As your moving day approaches, the to-do list just grows bigger. The stress seems like it’ll never end. Even local moves can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re unprepared. Figuring out how to pack furniture for a long-distance move is an entirely different beast though. Your belongings will have to survive thousands of miles on the road, changing weather conditions, and more. And the last thing you want to see when you arrive at your new home is damaged or broken furniture. To ensure the safety of your items, there are some steps you’ll need to take. Our moving experts have compiled their best tips below.
Make a plan for packing your furniture
First and foremost, the best way to reduce stress when moving long-distance is to come up with a plan. When everything is nicely written out, actually doing the steps will be easier. For furniture specifically, you’ll need to decide what to bring. Sometimes it’s simply not feasible to move everything with you. Decluttering is a great way to get rid of stuff you don’t need anymore. Next, write down everything you want to relocate. In case you’re disassembling furniture, be sure to take plenty of pictures. Another thing you can do in advance is calculate shipping costs. Surprisingly, sometimes it can be cheaper to buy new furniture than ship it cross-country. If you’re unsure about the cost, contact moving companies in California for assistance. They’ll be able to provide you with a quote.
What materials you need to pack furniture for a long-distance move
Any relocation is going to require high-quality moving materials. Whether you’re moving to Seattle from Los Angeles, or just down the street. Having the right materials is extremely important for long-distance moving. The right kind of supplies will ensure none of your belongings break in transit. First, get sturdy cardboard boxes. In order to fully protect your furniture, they need to be new. Reusing old ones can lead to damage. Next is cushioning materials. These can be anything from bubble wrap, newspapers, moving blankets, etc. Bulkier items may require additional securing like packing styrofoam and saran wrap. Additionally, one thing you mustn’t forget is packing tape and markers. Lastly, you may also need to invest in a moving dolly.
How to pack fragile furniture for a long-distance move
When it comes to packing fragile items, the same basic rules apply. Though, for glass items, you will have to implement a special technique. Using regular tape, draw an x shape on any big, glass surface. This will help absorb shock and if it does break, it’ll make for easier cleanup. Just make sure not to use packing tape, as it will be hard to remove.
Pack carpets and rugs for a long-distance move
You might think packing a rug is no big deal, but there are some things you should keep in mind. For long-distance moves don’t ever wrap a carpet in plastic. It will trap moisture, which will consequently lead to mold. Use only packing paper and a bit of tape on the sides.
Wrapping furniture for shipping
The next step that comes after packing furniture is sealing it. For smaller pieces, the process is quite easy. On the other hand, big and bulky furniture will be slightly more complicated to seal effectively. Reliable movers orange county can check if everything is sealed correctly before shipping. For small to medium-sized boxes, it’s enough to tape the seams. You should do this in the shape of the letter H. First, tape the middle opening, then the side seams. Repeat on the bottom of the box. Additionally, if you want to you can go over the tape a few times. For larger items, use packing blankets and saran wrap. However, some materials shouldn’t ever be wrapped with plastic. Carpets can grow mold, while leather will sweat and deteriorate.
The proper way to label your items
Correctly labeling your items is helpful for organizing, as you’ll quickly be able to set it up in your new home. Simply label each box with a marker. It will make unpacking a lot easier. On the other hand, if you’re relocating internationally it’s a vital step you shouldn’t rush. If at any point in the process you feel confused, contact an international moving company Los Angeles for help. An incorrect label can lead to your furniture getting lost in transit.
We’ve outlined the steps below:
- labeling should always be the last step – your info won’t be obscured by things like saran wrap
- stick the label in a visible place on the side of the box
- don’t put labels on corners, or edges – they could fall off
- remove any previous markings from the box
Loading items into a van
Congrats, you’re nearly finished with packing for your move. The last step is a bit like playing Tetris – you need to figure out a way to load everything into a moving van. The general rule is that big items should go on the bottom, while smaller or fragile things on top. Start by getting all of your heaviest items together and equally distribute them in the truck. Preferably, heavy and bulky items should be placed on the sides. This way, you’ll be able to easily move around. When packing furniture for a long-distance move, the most important thing is weight distribution. Smaller boxes and fragile items can go in the middle. Lastly, strap all of the heavy items so they don’t move around while you’re driving. It can damage your items and be quite dangerous.
You’re done congratulations! You now know how to pack furniture for a long-distance move. The only thing left to do is unload everything carefully, reassemble it and enjoy your new home. If you’ve done all of the steps correctly, your furniture should be in good shape. Unfortunately, mistakes can always happen, no matter how meticulous you were with packing. If something gets damaged, look at it as an opportunity to redecorate.