Getting Started Packing

Before you move to your new home it is essential that all of your loose items are properly boxed up and safely packed. Packing is an important skill to learn when moving; it will keep your items from being damaged, it keeps your items organized during transit, and it is much easier to move a packed box than it is to move numerous loose objects. To help you master the art of packing, we here at Corrigan have put together some packing tips and tricks to make you feel comfortable with the process. By following these general advice tips for packing, you will be off to an excellent start.

Use Good Packing Material: Good materials can be purchased from most hardware stores, or purchased direct from moving companies like Corrigan.

• Moving Boxes: Good moving boxes should come in standard moving sizes and be made up of sturdy corrugated cardboard. Stay away from using any boxes where the walls are too thin.
• Tape: Purchase rolls of packaging tape to seal your cartons. Stay away from duct tape or masking tape.
• Packing paper: This paper is simply large sheets of unprinted newsprint. Packing paper can be used to protect most any type of object, as well as fill empty space in boxes. Using unprinted newsprint is important because the ink will rub off newspapers if you were to pack with them.
• Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is not essential, but can be used to easily protect your most delicate and breakable items. Packing paper can also protect these objects if used correctly.
• Paper pads: Paper pads are large soft sheets of paper that are used to wrap delicate items that are too big for the standard packing paper. These are often a 6 ply cellulose wadding, and they often measure 36'' x 72''.

Properly Assembly Your Moving Boxes:

• There is a trick to keep the box flaps out of your way while packing. When the box is laying flat you will notice there is a small cardboard tab connecting the top flaps on the box. When you are ready to assemble your boxes, while the box is still flat, fold the top flaps down to the sides, and then open the box up. The tabs will keep the flaps of the box held neatly to the side while you are filling the box.
• Next turn the box over and seal the bottom. If the flaps are different sizes, fold the smaller flaps in first and then the larger flaps. Run three strips of tape across the bottom of the box.
• Turn the box back over, and it is now ready to be filled. When the box is full, give a firm tug on the top flaps to break through the cardboard tab holding the flaps to the side. You do not need any scissors or box cutters. Fold the flaps shut and run three more strips of tape across the top of the box.

Properly Label Your Boxes:
Using a permanent marker, carefully label each box. List the general contents inside, the room the items came from, as well as your name. This will help you place the boxes in the correct room of your new home, and also help you find the items you are looking for inside.

Do Not Pack any Flammable or Hazardous Materials:
There are items that no moving company is allowed to transport. Check our prohibited items list and be sure you do not pack these items. Dispose of these items before your move, and repurchase them at your new home.

Following these tips will make sure your packing is headed in the right direction. Check back soon for additional packing tips and tricks, as we will be detailing how to pack different box sizes and helping you decide what items to pack into what box. Until then, happy packing!