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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen preparing for your move, it’s best to understand your options. Moving trucks<\/a> are usually on top of mind but is that really the best option<\/a> for your move? If you’re moving cross country, and dislike the idea of driving a moving truck, perhaps a U-Box container<\/a> would be better suited since they can be shipped right to your new home. Comfort could also determine what you use for your move. Imagine driving in your own familiar vehicle and everything is hauled behind you in a trailer<\/a>. Your perfect move is only a reservation<\/a> away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your approach to packing can determine if your items hold up and survive the move or not. That’s why it’s important to use the right materials to ensure a smooth move. Pick up these must-having packing tools at your local center<\/a> or have them shipped to your home and make packing easier:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trying to move precious or expensive items can be troublesome, especially if they do not fit the standard sized boxes. Do you need to pack your TV<\/a>? There’s a box<\/a> for that. What else do you need? Use the right box for your things to ensure safe keeping during your move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything in that list has boxes made specifically for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Packing might appear to be as easy as throwing your things in to a box and taping it up but negligent and sloppy packing can result in broken or destroyed items. Don’t let your effort go to waste, by using these moving tips. Utilize smaller boxes for heavier items for easier loading and larger boxes for lighter weight bulky items like bedding and pillows. Since boxes get stacked and shuffled around during the moving process, try labeling your boxes on multiple sides. Lastly, fill empty space in your box with clothing, packing paper<\/a>, or any impact-absorbing material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you put away everything into moving boxes, be sure to put the things you need on moving day and for your trip aside! Use an overnight bag to put the items you’d use on a daily basis, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our moving tips cover only the basics. Be sure to make a list and grab what you need, as the suggestions may not cover everything that uniquely fits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We’re not in 2021 anymore. It’s time we’ve changed our consumer habits and opt for more sustainable packaging. Luckily, these boxes<\/a> were made for longevity! Other U-Haul customers may have leftovers that are in good shape, so check out the Box Exchange<\/a> or your local center<\/a> for free boxes. While you’re there, check out the reusable Furniture Pads<\/a> and Biodegradable Packing Peanuts<\/a> for better packing and less waste. And at the end of your trip, don’t forget to leave your used boxes for another family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re not tech savvy, this moving tip will be extremely useful. First, take a photo of any wiring that you need to take out to put it back in the right place later in your new home. Keep a small bag around to hold all small pieces if further disassembly is required. For fragile screens and hardware, you’ll want to create several protective layers of padding and wrap it as tight as possible, so it doesn’t move around when lifted and transported. Finally, keep all the wires, accessories, and other pieces together to avoid losing anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t pack up everything just yet! Declutter your items and sort through them to lessen the load<\/a> and prevent junk from filling your new home. Sort through your items by creating piles or boxes labeled trash, donate, and keep. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably time to toss or donate it if it’s still in good condition. Moving is a great opportunity to reassess the items you’ve gathered over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Groceries are hard to move, especially long distances. Be sure to make your last grocery trip about 2-3 weeks before moving to ensure that nothing goes to waste. While you’re there, pick up some snacks<\/a> to munch on moving day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The sooner you can start packing, the less stressful it is going to be. Start with the items you don’t use very often and set those boxes somewhere where they won’t be in the way. If you need temporary storage, U-Box containers<\/a> make great on-site storage options to access as you need and help you pack at your pace. Anticipate finishing packing one week from your move out date. Plan your outfits and meals the week of so that you can pack the rest of your items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strategically packing includes what you can and can’t pack together. The rule of thumb is to keep items together by what room they go in such as bedroom items, bathroom products, etc. The items you should take extra care of are tools, painting equipment, and cleaning chemicals. If anything happens during transit and they break open, you wouldn’t want to ruin your other items. Review the list below of other special items that should not be packed, but rather replaced:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These moving tips are meant to keep you safe. Any chemical-containing materials can be combustible and potentially explosive so whatever you do, do not pack these with the rest of your belongings. Instead, dispose of them properly and replace them at your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When moving, using up all the space in the truck is essential as well as all the space in your drawers, cabinets, and other items with empty fillable space. Dressers are a prime example of this. Then, be certain to get it into your moving truck<\/a> with a dolly<\/a> for even more ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Loading your truck or trailer must be strategic to avoid shifting boxes, broken items, or worse. With a moving truck, load Mom’s Attic first with fragile items to separate them from the bulkier items. Next, load up appliances and heavy furniture so that most of the weight is situated furthest from the door Then, follow up with heavy boxes and furniture. Remember, space is essential and you will need to fill in the empty spaces. The last items you put in the truck should be what will quickly be needed at your new destination or during the trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Loading a U-Box is slightly different than loading a truck. Use the video below to see that the heaviest item should be in the center of your U-Box, and then make stacks with the heavier boxes and furniture at the bottom and packing lighter boxes as you move up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Must-Have Packing Tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n3. There’s a Box for That<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Optimize Your Packing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Set Essentials Aside<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Pack Sustainably<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
+Free Boxes<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n7. Packing Electronics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Lessen the Load<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Grocery Shopping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Pack Early<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11. Pack With Caution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12. Don’t Dump Out the Drawers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n13. Load It Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n