6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Moving Boxes
Packing boxes is a skill that businesses on the move need to acquire quickly, preferably as soon as moving day is scheduled. Incorrectly packing boxes leads to potential problems. Correctly packing the items to transport saves time and avoids stress—two things business owners value highly when anticipating an upcoming relocation.
Here are some common packing mistakes to avoid when packing moving boxes:
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Boxes
It is easy to assume that small boxes should hold light items and heavy boxes are designed for the heavy stuff. The reverse is true. Smaller boxes filled with heavy objects are easier to carry, thereby preventing back injuries upon lifting. Plus, large, overloaded boxes are subject to breaking.
Heavy possessions, such as paper files, small appliances, and miscellaneous office equipment, should be packed in several small or medium-sized cardboard boxes to minimize overall heaviness. Lightweight goods, like rugs and knickknacks, can be safely packed in large cardboard boxes.
To stay on the safe side, each box should weigh less than 50 pounds when filled with the goods to be transported. As the recognized weight safety limit, 50 pounds will prevent the boxes from rupturing during the process of loading or unloading the moving truck.
So, once properly sized boxes are available, the next step is to wrap all belongings. But, it’s quicker to cut corners and avoid protecting these goods, even if they are fragile. This leads to…
Mistake #2: Failing to Wrap Items
Sharp and fragile possessions should be wrapped, if not double-wrapped, when preparing to shift them into a new space. The sharp corners and delicate nature of these types of goods make them especially dangerous to transport, especially if the boxes break mid-move.
Wrapping items is convenient, since all sorts of wrap are available. Businesses may even have plenty laying around the office. Goods may be safely protected with bubble wrap or packing paper. Without spending an extra dime, items may be wrapped in towels or linens.
Wrapping goods keeps fragile items protected. This important step also keeps the safety of those lifting the boxes intact. In the event that a box filled with sharp, unwrapped objects falls and bursts open, the bubble wrap or other cushioning will prevent personal injury to the ones doing the heavy lifting.
While in the process of wrapping fragile items, like bottles filled with liquids, take a moment to protect the moving contents from spillage. This step is necessary to avoid…
Mistake #3: Neglecting to Seal Liquids
Even a tiny liquid spill can compromise the construction of a cardboard box. Damp boxes lose their holding power and can easily rip apart with the slightest pressure. If the box does not break outright, the items surrounding the wet box will be a mess to clean.
Goods holding liquids should be sealed thrice. The first seal is achieved by unscrewing the lid and placing plastic wrap over the opening. Screw the lid back on for the second seal. Wrap the bottle with a layer of plastic wrap for the triple seal.
But sealing liquids optimally will do little if the box breaks under the weight of its contents. Boxes rupture as a consequence of…
Mistake #4: Failing to Double-Tape
Boxes with a minimum seal are more likely to give way. Especially when the box is filled with heavy objects, the scenario can be a dangerous one. Bulky items are at risk for damage or can fall through the box, potentially onto the toes of the individual carrying it.
Prevent boxes from breaking with strong packing tape and a double seal on each box. Prior to packing the boxes, adhere quality packing tape twice along the bottoms and side edges. A double seal with quality packing tape not only prevents boxes from breaking but protects the valuables inside.
A sign of good packing is that the box retains its original shape. If the packed box becomes deformed, it is due to…
Mistake #5: Overpacking the Boxes
Overstuffing boxes significantly results in visual deformities. The lids of the boxes no longer close snugly, and the boxes become difficult to safely transport. Piling misshaped boxes one on top of the other in a moving truck only leads to potential collapse and damage to the contents inside.
Prevent catastrophes by ensuring the flaps of each box easily close. Jamming the flaps down allows for breakage of the topmost items. The opposite of overstuffing is under packing. If a box is half full, add a few layers of packing material to fill it up to the top flap.
Packing the boxes properly as outlined helps prevent stress on moving day. But once the boxes are safely transported, the following will contribute to hours of frustration…
Mistake #6: Failing to Label the Boxes
Unlabeled boxes are a small source of frustration, albeit a preventable one. Grab a marker and write a couple words about what is inside or in what office the boxes should go into. Also label whether or not the boxes are fragile and if they require immediate unpacking.
Work with a Professional Moving Company
When in a bind, hand over the task of packing to professionals. Packing success can be achieved with help from the Windy City’s most reputable office relocation company, Chicago Office Movers. Our commercial packing services are secure and dependable, as our many satisfied business customers attest to.
With licensed and insured packers, business owners can rest assured that all company goods are in the best hands. Chicago Office Movers’ crews will not only securely pack all office items but will just as carefully unpack them in the new location. Each box will be clearly labeled to maximize unloading speed, which helps businesses get off to their new start quickly. We also provide a complete inventory of packed items.
Countless commercial businesses entrust the office goods packing process to Chicago Office Movers. Our experience in the moving industry is a testament to our professionalism, skill, and dedication to quality service.
Contact Us
If your business has an upcoming move on the calendar, consult Chicago Office Movers for a free estimate at (312) 244-2246.
Tags: packing, packing mistakes to avoid, packing tips
