Moving houses can be a hassle, especially with the amount of things that people usually accumulate over time. Boxes on top of boxes are loaded into removal vans from storage and transported to your new location. But what happens when you don’t load them in properly? You could risk pulling and straining your back muscles, slip a disk or damage your knees from putting so much pressure on them. There are ways to reduce the risk of straining or breaking something when packing boxes, so here are some of the techniques you can apply to moving packing boxes.
1. Have you picked the right box?
Let’s start at the very beginning: picking the correct box. For things that aren’t very heavy but are quite voluminous, such as blankets, it’s easier to carry in larger boxes. For heavier things, we recommend using smaller boxes, allowing them to fit into the cradle of your arms, supported by your body, while you transport them from place to place. Try not to use things like garbage or plastic bags as they tend to rip and break easily when filled with heavier items.
2. Do you have too much in your packing box?
Whether it be a cardboard or plastic storage box, it’s important to know how much your boxes can handle. Cardboard boxes, whilst relatively sturdy, can still rip so try not to overfill it. Make sure that when you pick it up, it still retains its box shape. If the box is overfilled, it will be difficult to stack the boxes securely into a removal truck or your own vehicle. Packing pellets are also a good addition for softening the gaps in between the items within their boxes. They’re also virtually weightless so they don’t add much extra to your already heavy packing boxes.
3. Are you picking your packing box up the correct way?
You don’t want to injure yourself when picking up packed boxes. The best way to carry items is to keep your back straight whilst transporting. Make sure that when you bend down to get the box or cube, it’s only your legs that bend. Your power and strength come from your legs and arms, so don’t allow your back to take the strain. It’s the same process when putting a box back down. Bend your legs and keep you back straight as you ease yourself to the ground. Upon releasing the box, keep your back straight once again as you bring yourself back up.
4. Are you using tape to seal boxes?
Packing cubes usually have zippers so that clothes don’t fall out of the flaps when you’ve finished folding and packing. However, packing and storage boxes are a little different. Classic cardboard boxes have flaps that can be folded in such a way that they won’t fall open during transportation. Another way of preventing this from happening is packing tape. Having tape and a tape gun will accelerate the time it will take to pack your boxes. It will also provide your boxes with extra security so that they don’t fall open and spill while in transit.
5. Have you wrapped your furniture?
This step requires more attention as your furniture comes in various shapes and sizes. You will also need to know how to take care of each texture your pieces of furniture are made out of. Mattresses need special attention in storing and packaging in order to better protect it from damage. It is best stored separately from the bed frame and other bits of furniture. Consider protecting your furniture by using plastic as a cover or more breathable materials such as flannel blankets. Protect yourself and others from injuries by fixing extra padding onto the corners. This also protects the sides from chipping or any other potential damage.
6. How much room do you have for storage?
Before moving your belongings into storage, you might want to measure how much room your storage unit has to help optimise the space. There are a couple of ways to get your belongings to the storage unit. There are removalists that can help you transport your items to where you need them to go. Otherwise, you might decide that you want to transport them yourself, although some of the larger pieces of furniture might cause difficulty.
If you’re looking for a self storage unit or space located close to where you live, Spacer has thousands of locations within Australia to choose from. You’ll be able to find the right space for your needs. Talk to the host and let them know if you have any specific requirements for your storage and they can let you know about how to access their space and what days they may be available should you have any queries.
