Fill the empty spaces with smaller items, such as socks or accessories, to maximize space.

• Roll Instead of Folding: This helps save space and minimize wrinkles. Roll each item tightly and pack them snugly in your boxes or suitcases. This method also allows for easier identification of specific clothing items.

• Protect Delicate Fabrics: Use garment bags or protective covers. These will help prevent damage, wrinkles, or snagging during the moving process. If possible, pack them in a way that allows for minimal folding or stacking to avoid unnecessary pressure on the fabrics. Additionally, consider using tissue paper or acid-free packing paper to cushion and protect delicate garments. This extra attention to detail will ensure that your delicate fabrics arrive at your new home in pristine condition, ready to be unpacked and enjoyed.

Properly Label and Organize Your Boxes

Label your boxes clearly. Handwritten labels should be legible and easy to see. It should also be simple and easy to understand. The point of labeling is to increase ease of access. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Label Each Box: Use a bold marker to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Include any additional relevant information, such as “Fragile” or “Open First.” This will help you locate specific items quickly and will make the unpacking process easier. You will thank your past self when you’re rushing to get out the door for your first day in your new office.

• Color-Coded System: Assign a specific color to each box corresponding to each room and use colored tape or stickers to mark the boxes accordingly. This will make it easier for movers and yourself to identify which boxes go were.

• Keep an Inventory: Create a detailed inventory list of all the boxes and their contents. This will help you keep track of your belongings during the move and make it easier to unpack later. This can also help you regularly declutter. Adopt a system where things you have not used for months are immediately discarded or donated.

• Label High Priority Boxes: Use labels such as “High Priority” or “Unpack First” to indicate which boxes should be unpacked first. By labeling boxes accordingly, you can focus on setting up essential areas of your new home first.

Ready to Move Efficiently? Use Our Packing Tips!

Fortunately, you are not the first person faced with the banality and tediousness of packing. There are plenty of tried-and-true moving tips out there to make the whole process easier. If not easier, at least, less of a nightmare. You can always tailor-fit the tips you gather to your situation. Choose what is beneficial to you and ignore what is not.

When moving to Sacramento, If you can afford it, hire professional movers from a reputable moving company. This can be cost-effective, especially if you are moving to a tight deadline. Moving companies already have a system of doing things which will make the relocation faster and more efficient. Sacramento movers will know how to pack your belongings properly.