Top DIY Packing Tips for a Phoenix Move

There are a few important parts of the process for any move you’re carrying out, and packing is one that must be closely considered. From advanced packing needs to moving day concepts, ensuring you’re packed correctly and efficiently will go a long way toward helping you carry out a successful move.

At Sullivan Moving & Storage, we’re happy to offer the very best local and long-distance moving services to clients in Phoenix and nearby areas, working with clients to fill whichever needs they may have. If you need our team to pack up all your belongings on your behalf, we’re happy to handle this. If you’d prefer to do most of your own packing and simply need our movers to transport your boxes and belongings between locations, that’s no problem either. For those who choose to go the DIY route with their packing, here are some of our top tips for packing like a pro:

More Than Just Boxes and Tape

There are some who approach a move assuming that their packing process will be the simplest part of this entire situation. They figure that all they have to do is stick some items in boxes and tape them up, and that’ll be the end of it.

Simply put, this isn’t the case. There’s more to packing than just boxing up your belongings and calling it a day. You need to think about the items you’re packing, how they’ll be transported, and what could happen during the move itself.

With this mindset in place, you can move forward to our additional tips below.

The Boxes Matter

While boxes aren’t the only important materials involved in this process, they’re certainly still vital to consider. Specifically, you want to be sure you’re using the right boxes for the right items. Oversized or delicate items should be placed in boxes that are specifically designed for those kinds of objects. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your things during transport.

Furthermore, the quality of the boxes used matters. Our list of Packing Tips includes basics on the various carton (box) sizes that are typically used during moves, plus how they’re categorized and how to think about them. Refer to this list for any dimensions or similar areas you need to know about when it comes to what type of box to use for the different types of items.

Purchasing Boxes

If you don’t already have some quality boxes on-hand for your moving needs, you may need to purchase some. There are two quality sources here:

• Your moving company: Even if you’ll be handling all your own packing processes, we’re happy to provide you with the necessary boxes and packing materials. We know that a successful move starts with well-packed belongings, so we want to do everything we can to help. We only work with high-quality boxes and packing materials, so you can be sure your belongings are in good hands.
• Local hardware store: For smaller and lighter items, you can also often use boxes purchased from a local hardware store. However, these boxes are not typically rated for moving and may not be as sturdy. If you’re using them for heavier items, there’s a greater risk of the box breaking during transport.

Be Sure to Label

A vital part of any DIY packing project, one that should be considered from the very beginning, is labeling your boxes. This way, you and the movers will know exactly what’s inside each one, which will make it easier to move and unpack them later on.

Labeling can be done in a few different ways: with a permanent marker directly on the box, with adhesive labels that are stuck on, or even with a printer and some Avery labels. Whichever method you choose, be sure to include at least the following information: the room the box should go in once it’s unloaded at your new home, a list of contents, and the weight of the box (if possible).

Some people will also sort their boxes by room before packing, which can make the labeling process a bit easier. If you’re able to keep these boxes separate, it’ll be very clear to those helping you unpack where each item should go.

Packing Your Kitchen

One part of a given home that will require some particular care during the packing process, and perhaps even unique boxes, is the kitchen. Most kitchens naturally contain a number of breakable items, from dishes to glasses to utensils. You’ll want to be sure these items are packed securely and transported with extra care.

One way to do this is by packing these items in boxes specifically designed for the kitchen. For instance, Dish Pack boxes are specifically made for fragile dishware. These boxes are also often designed to stack on top of one another, so they can be easily transported and unloaded. If you’re not using a Dish Pack box, another option is to use smaller boxes and fill them with packing peanuts or other cushioning materials.

As you are packing a Dish Pack, cover the bottom of the carton with a good amount of packing paper to give the box a buffer. Start from the bottom with the heaviest items, covering each item individually with packing paper. Always pack plates, saucers, bowls, etc., on their side as if you were loading a dishwasher, NEVER lay flat.

An important note: If you become overly stressed or worried about your ability to pack before a move, there’s no need to worry — just call our team! We’re happy to provide packing services for anyone, including those who thought they’d have enough time for a DIY project but had things come up. Our team can professionally pack up your home in 1-2 days depending on how much stuff you have.

For more on how to go about a DIY packing job for any move you’re involved in, or to learn about our professional moving services in Phoenix or any nearby area, speak to our team at Sullivan Moving & Storage today.