Moving into a new home can be exciting, unless poor packing results in boxes collapsing and valuables being destroyed. The good news is that the signs of poor packing are easy to spot and fix.

Boxes That Feel Too Heavy

One classic sign of poor packing is a box that is too heavy. You may think you are being efficient when you cram many items into a large box; however, the overloaded box could break open on moving day, with items spilling out. What’s more, the person doing the lifting can be injured. If a box is too heavy to lift comfortably, you need to repack it to redistribute the weight.

Loose Items

Loose items are another sign of poor packing. If you shake a box and hear rattling, the items aren’t secure. They need proper cushioning to stay in place. Use towels or recycled paper to pack items so that they can’t move. If a box feels like it’s hiding a maraca, it’s not ready to load onto a truck.

Improperly Sealed Boxes

Some people believe they can stick a single strip of tape to a box, and all will be well. That is a big mistake because a box that is weakly sealed is asking for trouble. When movers load boxes onto a truck, they stack them, and sometimes they shift or are dropped. If the bottom of a box opens because of poor taping, belongings will scatter, increasing the risk of breakage.

To seal boxes securely, use multiple strips of tape, and tape in a crisscross pattern. The type of tape also matters. When preparing boxes for a move, use only packing tape, which is strong enough to endure the journey.

Random Items Thrown Together

Don’t rush your moving preparations by packing unrelated and incompatible items in the same box. For instance, it’s not wise to pack kitchen knives with clothing or bed linens. Take enough time to pack in an organized fashion so that you can keep your belongings in good shape and easily find them after the move.

Not Enough Fragile Labels

If you don’t clearly mark boxes containing fragile items, you have an accident waiting to happen because movers and helpers will not know they need to be careful. Make sure all breakable items are marked so that everyone knows to handle them with care.

Packing might seem straightforward, but careless habits have serious consequences. If you need help with packing and unpacking, consult Integrity Movers & Packing Services in Warren, MI.