Professional Packing Services: The Secrets Of The Pros
When Do You Need Professional Packing Services
It’s quite possible that you may be able to pack your belongings well enough to survive the trip to your new home without risking any damage. If you have previous experience packing for moving or if you’re familiar with some safe and efficient packing techniques; if you have the time and the patience to pack every single item with utmost care and attention; if you have quality packing materials and some reliable packing help from family or friends; if you are relocating only a few easy-to-pack items, such as clothes and books, and no heavy furniture, large household appliances, or fragile objects; if you’re moving short distance and the atmospheric conditions at the time of your move pose no significant threat to your more delicate belongings, your own packing skills will be probably good enough to ensure the safety of your goods.
But what about packing for the move? It is the most laborious, time-consuming and nerve-wracking task that needs to be completed before the Big day, yet most people believe that they will have no problems packing their belongings for moving (after all, everyone has packed items before – for travel, for college, etc., without encountering any major difficulties). This illusion, however, is shattered the moment they face the enormous amount of fragile, oddly-shaped and highly valuable items that need to be safely packed for transportation. Such a colossal, risky job is better left to the professionals.
So, if you’re about to move house anytime soon, you may want to consider professional packing help. Moving packers have the rich experience and expert know-how required to ensure the safety of your cherished possessions and the successful outcome of your relocation adventure. You’re certain to find their services highly effective and beneficial in more than one way.
Should You Hire Packers for Your Next Move?
What are professional packers?
Professional packers generally work for moving companies, and are responsible for expertly wrapping and boxing up the items in a household. Unlike most of us, packing isn’t a once-in-a-blue-moon activity for them—it’s their job, and something they have a lot of practice doing well. As such, they can pack more efficiently and effectively than those of us who only pack when we really have to. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, two professional packers can back anywhere between 100 and 150 boxes over a full day of work.
What services can you expect from professional packers?
The exact services that packers provide depends on the company you choose to work with, as well as the tasks outlined in your contract. But there are some basics that you can usually expect.
The biggest benefits of hiring packers
If you’re facing one of the situations above (or even if you’re not) the benefits of hiring packers are hard to discount. Simply put, professional packers save you a ton of time and stress—not only will you not have to worry about doing the packing itself, but you also won’t have to worry that your items are going to break or be otherwise damaged during transport. Professional packers have a lot of training and experience, and they definitely know what they’re doing. You’ll get a lot of peace of mind, as well as relief from the labor-intensive work that packing tends to be.
How to find professional packers
If you’re sold on the idea of hiring packers for your next move, then you’ll be happy to know we make it easy to find them. Use moving.com to quickly find reputable full-service movers in your area. From there, you’ll be able to see whether they provide packing services in addition to other services that they offer. Find a few companies that you like, and give them a call—it’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes so that you can be sure you get the best deal possible.
WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW DO I START PACKING?
How to Start Packing
Now that you have a good idea of the when and where, you need the how-tos.
- Have a Designated Packing Zone
Make a zone and claim it as your own. Having all of your packing materials spread all over the house is going to waste your time, and make it super frustrating when you really need the tape. Whenever, wherever, and whatever you’re packing, have a space where you can grab what you need and not have to go searching. Your packing zone can move as you move between rooms. Claim a corner, a counter, or even a whole empty room. Just make sure your zone is well-stocked with packing supplies like tape, markers, and boxes.
- Label Your Boxes
This isn’t Deal or No Deal. You want to know what’s in each and every box. Get a batch of markers – good ones – and label every box on both sides with the following information.
- What room it belongs in
- The exact contents
- Whether or not it’s fragile
- What side needs to be up
Trust us: you are going to be so happy you did this on moving/unpacking day.
- Get Boxes – Really, Really Good Ones
Before you can label your boxes, you need to get some. You might be tempted to scour the neighbourhood for cheap – or free – cardboard boxes. But those flimsy cartons will collapse on you, and your belongings. Invest in boxes that are actually designed for residential moving. They’re basically custom made to handle anything homeowner can put in them. We sell moving boxes and deliver them right to you. And we make sure that these boxes are sturdy, reliable, and recyclable. You can give them to a friend, or we’ll pick them up and recycle them for you.
- Don’t Pack What You Don’t Need
If you don’t need it, there’s really no sense in packing it. So take a good, hard look at all your belongings. Decide whether you’ll keep it, donate it, or toss it. We have more in-depth guides on how to make these difficult decisions >
- Resist the Reminiscing
It’s incredibly easy to find an old toy or photo album and get lost down Memory Lane. We’ve been there – and that’s why we know you shouldn’t. Taking the time to reminisce over every item you own is going to eat up your time. You’ll be begging for that time when you’re stucking scrambling to finish packing the night before you move. We recommend saving it for when you’re unpacking – and you’ve got time on your side.
How to Find the Packing Option That’s Right for You
Moving to a new home can be exciting – but it can be a lot of work too. Packing your belongings is probably the most time-consuming and labor-intensive part of moving. Here at Allied Van Lines, we offer a number of packing services. Depending on your situation, you may gravitate toward a particular option. Below, find out more about each packing option and which you might choose.
- Full-service packing. With this option, our moving experts use up-to-date packing methods to pack all items in your home. Not only that, but we bring along the latest packing materials and supplies to do the job. Who would use this service? Does the idea of packing stress you out beyond compare? Is the move a sad or difficult one emotionally? Are you physically unable to pack? Would you rather pay a little extra for the convenience of having someone else handle the packing for you? This option is best for those who just don’t have the time, energy, ability or inclination to do the packing themselves.
- Fragile packing. Here, experienced Allied packers come to your home and pack your most fragile and high-value possessions, including artwork, delicate furniture, mirrors, glass, dishes, etc. We use specialty packing materials to get the job done right. Then, you pack the rest of your belongings. Who would use this service? Maybe you have time for packing, but have a lot of valuables that are odd-shaped or extremely fragile – and you’re nervous about breaking them when packing. In addition, you don’t want to bother purchasing all of the specialty boxes you’d need. If this is true of you, then this packing option is ideal.
- Do it yourself packing. For this option, you do all the packing yourself. Allied can still help you load, transport and unload your belongings, but our movers show up on moving day and load what you’ve already packed. We can provide all the boxes and materials you need as well. Who would use this service? This option is a good solution for those who have the time, energy and ability to pack, as well as those who want to maintain control over the entire process.
WE CAN DO THE PACKING AND UNPACKING FOR YOU
PROFESSIONAL PACKING SERVICES
Packing smart is essential for any move — it can eliminate stress when you’re fully prepared and packed before move day arrives. Our professional teams can provide customized packing services to you, whether you need a little packed or an entire home, we can help.
PERSONALIZED PACKING JUST FOR YOU
When you use TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to pack, you’ll get professionally-trained packing professionals to carefully pack your most precious belongings. Use our experienced teams to pack just a few rooms, or your entire house for you.
GET PACKING- HOW TO BOOK
Packing rates and costs of packing supplies vary by franchise. Generally, packing services are charged at an hourly rate, similar to how local moving is priced. Be sure to ask about bundled packing and moving services for a discounted rate.