Moving Tips
February 3, 2016

Make your move faster, easier and more convenient by learning the best ways to pack your belongings.

With the right supplies and effective strategy, you can become a packing expert! City Centre can help by providing packing supplies, and now the best packing tips you need to help make your move go as smoothly as possible. This list will ensure that your fragile items stay in tact, your boxes remain sealed throughout the move, and that your belongings are properly organized and easy to find once you’ve settled in.

USE THE RIGHT BOXES

Use strong, high-quality cardboard boxes. Our Packing Supplies division sells them in several sizes, including specialty boxes like wardrobe containers and mirror boxes. Choose a smaller size box for heavy items and larger for lightweight. The goal is to keep everything in the range of what can be lifted without breaking the box — or, more importantly, your back!

LIFT BOXES – THE RIGHT WAY!

To lift boxes safely without strain to your back, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your leg muscles, not your back. When putting boxes down again, bend at the knees to lower to a crouch before you lean, and keep your back straight even when leaning.

FILL THE BOXES TO THE BRIM

Partially filled boxes can collapse when stacked, while bulging boxes can tip, so fill boxes to capacity but don’t overstuff them. If there are gaps in the box, fill the spaces with towels, clothing or other soft items, or packing materials like clean newsprint.

TAPE UP YOUR BOXES

Seal your boxes with packing tape to keep them properly closed, always remembering to seal the bottom before filling up the box. At City Centre’s Packing Supplies store, we carry clear tape and tape marked ‘fragile’ to help keep your items safe.

LABEL YOUR BOXES

Label boxes on all sides, and give them each a number for easy reference. A brief description is also helpful, both on the box and on the inventory list. On the box, you can also indicate which room it should be taken to when the moving truck is unloaded.