If you are like most people, your garage is full of things you didn’t know where else to put. When it comes to packing, this can present quite a challenge. Even if you hire a professional moving company, you still might want to pack it by yourself. Having so many items means you need to take the time to clean and pack them. It can be difficult to sort through all the things you collected for years. However, there is an easy way of packing your garage for relocation. Follow our guide and you will have finished before you know it.
Get rid of unwanted items
Because it is so cluttered, packing a garage for relocation can take quite some time. The first step is clearing out the things you don’t need or want anymore. Make two separate piles - one for the items you plan on taking with you and another for those you will get rid of. Some things you might be able to give to friends or to charity. If you find any damaged or expired items, throw them away. Finally, you can organize a garage sale to earn some extra money before the move.
Find the supplies to pack your garage for relocation
Before you start packing, you need to gather the right supplies. You can buy quality packing supplies from a moving company, which will make your job easier. Here is a list of the things you will need:
- Plastic containers
- Large and small moving boxes
- Plastic bubbles
- Moving blankets
- Packing paper
- Heavy-duty tape
- Marker
For bulky garage items, plastic containers are the right choice. However, cardboard boxes are useful as well, especially for lighter items. Only make sure that they are not old, as the bottoms might break when you lift them. Additionally, you can use your towels or old clothes for padding instead of moving blankets. This will save you money on a local as well as a long-distance move. And saving money is always a plus!
Label all the boxes clearly
Unpacking can sometimes take as long, or even longer, as packing. To make this process quicker, properly label all of your boxes. You don’t want a box of tools to end up in your kids’ room. Clearly write GARAGE on all sides of boxes that go there. Moreover, write FRAGILE on all boxes that contain breakable things, so that movers know how to handle them. Finally, you can add one more step to make the organization of your move more efficient. Write an inventory list of all the items from your garage and label what is inside each box. Add a number to each box and mark it off as it is unloaded off the truck. This will help you keep track of your belongings.
When you label boxes properly, your valuables will be safer. This also means that you will save money because you won’t have to replace or repair them. Money is an important issue when it comes to moving and you should do all you can to stay within your moving budget. Especially when there are some easy ways to do it.
Clean before you pack your garage for relocation
The garage is typically the place where we keep items we don’t use every day. That’s why they can get dirty and dusty over time. Before you pack your things, make sure to clean them. Have a damp rag or towel handy when going through your belongings. Try to wipe off any cobwebs and dust that have collected when packing your garage for relocation. This process won’t take much of your time, but it will make a difference. Your items will last longer since they weren’t stored dirty. Moreover, your new house won’t get filthy while you unpack.
Keep similar items together
The organization is key when you are packing your household. In order to make the most of it, try to keep items of the same size or shape together. Wrap any brooms, shovels, etc. that you have together in a moving blanket. If you have patio chairs, stack them on top of each other.
Additionally, try to find original packaging for your power tools. This is the best way to store them, as it is made specifically for that tool. This rule applies for loading the truck as well. The items you want to keep together should be close to each other on the truck. That way, you don’t have to move on to another room before you’ve finished the last one.
Pack essentials when you pack your garage for relocation
If your new house is still undergoing repairs, you are going to need your power tools. Pack one box with the items you know you are going to need right away. This might include a hammer, a drill, nails, and other hand tools. Put this box on the truck last, so that it comes off first.
Furthermore, pack other things you will need during the move, such as a roll of duct tape, scissors, a measuring tape, and a pair of pliers. Finally, make sure that safety is a priority during your move. Take a small first aid kit with you when you travel to your new home. While hiring professional movers means that these accidents are much less likely, you shouldn’t leave anything up to chance.
Know what not to pack
When you hire professional movers, you will encounter some items which are not allowed on the moving truck. These items are dangerous to transport, even for a short-distance move. Forbidden items include paint, bleach, propane tanks, car batteries, flammable substances, oils, and so on. Ask your movers for a detailed list, as companies may differ in their policies.
Take pictures when packing your garage for relocation
Putting everything together after you have disassembled it is not always an easy task. To avoid trouble, take pictures before you take apart any item from your garage. Also, you might have professional help when you’re packing your garage for relocation, but you should know that accidents can happen. To file an insurance claim, you need to have proof of your belongings. These pictures will serve as proof of how the items looked before you transferred them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.