Packing Boxes

Packing boxes is something that everyone should really know how to do. Come on, let's face it...we are all going to be packing boxes at some point in our lives. If we do not take the time to properly pack the boxes we use, we can quickly find our most prized possessions either missing or broken. While anyone can learn how to pack boxes through trial and error, why waste the time and go through all that pain and heartache? Simply follow these guidelines and you will quickly find yourself packing boxes like a pro.

• Choose what to pack. Before you can actually begin packing, you will need to determine what it is you will be packing. Is it clothes? Perhaps it is some of your treasured high school trophies? Decide what it is that you will be packing so that you can choose the proper type of box to pack the items in.
• Choose the right box. After you have decided on what will be getting packed away, you need to choose the right box to use. You would not use the same type of box to pack away your dishes that you would to pack away clothes or even small knick knacks. There are specially designed boxes for each type of item that you will be packing away. While it is more expensive (initially) to go out and purchase boxes from moving companies, it will save you money in the long run. The reason for this is that you will end up protecting your items much better, and won't need to replace anything that has been broken.
• Make a list. As you begin packing things into your boxes, make a list. Simply write down what you are putting into the boxes as you are doing so. We may like to think that we will always know what is in each box, but seriously how realistic is that? We will probably forget what is in each box almost as soon as we close it.
• No free spaces. As you are packing the box, make sure that you leave as little of free space as you can. Free, or empty, space will end up allowing the box to crush and the contents to shift when moved. This can lead to your possessions getting broken, and damaged. If necessary use things like packing peanuts, or crumpled newspapers to help fill those voids.
• Label the box. Once you are finished packing the box, go ahead and seal it up, and label it. Don't simply write on the box something along the lines of "Bill's room." In addition to writing down which room the box came from, place a copy of the packing list on the outside of the box. This way you will be able to tell what is inside without opening the box back up.