How to Pack Items You Don’t Use Often

Many advice guides tell you how to get rid of items you don’t use before a move. That doesn’t apply to everything, though.

Sometimes you have things you don’t (or can’t) use, but you still want to keep. And you need an excellent way to pack them.

These tips will make it easier to determine what you need to keep and preserve them for travel.

Consider Your Moving Options

When you’re moving high-value or irreplaceable items, it’s a good idea to think about how to transport them. Sometimes you want to put them on the truck. Sometimes you don’t.

If you’re driving separately, you may want to consider moving some of the items with you. Make sure to leave space for your essentials and luggage.

This approach works well for items that are hard to pack, too. If you can’t box it or wrap it, it’s probably best to keep it with you.

Change the Box

If you’ve already got your items in a box, it’s time to evaluate the container. The stuff sitting in the attic or basement for five years might pick up pests or water damage.

The ideal containers for precious items, especially old documents, will minimize fading or dust collection. Avoid cardboard unless you’re putting an archive-quality container inside it.

Remember to label the box as fragile or essential. That way, you’ll be able to find it right away on moving day.

Clean and Appraise Items

If you don’t know how to clean the items, you may want to hire a restorer to take care of them. Dust accumulation can damage collectibles, but the wrong cleaning approaches could be worse.

As a general rule, take a light touch to clean. A soft brush can remove dirt without chipping paint.

Before you load them up, consider asking a professional to appraise them. Collections change in value all the time. The amount they can go up or down within a few years might surprise you.

Protect Your Collections

The last thing you want is a broken item. It happens sometimes, but you should try to avoid it.

Using bubble wrap and packing paper can only go so far. If it’s worth a lot of money, you might want to invest in custom foam packaging to keep everything in place. Or ask your moving company if they have a costume crating service to protect it.

This goes for anything made out of porcelain or glass or items that are particularly old or fragile. Spending a little now is a lot easier than paying for expensive repair or restoration later.

Think About What You Want to Keep

When you’re moving boxes from one house to another, it’s wise to think about what you’re keeping and why. Preserving a valuable collection you love is one thing. Hanging onto heirlooms that you don’t like is another.

Instead of holding onto every collection, consider what you like and use. Other family members might delight in Grandma’s quilts, even if you don’t. In some cases, selling it is also a reasonable choice.

Moving With Care

Protecting your valuables is a big part of moving. Finding a good moving company is another. To learn more about our services, contact us today.

Packing Up a Kids Room for an Upcoming Move

The moving process can be particularly difficult for adults. It can be equally trying on kids as well. According to Psychology Today, kids like to be around all familiar and comfortable things. Moving means leaving all of that behind, which is why some kids are resistant to moving.

For many, the idea of packing up their kids’ room can be a daunting task. Packing a kids’ room can be challenging because many toys, clothes, and books need organizing and packing. Here are some tips to help pack up your kids’ room in an organized and stress-free manner:

Create a Plan

Create a plan to help ensure a smooth move. Your goal should include details on how to tackle the packing of your kids’ room. Make a detailed checklist of what to pack, what to donate, supplies needed, and what items need to be left out.

Get the Kids Involved

Getting kids involved in the moving process may help ease the stress and help get kids excited for your upcoming move. Kids can help with gathering their belongings. Additionally, they can help organize and pack the items they want to take to their new home.

Work on Sorting and Decluttering

Take time to go through all the kids’ toys, books, games, clothes, etc., before packing it all up. Organize items by type to make packing and unpacking seem more organized. Work on decluttering items by getting rid of games with missing pieces, broken toys, and clothes that no longer fit.

Sorting and decluttering a room is an excellent opportunity to get the kids involved. Have them give you a tour of their room, pointing out items they do not mind donating to a local charity. Remind and encourage kids, letting them know it is okay to get rid of things before moving.

Create an Essentials Box

An essentials box is where you will place all the items your kids will need during the move. The box may include blankets, some toys, a few books, and things kids use daily. The essentials box will be placed in the car or easily accessible by the kids during the moving process.

Tips for Packing

Sort through your child’s books and determine which ones are still age-appropriate and worth packing. Use soft packing paper to wrap valuable books individually. To prevent damage, avoid placing books in the box with their spine up facing you.

Before packing:

  1. Check all board games to ensure all the pieces are there.
  2. Place pieces or small items in plastic bags so they don’t get lost.
  3. Use soft wrapping paper or bubble wrap to wrap up delicate toys, such as action figurines and LEGO creations.

For clothes, eliminate any that don’t fit or that you know they will no longer wear. Fold clothes neatly and place them in a clean cardboard box—Wrap shoes in packing paper or inside zip-locking bags.

Packing for Your Move

Moves are stressful, especially when kids are involved. We can help take a little of the stress off your upcoming move. Contact us today to discover how we can help.

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