Packing large objects for a move is extremely difficult when you’re not sure what to do. Large furniture and appliances like a sofa or a refrigerator can be quite challenging to properly secure for a move. For one thing, it can be impractical to wrap something big and attempt to pack it in a box. However, it might not be practical to transport it as it is either. Fortunately, there are ways to properly wrap and secure those cumbersome items to make sure they survive a long cross-country or international move. Here are a few tips that can help:
- When in doubt, ask the experts to do it. The bottom line is that it’s probably wiser and safer to hire a company that offers packing services in Tampa, FL to take care of packing your big stuff. After all, you might risk causing irreparable damage to your appliances and furniture if you attempt to pack them yourself. Additionally, hiring a team of packing experts can even speed up the process and give you one less thing to worry about. Spend some time looking at different companies and comparing their rates so you can get a reasonable deal for your packing services.
- Optimize your home textiles. Put your household items to good use by using them to pack, line, and secure the items you’re planning to ship. Furniture blankets can be used to cover and wrap large wardrobes, book shelves, tables, and more. Towels and underwear may also be used to stuff empty spaces to provide cushioning for large objects as crumpled paper and packing peanuts may not be as effective. Trunks, suitcases, briefcases, and other sturdy bags can also be utilized to pack larger items if finding a box is too hard.
- Pack large items in parts. If possible, try to take apart large objects like appliances, certain types of furniture, and equipment to make them easier to pack. This is especially important for belongings that have detachable and fragile parts like mirrors, glass doors, and more. Wrap these parts separately but try to pack them together to make reassembly easier once you’ve moved into your new place. If this is not possible, color coordinate the boxes so you know where to find all the parts.
- Secure any loose parts. Shrink wrap and use tape or twine to tie down doors, hinges, and handles on items to keep them from coming off or breaking during the move. You can also use blankets and towels to wrap these objects to keep loose parts in place.
- Turn off and empty all appliances. When packing large household appliances, make sure they’re turned off and unplugged before you wrap them. Make sure to clean and empty anything that is used for food preparation, storage, and cleaning prior to packing them. It’s also a good idea to defrost refrigerators and freezers at least 48 hours before moving day. Similarly, make sure your washing machine and dryer is drained, cleaned, and empty by the time the moving trucks arrive too.
- Invest in sturdy and high-quality packing materials. If you plan to get packing materials in preparation for your move, don’t settle for second-hand products with subpar quality. Remember that large objects tend to be heavier and need stronger packaging to help protect them. Get double-walled boxes that can withstand that extra weight and thicker wrapping materials to secure them better. Moreover, look for heavy-duty packing tape for the added reinforcement when sealing your items in wrapping and boxes.
While some people would prefer to sell their belongings or leave the majority of it behind in their old residence, you might not be one of those people. And just because packing large objects is difficult, it is not impossible to do. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful in securing and protecting your belongings so they stay safe and arrive intact from point A to point B.