Packing and Protecting Your Belongings for a Long-Distance Move
Preparing for a long-distance move can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to packing and protecting your personal belongings. Whether your moving a short distance or planning for a cross-country relocation, packing is one of the biggest steps in preparing for your move. And the longer distance your items have to travel, the more important it is to properly pack and protect them.
That’s why ADSI Moving Systems offers a full range of packing services to make sure your belongings are safe and secure during your relocation. With over 55 years of experience managing residential relocations, we understand the importance of properly preparing and packing your belongings to safeguard them during transit. Our relocation specialists have rounded up our top tips to help you pack and protect your possessions for a successful long-distance relocation.
Sourcing Packing Materials
The right packing materials play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of your belongings during a move. High-quality materials provide better protection and reduce the risk of damage.
FREE RESOURCE: To help you get started, we’ve put together a packing materials checklist so you can make sure you have everything you need as moving day inches closer.
Protecting Furniture and Large Items
When moving large items like furniture, it’s essential to disassemble them whenever possible and wrap each piece in moving blankets or furniture pads. Secure the padding with packing tape or stretch wrap to keep it in place.
For items with drawers or doors, make sure to secure them shut to prevent accidents during transit. Also, make sure to empty cabinets and drawers. While it might be convenient to leave clothes folded inside drawers, leaving items inside often make the furniture pieces too heavy to move.
Protecting Art, Mirrors, and Frames
To protect your valuable art, mirrors, and frames, use specialty boxes designed for these items. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap or packing paper and place it in the box, ensuring there’s adequate padding around all edges. Use packing tape to reinforce the box corners and seams for added protection.
Protecting Dishes, China, and Serving Ware
Fragile items like dishes and glassware need extra protection during a long-distance move.
When packing fragile items like dishes, china, and serving ware, use dish packs or sturdy boxes lined with crumpled packing paper. Wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap and place them in the box vertically, separated by additional layers of cushioning material. Fill any empty spaces with crumpled paper to prevent shifting during transport.
Need extra packing practice for your kitchenwares? Check out this video from our partners at United Van Lines
Heat Sensitive Items
For items sensitive to heat, such as candles, electronics, and some cosmetics, consider packing them in insulated containers or climate-controlled storage units if available. Alternatively, plan your move during cooler months or transport these items separately in a temperature-controlled vehicle.
High-Value/Heirloom Items and Antiques
For high-value items, heirlooms, and antiques, consider hiring professional packing services offered by ADSI Moving Systems. Our experts will ensure these precious belongings are packed and transported with the utmost care and attention. If you prefer to pack them yourself, use sturdy boxes, ample padding, and secure them well to prevent damage.
For rare or highly valuable items, make sure to review your shipment valuation as well as your insurance options and complete the high-value inventory form as an extra precaution, if necessary.
Moving House Plants
When moving house plants, it’s essential to prepare them for the journey by trimming any dead leaves or branches and ensuring they are well-watered before the move. Transport plants in well-ventilated containers, such as cardboard boxes with air holes, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures during transit.
If you’re moving in extreme conditions (hot or cold) make sure you know how your plants will react and plan transportation for them accordingly to ensure they arrive safe and sound.
Tools and Outdoor Equipment
Before moving tools and outdoor equipment, clean and dry them thoroughly to prevent rust and damage. Disassemble larger items, if possible, and pack them securely in boxes or heavy-duty bags. For sharp tools, wrap the edges in bubble wrap or thick fabric to prevent injuries during the move.
Taking the time to properly pack and protect your belongings is crucial for a successful long-distance move. Give these tips and try and make sure you’re working with a reliable moving partner like ADSI Moving Systems, an agent for United Van Lines, to ensure that your possessions arrive at your new home safe and sound.