No matter the size of your haul—enough to fill half of a dorm room or all of a gracious Queen Anne—packing your moving vehicle the right way will save you time, money, and a few headaches. We tapped John Tarko, a moving industry veteran and owner of Moving Ahead, for advice on making your move easier. “I’ve made every mistake in the last 32 years,” he admits. Read on to reap the benefits of his past blunders before you unroll that bubble wrap.
Packing boxes the right way
Stacking your belongings for an efficient move requires placing items in appropriate boxes. Tarko says to begin with heavy items, like books and canned goods, in small boxes. Medium-size boxes are for incidentals, such as toys. Larger boxes should be reserved for bulkier, lighter items, like pots, pans, and linens.
Evening out weight distribution
One of the most common mistakes DIY movers make is loading the vehicle without keeping weight distribution in mind. Tarko advises to form a base with large, heavy items like dressers and other pieces of furniture. Then build up with heavier boxes, working your way to the lightest boxes on top. Note that a TV should never be laid flat; instead lay it on its side between mattresses and box springs. Just remember its location when it’s time to unload.
Moving in apartment buildings
Apartment buildings—especially ones with an elevator—may have special considerations for moving. Check your building’s requirements. Tarko says that many urban apartments, high-rises, and properties with building managers require a certificate of moving insurance. He also suggests reserving an elevator for your move, as it will save you a considerable amount of time over squeezing your haul in with other residents. If you are moving to a different building, consider portable storage units as your moving option.
Read the full article here: Pro Tips for Packing Your Moving Van http://bit.ly/2sWAHBk