‘Tis the season of relocation. Many people, myself included, and preparing for that oh so enjoyable task of boxing up their lives to begin a new chapter elsewhere. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin the process.
Acquiring Boxes:
Talk to your local shops about when they recycle their boxes. In Canada at least, the liquor stores have a huge excess and are very helpful when it comes to picking up those extras for a move. Boxes can also be purchased in a pinch; our local dollar store resells large, high quality boxes from other suppliers, and it’s good to know they are recycled and recyclable!
Mind What Goes Inside!
Aside from sorting by room and labeling contents, keep in mind how heavy the items going in your boxes might be. Keep heavier things like books and records in smaller boxes so they are easier to carry.
Think Tetris:
Fill boxes as much as possible, no point wasting space inside! Take your time and carefully consider how your belongings will fit together to maximize how much you can arrange in one box.
The Miracle of Modification
Worried about bottoming out? Reinforce the boxes with excess cardboard for added strength. Odd size required? Build a box to your specifications by combining more than one together and sealing with packing tape. And remember one of the handiest mods of all: cut out you own handles where there are none to make lifting a breeze!
(Images: MaryAnne Petrella)
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craigslist for boxes!! i have found that american apparel always has free boxes for those interested. if they must be purchased, home depot has the cheapest ones.
Make sure you can casually lift and carry each box. If you can't -- take some stuff out and fill the difference with towels, blankets, etc.
Try again. If it's still heavy - mark it as so.
Either mark your boxes with their contents or a number and list the elements in each box in a spreadsheet. The latter takes more time, but it's invaluable when you go looking for that "one" thing.
Banker's boxes (ask friends with office jobs if they can save you a few) are a good size (not too big), easy to carry, and easy to stack because they are all the same size.
Also, big tip: if you have a lot of books and may need to refer to some of them, box them by subject as much as possible, and label the boxes with the subjects. Saved me a lot of grief last time!
I'm currently packing for a move in 1.5 weeks. I started hoarding boxes from copy paper and other supply delivery boxes at work months ago. I sent an email to admin assistants I'm friendly with in other departments, and was able to score a few more. I also fortunately have a friend who just moved last month (using boxes she also hoarded at work) and have been picking up her boxes as she unpacks. Finally, I know I'm going to need to buy a couple of large baskets and storage bins for my new place, so I went ahead a got them before the move so I can pack stuff in them.
I purchase boxes economically from our local box recycler. I limit myself to 1 or 2 sizes of boxes when I go. Having boxes of the same size makes it easier to load and unload. As well, boxes that are to remain packed after the move can be piled easily. This idea is also useful for general storage.
We've moved 4 times in the last 5 years and have hardly had to buy boxes. We save them from each move they've held up really well. My husband also stockpiled boxes and bubble wrap from work that was about to be thrown away.
CocoChic, I'm in the same boat as you. We have to move as our landlord is selling the building. We've only live in this apartment for 8 months (we're getting kicked off our lease early), and it will be my FIFTH apartment in 3 years. Sad face. Unfortunately we weren't able to keep our boxes from our last move, as we had no storage space, but my boyfriend always gets these great collapsible boxes from work deliveries. And I do have one giant bag filled with old newspaper and bubble wrap. The only good things about moving: the chance to weed out unused stuff and redecorate!