One Stop Moving Boxes

The Best Budget Choice

Budgeting for these bundles saves you a lot more time than running from store to store, dumpster to dumpster, or neighbor to neighbor to get the massive number of boxes you need.  Why choose moving boxes over a “whatever you get” collection? Many pre-selected packets of boxes can be purchased for under $200 – a small price to pay for the convenience. Why choose moving boxes that don’t ensure experienced movers can more quickly and easily maximize the use of space in the moving vans?  They know how to make the best use of the limited space allowed for the boxes.

Peace of Mind

Why choose moving boxes that don’t give you peace of mind?  Many moving boxes are designed to better protect smaller breakables, such as dishes, fine china and collectibles.  These are the items that hold memories and frequently are significantly valuable and possibly irreplaceable.

Sturdy Construction

Why choose moving boxes as a better alternative? Packing boxes are constructed of a more sturdy material, designed by creating multiple layers of protection so that if the box is bumped, banged or scratched by an external object, the packed items are not damaged. The sturdy construction also factors in the greater amount of weight that most other boxes cannot endure. Why choose moving boxes that don’t take into consideration being more eco-friendly?  Many moving companies are now buying back boxes that are not damaged and selling them at a reduced price to budget and eco-conscious shoppers.

Why choose moving boxes – at the end of the day, it is the smarter use of your time and money.

Why choose moving boxes when just any old container will do?  There are just too many nightmare stories to listen to about really messy moves that it just doesn’t pay to use just any box that you can pick out of the local dumpster, or talk your new neighbor out of.

A Streamlined Process

Why choose moving boxes that are uniform might be a better question.  When the boxes are uniform, the whole moving process is streamlined by using sizes that both compliment the items you need to pack for shipping or storage and are easier to stack and organize.  Why choose moving boxes that prevent saving space and making it easier to retrieve them at a later date?  Why choose moving boxes that don’t reduce the actual number of boxes you have to pack, and reduce movers’ expenses?

Choosing the Right Number and Right Style of Boxes

Why choose moving boxes for your relocation needs?  You gain from the experience and knowledge of nationwide movers who can tell you approximately how many boxes, and which type you will need for a typical move.  Why choose moving boxes that aren’t the right style and size of boxes for a kitchen, bedroom or your garments?  You can also ask for boxes which have been crafted to hold documents, televisions or other electronic items, and other usual home items needing additional protection, such as mirrors.

Packing for Storage vs. Moving

Learn the difference in how to pack a box for storage vs. moving.  If you are packing for storage, it is a better idea to label each box with your name,  an arrow indicating which side is up,  the contents and/or the room the contents belongs in.  When labeling, do not make specific note of anything extremely valuable and risk making the contents attractive for theft.

Packing Books

Some people know how to pack a box of books includes a two step process:  The first is using the packing process as a time to evaluate which books should be kept and which should be passed on.  Books are much heavier than most people stop to consider and while increasing the overall weight, also increases transportation costs.  The second step is to select like-sized boxes that are less than 1.5 cubic feet; any larger sized box will automatically be too heavy to lift. When you get the hang of how to pack a box with books, you will quickly stack the books alternating the open and bound edges, filling in the smaller places with the smaller books.

Doesn’t everyone naturally know how to pack a box?  No! Being organized and thinking ahead makes the packing process go more smoothly and takes the pain out of unpacking as well!  When you know how to pack a box you automatically take much of the frustration out of moving.  How to pack a box extends beyond what you put inside it – labeling, color marking, and a number of other tips and techniques will make your job easier, help the movers work more efficiently, and keep your family happy.

Box Size

There is no one rule of thumb about how to pack a box, but one good tip is to use smaller boxes to pack heavy items and larger boxes for lighter ones.  Regardless the size, if the box isn’t easy for you to pick up with ease… it is probably too heavy.

Packing Odd Items

Does every home owner know how to pack a box of appliances?  The job probably gets done, but there may be a better way.  Keep the box size to 3.0 cubic feet and use newspaper, towels or linens to pack rather than packing peanuts or shredded paper that could damage the machines.

Another great tip on how to pack a box is to have one box that holds all hardware items you may have from disassembling furniture.  Place the hardware from each piece in a separate zip lock type of bag and use a black marker to identify which piece of furniture it belongs to.

Knowing how to pack a box requires having a personal rule to leave the task of packing fragile items to professional movers. Most moving companies assume responsibility for items they personally pack – just pass that along!

When you understand how to pack a box, you will wisely pack only one room at a time, will avoid mixing things from different rooms in one box, and will refrain from packing clothing and linens in boxes; suitcases serve a better purpose for these items.

Making the most out of your move does not mean you won’t have an occasional irrational moment with your mate!  Diminish the anxiety of going crazy reading maps and the stress of fighting traffic in unfamiliar towns; decide ahead of time that you are going to have fun. Being an adult does not mean you cannot engage in silly child-like fun.  Make up silly songs about the next town you will live in, or see who can imagine the wildest possible neighbor you will encounter.  These activities break up the long hours huddled in an overloaded car, and will break up the stress of driving and silently worrying about the unknown future in a new community… all smart actions in making the most out of your move.

Making the most out of your move does not mean you have to plan it like a business pro.  If you play it smart, the whole thing could be one of the best events in your life!  If your relocation is being paid for by your company, making the most of your move inspires arranging extra time off from work, turning a much feared trip into a wonderful sightseeing experience.  A well-planned agenda allows for a few side trips to visit museums, exotic locations, hiking trails, and old fashioned drive in movies.  Break up night driving by getting dressed to the nines and sharing a romantic dinner at the finest restaurant along your route.  If you are newlyweds, making the most out of your move might mean that your travel is part of your honeymoon.  Delivery of your household items can be scheduled to coincide with your arrival whether you are newlyweds or are relocating because you and your spouse have finally retired after 30 years of work and marriage.

Frustrations, exhaustion, overwhelm and disconnect all come with relocation, but they can be mollified when open to making the most out of your move.  Consider how frequently military families must adjust their actions and attitudes and you’ll be more open to making the most out of your move.

Packing does not have to be the most stressful day of your life!  It takes planning, organization and the support of your spouse and family members.   There is nothing wrong with diminishing being rushed and overwhelmed by calling in the troupes, playing some funky music and bringing on the pizza as part of making the most out of your move.

When moving calls for a long drive with little kids in the car, making the most out of your move calls for packing goodies in individualized containers to keep them occupied and satisfied.  It’s a small investment to fill fun gift bags with items of interest to each child, and snacks and treats that save on expensive road side restaurant stops. If you are serious about making the most out of your move for your children’s sake, have fun wrapping each one of those activities in brightly colored paper and scheduling allocated times when a new one might be unwrapped and played with for a while!

Packing fragile items calls for extraordinary measures such as using bubble pack and marking each box as “FRAGILE.”  Flower arrangements should be carefully wrapped in plastic and placed in individual boxes, fastening the base to the bottom of the carton and marking “THIS SIDE UP – FRAGILE.”

CD’s and records come under the rules for packing fragile items.  They should always be stood on edge on layers of crushed paper with pieces of cardboard placed on top as additional cushion.  Although they are often big in size, mirrors are also a consideration in packing fragile items.  This is easily handled by placing masking tape in a star shape on the face of the mirror and frame to prevent breaks during transit, and protecting the four corners with foam covers.

When packing fragile items, sometimes you have to consider an odd shape, which creates complications.  Take a wine decanter that is a family heirloom from Germany – not only is it your favorite piece, but because of its irregular shape and delicate handle, protecting it is not an easy task.  Plenty of bubble wrap, crushed paper, the right sized box, and sealing tape are the trick.

Now that you have all the tips for packing fragile items, keep in mind that if you take the extra time to mark in large, clear lettering the fact that the containers hold delicate, fragile items – the movers can handle these items more professionally.

Moving in itself is difficult enough, and when many of those items are extremely valuable, every mover is bothered about packing fragile items.  When it comes to packing fragile items, caution is the key. The process requires special attention because fragile items are delicate and most frequently expensive.   There are many different kinds of fragile items, and each will require a different approach to packing.

The more fragile your item might be, the more you will want to protect and cushion it from breakage, or being gouged with sharp objects.  Keep in mind that packing fragile items also calls for extra preventative measures such as individually wrapping each item separately in smaller boxes filled with paper or packing beads.  If you are packing fragile items such as china or glassware that is less than 18 inches wide or tall, you will find moving dish packs a good choice.  Packing fragile items not placed in protective boxes requires individual wrapping in several layers of newspaper.  Starting in one corner, the item is wrapped diagonally, with the overlapping edges tucked inside.

When packing fragile items such as china, sturdy plastic boxes might be a better choice than cardboard, in order to support the weight – or alternatively, investing in moving boxes especially designed for china and stemware.  Who would have thought that packing fragile items would include silverware?  Silver pieces tarnish easily when exposed to air and should be carefully wrapped in tissue paper and plastic wrap.  Other silver items such as tea and serving dishes require the same safe measures of packing fragile items as you would use for your china.

If you’re going over to your new place beforehand to inspect or paint, don’t go empty-handed. Take a carload of moving boxes with you–every time! You’ll be amazed at how much you have done before the day of the moving. It also gives you a head start on organizing and unpacking some of your moving boxes and putting things in their place in your new home.

As to your movers, if you’re going professional, take advantage of in-town moving offers such as hourly rates instead of paying by weight. It can make a big difference in your budget. If you’re moving things yourself, reserve a truck early.

But what if you’re not going to be able to do any of these things before moving day? Don’t worry! You can still ease your move by planning ahead. Ask the landlord or previous owner of your new place if you can take a look well in advance. If so, you can get a lay of the land, so to speak, and be prepared as to where things will go and what, if anything has to be done to improve or repair the place.

If you’re moving yourself in town, you’ll have the luxury of getting friends and family to help. Give them enough forewarning though so that they can plan to be available for the move.

Another advantage to moving in town is that you can easily go back to your old place for anything you forgot or to clean it up for the next occupant, not necessarily on the same day. Your move can be seamless when you’re moving in town. It just takes some advance planning and you’re on your way and in your new home.

Moving to another home in the same town has a distinct advantage. If you are fortunate enough to be able to have your new place empty and available before you leave your old one, this presents a host of opportunities. If not, there are still some great tips for moving to another home in the same town or surrounding area.

If you have the luxury of having your future home vacant before the move, consider these tips. Visit your new place and survey what needs to be done before you move into it. Do you need to paint, repair holes and clean? If so get a head start on these tasks. If you can finish them before your move you’ll be way ahead of the game and you’ll prevent confusion and disorder after the move.

There are other things that you can do as well that will ease the pain of the move and give you a heads up on moving day. If you have items or moving boxes that you don’t trust to a mover, whether it is your friends or a professional moving company, take them over to the new place yourself. Of course, you’ll be confined to moving only those things and moving boxes that can fit in your car but it will still be a great help and will ease your mind on moving day.