7 Common Packing Carton Mistakes to Avoid
Packing can be an exciting part of moving or decluttering, but it’s important to avoid some common packing mistakes. Knowing what to avoid can save you time, effort, and even money. At Ezi Storage, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help. Here are some common packing mistakes you should avoid.
- Packing everything
When you’re preparing to move, it’s important to take some time to sort through your items and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or dispose of. While it can be tempting to pack everything and deal with it later, this approach will only make the moving process more difficult and expensive. Packing presents an opportunity to declutter and simplify your life by getting rid of things you no longer need or use. You can donate unwanted items to charity, sell them online or in a garage sale, or simply dispose of them responsibly. Not taking the time to do this will result in wasted space and increased storage costs, as you’ll end up paying to store items that you don’t actually want or need. Take the time to declutter before you start packing!
- Building boxes incorrectly
A good packing carton, such as those in Ezi Storage’s packing box range, will be strong and secure. However, if it’s not put together correctly, it won’t be as structurally sound. Make sure you follow the instructions and reinforce with packing tape using a tape dispenser. To ensure maximum protection, It’s also a good idea to choose the right size and style of box for your items. For example, for your kitchen items we would recommend a kitchen cartons with inserts to allow you to keep each individual item self-contained and thus protected.
- Leaving breakables unwrapped
Fragile items like glasses, dishes and vases need extra protection. Using quality packing materials such as bubble wrap and packing paper create a buffer around fragile objects, helping to minimise the risk of damage. Take the time to wrap each item individually using these packing materials to cushion them.
- Leaving gaps
Gaps in your packing carton can lead to several problems, including wasted space and increased chances of damage during transit. Unfilled spaces can cause items to move around, making them more susceptible to breakage and other damages. The best way to prevent this is to use appropriate filler materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to fill any gaps in your packaging carton. These materials not only help to keep your items secure but also provide a cushioning effect, minimizing the chances of damage from impacts during transit.
- Overpacking
Overpacking your packing carton can cause several problems, including making it too heavy or bulky to move comfortably. Additionally, overpacking can cause the carton to bulge or have items sticking out, which can lead to stacking issues during transit, resulting in potential damage to your items. To prevent these problems, it’s always better to choose an appropriate box size that can accommodate your items comfortably without being too snug or too loose.
If you find that you’re struggling to fit everything into one box, consider using additional boxes or choosing a larger box size to distribute your items better. When packing your items, make sure to spread them out evenly, so that no one side or corner of the box is bearing too much weight. This will help to keep the carton’s structure stable, reducing the chances of damage during transit.
- No/Minimal labeling
Proper labeling of your packing cartons is essential to ensure you can easily locate your belongings when you need them. To make your labeling effective, it’s a good idea to label each box on multiple sides, including the top, bottom, and at least two sides. Use a permanent marker to write down the contents of each box, including the specific items and any relevant information such as fragility, weight, or special handling instructions. Even if you don’t anticipate needing to access your items for a while, taking the time to create detailed labels or inventories will save you time and frustration later on.
- Not having an essentials box
When you’re moving, certain items such as toiletries, medications, important paperwork, and appliances will be used right up until moving day and shortly after arriving at your new place. To avoid the hassle of rummaging through multiple boxes, it’s a good idea to pack these essentials in a separate box. This will enable you to quickly access the items you need, without having to dig through other packed boxes. Label it with a permanent marker as “essentials” or “open first” so you can quickly find it.
By avoiding these common packing mistakes, you’ll have a smoother and less stressful experience. At Ezi Storage, we understand the importance of proper packing and provide a range of high-quality packing cartons, moving boxes and packing materials to ensure your items are protected during transit. Contact us today to discuss your packing needs and arrange an obligation-free quote.