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Moving is a complex process where even small packing errors can lead to significant damage. Based on our experience assessment, improper packing of items like flat-screen TVs, dishes, and hazardous materials is a primary cause of broken possessions during transit. This guide outlines the seven most common packing mistakes and provides actionable, verifiable solutions to protect your belongings, drawing on industry standards and practical moving methodologies. The core advice is to distribute weight evenly, use correct materials, and secure items properly to prevent costly damage.
Household chemicals, including bleach, drain cleaners, and tile sprays, are frequently packed at the last minute, creating a risk of leaks and toxic mixtures. Cori Bamford, a certified professional organizer, notes that the vibrations of a moving truck can cause containers to open. To mitigate this, pack all chemicals upright in a sealed, plastic bin rather than a cardboard box. This containment strategy prevents spills from contaminating other items and is a standard safety practice recommended by moving professionals.
Flat-screen TVs are engineered to be supported vertically. Placing them flat during a move creates pressure on the center of the screen, which can lead to cracking or edge distortion, a risk amplified by truck vibrations. Mike Glanz, co-founder of a moving service company, advises using a specially designed vertical box for the TV. Additionally, protecting the screen with a moving blanket provides crucial impact absorption. This approach aligns with the manufacturer's design intent for weight distribution, ensuring the device's integrity.
The tangle of cords and remotes is a common post-move frustration. A simple, effective system involves taking photographs of all cable connections before disassembling your entertainment center or office. After documenting the setup, label each cord clearly and tape its corresponding remote to the device. This method, based on systematic organization principles, eliminates guesswork and saves significant time when setting up your new home, ensuring a smooth transition.
The primary risk with books is not their fragility but the excessive weight they create. Packing too many books in a single box makes it unwieldy, prone to breaking, and a potential cause of injury. Kelly Tenny of a packing service company recommends distributing books among several boxes to balance weight. For the books' preservation, lay them flat within the box instead of spine-up. This protects the bindings and, when combined with lighter items on top, creates a stable, manageable load for movers.
Dishes are highly susceptible to shock and pressure. The most effective way to pack them is to place each plate vertically on its side, similar to records in a crate. This positioning allows the cardboard dividers to absorb shock along the stronger edge of the plate rather than its flat, fragile surface. Each stack should be securely padded with packing paper before being placed in a sturdy dish-pack box. This technique is a proven industry standard for minimizing breakage.
Tall items like floor lamps, vases, or musical instruments present a unique challenge. Wrapping them in rugs or blankets creates an unstable, bulky load. A more secure method is the "clamshell" technique: use two appropriately sized boxes. Place the item in one box, then tape the second box over the top to form a protective shell. Generously pad the top, bottom, and sides with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to ensure the item sits snugly without shifting, effectively distributing any impact.
A common misconception is that the flat side of bubble wrap should touch the item. However, a study commissioned by a packing supplies brand found that most people use it incorrectly. For maximum cushioning, the bubbles must face inward toward the item. The air pockets are designed to absorb shock and hold the object in place through direct contact. Wrapping glassware and ceramics with the bubbles facing out significantly reduces their protective capacity. Always place the bubbled side against your fragile items for optimal safety.
By implementing these specific strategies, you can dramatically increase the likelihood of your possessions arriving intact. The key takeaways are to respect the structural design of items like TVs, distribute heavy weight like books, and use materials like bubble wrap correctly. Planning and proper technique are the most predictable factors in a successful, damage-free move.
