How to Pack Your Portable Storage Container Like a Pro
When it comes time to pack up a moving truck or portable storage container, nothing is quite as frustrating as getting to the end and realizing that everything isn't quite going to fit. When you're packing a truck for moving, you have the added stress of things shifting or falling during travel if they aren't packed in well. If you've never experienced it, believe us, it's no fun to begin unloading only to find that something is broken because of a packing mistake.
We all have to move or store items at some point, so make sure you do it right the first time and spare yourself the frustration and even heartbreak. Here are some tips to help you pack your stuff like a pro.
Put the strong stuff on the bottom.
Sounds like common sense of course, but you'd be surprised how many people have ended up with crushed items because they didn't think of this. Build the foundation of your moving container with the heaviest, strongest, and sturdiest items to create a strong base from which you can stack everything else high if needed.
Wrap everything in bubble wrap and tape.
Don't take chances on breakage, especially with anything that might break easily. Using towels, blankets, pillows, and other similar things to create cushions is also a good idea, but don't neglect the bubble wrap and tape - especially on smaller and fragile items.
Tie it all down.
Ensure that everything is independently tied down. Don’t tie one piece of furniture to another. Remember, shifting during travel can affect everything. If furniture is only tied to the piece closest to it, then when one moves or falls so will the other.
Wrap furniture in blankets.
As already mentioned, things can shift during transportation. Even if nothing falls, wood furniture is subject to scratches or worse just from other hard items moving into or against it, and fabrics can be punctured. Make sure that you protect all your furniture with blankets.
Have the right tools.
Just like with any job, make sure you have the right tools for the job before you get started. Typical tools for packing for storage or moving include a dolly, boxes, screwdrivers for disassembly and/or assembly, tape, and rope, among other possibilities.
Tape drawers shut.
Often people will remove drawers and stack or pack them separately from dressers, armoires, tables, or any other furniture that might have them. If you do keep them in whatever piece they belong to, take extra care to make sure they don't fly open by taping them shut.
Organize small pieces and parts.
It's happened - a lot. You take apart the baby's crib, or a table, or some other piece held together by screws or similar, and when you're ready to put it back together those essential parts how somehow gone the way of the extra socks you've lost over the years. Disappeared. To prevent this headache, take all those parts or pieces and put them in plastic bags, label them, and then tape them on to the furniture they belong to.
Stay safe.
Never risk hurting yourself unnecessarily trying to pack and move. If you need help, ask for it. We all do sometimes.
