Published on Tuesday, 24 July 2012
For every moving box less you also save some money and energy. Money, because every box has a price, and because every box less means less work for the movers and more space in the moving transport. And energy, because every piece needs to be packed, carried and unpacked. So in order to save those money and energy, you only have to pack every box optimally. Go on reading to learn how to this exactly.
Start packing in the right time and in the right order
You should have started packing your belongings in the moving boxes one week before moving day at the latest. Pack room by room. Some moving boxes may be heavier than others, but avoid loading a moving box with more than 15 kilograms at any price! How to make that happen? Easy - the heavier the items you want to accommodate in a single box, the smaller the box should be. For example, when packing books or document folders, use smaller than ordinary boxes, and when packing clothes - use the biggest boxes. To make sure, after filling up every box, but before closing it, lift it several times to check if it isn't too heavy.
Wrap breakables
Glasses, dishes, vases, and tender parts of bigger items (like the lampions and the bulbs of lamps, the cuckoo from the clock etc.) should be properly wrapped in bubble wrapping or wrapping tissue and then put in the moving box. Don't forget to wrap every piece separately, for example every single dish, and not all at once.
Label every box
The bigger the relocation, the more important the labels on the moving boxes are. Coloured labels for every room are a great idea. This way everyone can easily find which box goes where. And, in case you need a specific item you already packed in the middle of the relocation, you can locate it comparatively quick. A practical advice: write the labels carefully on an even surface, and then paste them on the box, so you have readable labels. This won't be the case if you stick the label on the box first, and then start writing on it.
Some tips on carrying the boxes
The most important condition is not to injure yourself. In order to do that you should:
-wear working shoes instead of sports shoes, so you don't hurt your toes if dropping something heavy
-wear working gloves to avoid scratching or rubbing sore your hands
-most common during relocation are back injuries. To avoid them, always lift boxes up from crouching position. Never bend under to take a box. When lifting up or dropping down a box, keep your feet away at shoulder width. When carrying a box, keep it as close to your body as possible, and remember to also keep your back straight.
-avoid every backwards walking when carrying a box, because this way you can easily trip and fall
-carry one box at a time - so you don't limit your sight and don't overload yourself
-carry every box with both hands
-when you carry a heavier and/or bigger item, like furniture, together with someone else, give the other person exact directions constantly. That other person cannot know where you want to go, unless you tell him/her in advance. No one is obligated to read your thoughts!
-if the moving transport is parked at some distance, try to find a dolly or two and roll the items to the van or truck instead of carrying them.
