Packing Boxes
When packing boxes, the task will be much easier and you'll experience less breakage and damage if you follow a few simple tips. The tips for packing boxes on this page are designed to help you have a smoother move.
Packing Your Own Boxes
One way to save money on your California move is by doing the packing yourself. However, an inexperienced packer, especially one who uses flimsy old boxes to complete the job, runs the risk of causing more damage and financial hardship than the savings. And, remember that your California local mover or CA long distance mover probably won't take responsibility for items damaged in boxes where they didn't do the packing. They may also even refuse to handle flimsy boxes, so don't skimp on the moving supplies if you're going to be packing your own boxes.
Your moving company may refuse to ship any boxes that contain hazardous materials. Typically, moving companies consider guns, fuel and other highly flammable items hazardous.
And, if your moving company has to repack any boxes you originally packed yourself you'll wind up paying for the privilege, so pack your boxes right the first time and you'll save time and aggravation.
Box Packing Tips
- Have all of your moving supplies lined up next to your moving boxes when you start packing. Our Moving Supplies page will tell you what you need when you are packing your own moving boxes.
- Pack one room at a time, marking each box with a description of its contents and destination room.
- Label your moving boxes clearly. Put your name on the top of each box and put the room where the box is to be placed on both the top and at least one side of the box.
- If you plan to inventory items within the boxes you pack, number your boxes so your master inventory can list each box number with its corresponding contents.
- Pack heavier items in smaller moving boxes - like book boxes and lighter weight items in larger boxes. Wrap heavier things first with bubble or paper and place in the bottom of the box. Wrap lighter things with paper or bubble and put them in last on top of the heavier items, preferably separating the lighter items from the heavier items with bubble wrap. If you need to make sure the box is not turned on its side or upside down, use arrows to show which end should be up. Still, this is no guarantee that box won't shift or that your movers won't see or choose to disregard the markings. Therefore, avoid packing lampshades on top of heavier items inside the box. It's best to pack lampshades in a box by themselves.