How to Properly Pack Your Moving Boxes

Packing boxes is very important when you move. If the box is too heavy, it may break the bottom leaving you with a huge mess. Of course, if you don't pack your moving boxes properly, you may end up unpacking many broken items. If you want to ensure your boxes are packed properly, use our step-by-step process and tips below:

1. Group similar items together by size and weight. Keep them separated by the room they belong within, as well.

2. Get your box ready by covering the bottom with a layer of packing peanuts.

3. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap all of your heaviest items.

4. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box.

5. Wrap lighter items with packing paper or bubble wrap.

6. Add a layer of cushion foam between the heavier items on the bottom of the box and the lighter items you will place on the top of the box.

7. Before you complete the packing process, fill the rest of the box with packing peanuts or packing paper crumpled up and stuffed firmly into the spaces.

8. Keep all filled boxes under 30 pounds in total weight, but make sure they are full. Under packed boxes could collapse during the move, while over packed boxes may rupture or may hurt your back as you move them.

9. Close the box with packing tape and label it based on what's packed inside.

This step-by-step process will help keep lighter and fragile items from getting crushed by heavier items. It will also use the integrity of each box properly as you pack. We also recommend you look into using plastic totes from The Chicago Green Box.

Tips for Packing your Boxes Properly

There are several tips you should use when packing moving boxes including:

1. Pack one room at a time - When you pack one room at a time, it's easier to label the boxes and keep all similar items together. This will make unpacking easier, as well.

2. Use Bright Colored Tissue Paper for Small Items - Sometimes, smaller items get lost in the packing peanuts and packing paper. Instead of wrapping these items in the same packing paper, use bright colored tissue paper so they don't get lost.

3. Use Different Colors for Different Rooms - You can use dot stickers or different colored markers to indicate which boxes belong in which room. This will make unpacking easier.

4. Avoid Using Printed Newspaper for Packing - Printed Newspaper contains ink, which may bleed onto the item you are packing. Instead, use unprinted packing paper for all of your items

5. Use Boxes Designed for Moving - It may be cheaper to get your boxes from a store or restaurant, but those boxes are not designed for moving. If you want the best results, use only boxes designed for moving.

6. Avoid Odd Sized Boxes - Packing with boxes all of a similar size makes it easier when loading the moving truck.

Now you should easily be able to properly pack your moving boxes. Use our step-by-step process above and the tips we have provided and your move will go much smoother.

Moving Green in Chicago

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You’re in Chicago and you’re moving, but relocation is no excuse to forget about the environment.  With our new found awareness of the world’s condition, why not implement some eco-friendly moving techniques and do your part to save the Earth? Moving Green in Chicago does not have to be a hard or costly one.

Greenbox

At The Professionals Moving Specialists, we have the Greenbox moving Containers to help you be more environmentally friendly.  Rather than using cardboard boxes, you can rent plastic containers from us to pack your stuff in.  This is both less expensive and more convenient.  Rather than wasting money buying boxes, tape, and packing paper, you just need plastic basins and maybe some bubble wrap. These containers are returned to us after you’ve unpacked.  That way, you don’t have to be bothered the clutter of unfolded cardboard boxes waiting to be thrown out or recycled.  If you do use cardboard boxes, though, always remember to recycle.

Throw It Out

Something you can do to help before you even start packing is to get rid of things you won’t need.  Bringing along items you will eventually throw out anyway is a waste of space and a waste of gas.  So go through everything you own first.  Recycle and donate what you can and throw away the rest.  You’ll be surprised at how much clutter you have lying around.

Wrap It Up

Bubble wrap and wrapping paper aren’t the only things you can use when covering your fragile items.  Reuse old newspapers.  You can also use old towels and bed sheets you were going to throw away.  It’ll give a layer of softness to cushion your plates and vases and while it’s heavier than bubble wrap, there are rarely stories of marine animals chocking on newspapers.

Clean Green

The cleaning products you use can make a difference as well.  Environmentally friendly soaps and sprays can be found almost anywhere.  Go to your local Target or Wal-Mart to pick up some before you start your moving out cleaning.  Not only is it better for the environment, but the lack of chemicals is beneficial for you as well.

Movers

Go the extra mile and check to see if your movers are going green as well.  Some own bio-diesel trucks and use moving pads made out of recycled materials.  Like The Professionals Moving Specialists, a lot of movers offer the option of renting packing crates.  Check out all of your options before choosing so you can be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Packing 101

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It’s time to move!  You have a new house or apartment in the wonderful city of Chicago.  You’ve found the best Chicago movers just right for you.  The day is drawing closer, both too fast and not fast enough.  So what else is left to be done?  Why, the worst bit of course: packing. At the Professionals Moving Specialists we brought you Packing 101.

Packing brings up the question of what you need and what you can throw out.  Do you really need that five year old throw pillow?  Or that obnoxious, chipping, plastic statue of a stag your mother-in-law gave you for Christmas 3 years ago?  Didn’t think so.  Most moving companies, like ours, provide packing services in addition to moving.  However, if you don’t like people touching your stuff or would simply rather do it yourself, there are key points to remember.

Packing Supplies

How important are packing supplies?  Really important because you can’t pack otherwise!  If you’re not sure where to find packing supplies, we sell everything here at The Professionals.  First, you’ll need boxes.  They come in different sizes so you should probably get a few of each just in case.  Then, packing tape to seal up the glasses.  You’ll most likely have fragile items that need to be moved as well.  For those, make sure you get bubble wrap and packing peanuts.  Wrap things like vases securely with the bubble wrap and use multiple layers if you have to.  Better have it swathed with popping plastic than breaking in the moving van.  Lastly, but very important nevertheless, remember to have a marker. To label the boxes with.  That way you won’t mistakenly put the box of exercise weights on top of the box full of crystal plate.

Fold It

Make sure you fold up your clothes when you pack then.  Don’t just throw them in.  Not only does it look neater, but it also gives you more space and it makes things easier to find.  The same goes for your sheets and towels and blankets.  Put them at the bottom of the box so they can act as a cushion in you want to put anything else in.

Keep It, Throw It

Trust me when I say we are all pack rats whether we deny it or not.  Rummage through your drawer and I guarantee you’ll find something from years ago that you don’t need or use, but still refuse to throw out.  We tend to grow attached to inanimate objects for reasons better addressed in a psychological blog, creating a collection of pointless stuff.  Nonetheless, when we pack, it means we have to go through everything and decide what to keep and what to throw out.  Your new home is like a new canvas.  It is the opportunity to paint a picture significantly different from the old one.  It doesn’t need clutter, especially since it’ll end up with new clutter anyway.  Weigh each item before deciding to keep it.  Do you really need it?  Does it really mean something or are you just used to it?  You’ll be surprised at how much you end up throwing out.

Categorize

Keep things in order by packing them in a certain way.  It’s up to you how to do it, but one of the easiest ways is to pack by room.  Label them “kitchen”, “living room”, “bedroom”, etc so you know where each box goes when you get to your new home.  It eliminates the running around that will happen when you find your pots and pans in bedroom.  Then you can split them into sub-categories such as “linens” and“toiletries”.

Go Green!

Everyone’s environment conscious nowadays so why not jump in the bandwagon?  Our sister company, Chicago Green Box has found the perfect way to make your moving experience easier and help the world while you’re at it.  Rather than buying boxes, rent plastic containers from us.  Not only are they studier than normal cardboard boxes, but there is less hassle once you’re unpacked.  Just return the containers.  There’s no need to worry about recycle days and what to do with the ripped bubble wrap.  These containers come with a lid so all your possessions will be properly sealed.

Packing properly can take a lot of stress out of un-packing.  If you don’t use a professional service, just remember these key tips as you’re getting ready to move.  Pay special attention to fragile items because they are more liable to break.  Though all the organization might seem tedious, it’ll making settling into your new home easier and faster.