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Moving Boxes

When packing moving boxes, it helps to be aware of a few tips that will make your packing chores easier and protect you belongings. Compiled through many years of moving experience, the tips in this section for packing your moving boxes are bound to come in handy.

Packing Your Own Moving Boxes

Moving can be expensive. One way to save money is to pack your own moving boxes. Just keep in mind that a poor packing job using inferior moving boxes can result in damage to your belongings. Also remember that the moving valuation offered by moving companies won't cover damage to items you packed yourself unless the outside of the box is obviously damaged. So it pays to do a good job and to use quality moving boxes and moving supplies.

Your moving company could refuse to carry boxes you packed yourself if the moving box is shabby or worn, if you haven't properly protected your fragile items or if the box contains materials that could be hazardous, like guns, fuel and other highly flammable items.

If your movers have to repack one or more moving boxes you originally packed yourself, you could be charged extra for time and materials.

The following tips will help you pack your moving boxes faster and easier:

• Make a list of the types and quantities of moving supplies you'll need and then shop for bargains on quality supplies.

• Have all supplies lined up next to your moving boxes when you start packing.
• Use newsprint only for filling voids in your moving boxes - never for wrapping items because the ink tends to transfer to the items you're trying to protect and can be very difficult to remove later.
• Use good quality, strong plastic and strapping tape to seal your moving boxes. You don't want your boxes opening unexpectedly, damaging what's packed inside. Use a good tape dispenser to speed up the job and make life easier.
• Make sure the tops and bottoms and sides of your packed moving boxes aren't bulging or sagging.
• Use bubble to protect especially breakable items. Use small bubble lighter weight items and larger bubble for heavier items. For added protection, line your box with bubble before packing.
• Pack one room at a time, marking each box with a description of its contents and destination room. Mark each box with the name of the room where it's supposed to go and write the box's important contents on the outside - but don't advertise that the box contains valuables.
• Put heavy items in smaller moving boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. Wrap heavier things first with bubble or paper and place in the bottom of the box. Wrap lighter things with paper or bubble and put them in last on top of the heavier items, preferably separating the lighter items from the heavier items with bubble wrap.
• Quality moving boxes indicate the ideal product or weight for which that box is best suited. Follow the box manufacturer's recommendations and don't exceed the moving box's weight rating.
• Double box fragile items and fill voids between the inner and outer boxes with paper or bubble cushioning to avoid shifting during your move. Mirror cartons are not just used for mirrors. Since you can adjust their size easily, use them for protecting framed artwork or photos.
• Write "Open First" on boxes containing things that you need right away. You may want to include a few dishes and some silverware in this box if your possessions won't be delivered right away or you think it could take a few days to get these items unpacked. Take this box with you.
• If you plan to inventory items within the boxes you pack, number your boxes so your master inventory can list each box number with its corresponding contents.
• Use wardrobe boxes for moving clothes. They're not only good for clothing, they're great for taller, lightweight items, too.
• Don't pack your moving boxes so heavy that the movers (or you, after the movers leave) can't pick them up. If you have a few especially heavy boxes, mark them so whoever is lifting the box will know in advance that it's unusually heavy. Your heaviest boxes should also preferably be your smallest moving boxes.
• Pack plates and glass objects upright. Dish pack cartons are designed for this.

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