Two factors determine whether a packed box will protect your belongings during an interstate move: material and method.
Avoid relying on low-budget boxes (such as beat-up empties from your local grocer, department store or liquor shop). Instead, invest in sturdy containers able to endure the rigors of relocation. Corrugated cardboard offers top-notch stability via three-layered construction: Two smooth outer layers surround a single ridged inner layer.
As a Michigan moving company with 30+ years of experience, All Around Moving & Storage is happy to supply you with boxes matched to your items. Box expenses depend on the quantity you’re packing. A three-bed/two-bath home might require you spending $100 to $200. While this might add to the cost of moving, consider the financial and emotional impact of a crushed or spilled box holding prized possessions.
Building a box
Assuming you’ve selected the correct box quantity and quality, packing them properly can be accomplished by following All Around Moving & Storage’s recommendations for thinking inside the box for crush-free performance.
Don’t skimp on the packing tape. Seal a box bottom using the triple-ply method: three strips of packing tape forming a sturdy, overlapping seal. Don’t crisscross the flaps by folding one panel-quarter under another, though. When in doubt, seal edges to prevent snag-susceptible gaps that might rip open a box and spill its contents.
Of course, firmly seal the top, too, when done inserting contents. You can purchase clear packing tape and a dispenser for less than $20. Once the box is built, line the box bottom with packing peanuts.
Primo packing
Pack heavy objects (surrounded in either packing paper or bubble wrap) inside small boxes. By contrast, big boxes should house light items. You’ll stay on your Ann Arbor movers’ good side and better protect your items. In extreme cases in which boxes weigh too much to move safely, movers might have to re-pack items and charge you accordingly. (That’s a time-and-money double-whammy you can do without.) Either extreme works against you: Under-packed boxes might cave in; overstuffed boxes can burst at the seams.
Packing items of varying weights in the same box? Remember to build a foundation by placing heavier items on the bottom, then placing lighter pieces on top. Also, prevent contents from shifting by using clothes, linens, packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to fill any gaps. Snug = good. Jam-packed = bad.
Flexible solutions
All Around Moving & Storage provides flexible solutions to move any object, large or small, to your new location. In addition to traditional boxes, we offer customized crates and item-specific boxing. Typical boxes don’t always provide the best solution for moving large objects (think mattresses) or fragile objects (such as dishware).
When packing in preparation for a cross-country trek, double-check materials are durable, especially freebies. Moving across country is more involved than a local move. Make sure you’re well-stocked for the job. Sometimes, cardboard just doesn’t cut it. To provide protection against prolonged temperature and humidity extremes, try using plastic containers.
Risky business?
Be aware: Packing your possessions isn’t a risk-free proposition. Insurance coverage carries limitations should harm occur during your move. If the box itself is unaffected, mover’s insurance won’t cover any damaged items inside boxes movers didn’t pack. Hiring professionals to pack your belongings ensures your possessions will be carefully packed and fully insured.
Seeking movers in Michigan who take the utmost pride in their work? Look no further than All Around Moving & Storage, your go-to home mover among Ann Arbor moving companies. Whether you’re seeking to move to or from Canton, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Rochester, Sterling Heights or elsewhere in Michigan, we’re the moving company Michigan residents trust. Contact us today for a FREE moving quote: (734) 941-2280.
