Moving from state to state and preparing to pack for your long distance move? This guide provides the best tips on how to pack artwork, glassware, clothes, and more. You're about to get advice from one of the best movers for long distance pack and move services. By the end of this post, you'll be ready before your long-distance movers arrive—or before you start the move yourself.
Essential Packing Materials For A Long Distance Move.
Packing for a long distance move requires more than placing breakables, glass, and dishes in boxes. Protecting your belongings from damage during transit is a must, especially for fragile and valuable items. Here are some must-have packing materials you should consider purchasing:
Sturdy Cardboard Boxes:
Various sizes (small, medium, large)
Specialty boxes (wardrobe boxes, dish packs, and picture frame boxes)
Tip: Use early in the packing process for items like clothes, books, and kitchenware. Save specialty boxes for items like fragile dishes, wardrobes, and artwork.
Bubble Wrap:
Great for wrapping fragile items like glassware, dishes, TVs, and electronics.
Tip: Use this material when packing fragile items like glassware, TVs, and electronics. Use bubble wrap generously to pad your fragile items and prevent dents, dings, and damage.
Packing Paper:
Ideal for wrapping delicate2 items like glass or filling gaps in boxes to prevent movement.
Tip: Use packing paper early when wrapping smaller breakable items or filling boxes containing fragile goods.
Packing Peanuts:
Packing Peanuts are used to cushion fragile items inside boxes and prevent shifting during transit.
Tip: Use packing peanuts to wrap glassware and fragile items and fill spaces to avoid movement while your belongings are in transit.
Furniture Pads/Moving Blankets:
Protect large items like furniture from scratches, dents, and other damage.
Tip: Use furniture pads on all your standard furniture items to protect them from damage in transit.
Stretch Wrap/Plastic Wrap:
Wrap around furniture, appliances, and boxes to hold them in place and protect them from dust or damage.
Tip: Use stretch wrap on bulky or delicate furniture after wrapping them with moving blankets. This stops your moving blanket from moving and will further enforce it to prevent it from falling off your furniture.
Heavy-Duty Packing Tape:
Strong tape to seal boxes securely, ensuring they don't open during the move.
Tip: Seal all packed boxes with this tape as you go, but be sure to reinforce heavier boxes with extra layers.
Marker Pens/Labels:
Label boxes with labels like "fragile items," "kitchen," "clothes," "electronics," and the room they belong to.
Tip: As soon as you pack each box, use marker pens and labels to ensure you know what's inside and what bedroom it's going to.
Foam Sheets:
Foam sheets are for wrapping or placing between items like plates, paintings, or fragile electronics.
Tip: Use foam sheets between fragile items like plates or artwork as you pack them to prevent scratching or breaking.
TV Boxes:
Specially designed boxes for safely transporting flat-screen TVs, glass tops, and marble top items.
Tip: Use TV boxes after carefully wrapping your TV with bubble wrap and foam sheets. If your TV, glassware, or artwork is too big for a box, use a box cutter, cut the box, and tape it around the item.
Mattress Bags:
Protective plastic bags for mattresses to keep them clean during the move.
Tip: Use mattress bags to cover mattresses before loading them onto the truck to protect them from dust, dirt, and water.
Furniture Sliders:
Handy for moving heavy furniture with minimal effort and reducing the risk of scratches on floors. Furniture sliders allow you to slide furniture without scratching the floor or lifting it.
Tip: Use furniture sliders when moving larger furniture pieces around as you pack or while you attempt to load your item on the truck.
Corner Protectors:
Corner protectors protect the corners of fragile items like mirrors, frames, and artwork.
Tip: Use corner protectors after packing artwork and mirrors in boxes at the end to safeguard them from bumps during the move.
Rope or Bungee Cords:
Useful for securing large items or keeping them from shifting during transit.
Tip: Use rope or bungee cords to tie down large or awkwardly shaped fragile items as you load the moving truck.
Best Ways to Pack For A Long Distance Move.
Packing for your move requires time, so you should complete it before, not at the last minute. You never want to rush the packing process, especially if you have fine art, glassware, and fragile items.
Proper packing ensures your belongings arrive safely and avoids the hassle of damaged items. Here are some best ways to pack for a long distance move:
How To Pack Paintings For A Long Distance Move.
Hiring a moving company to move valuable artwork and paintings long distances is best. This ensures that professional long distance movers pack your items. However, if hiring a moving company is out of your budget, here is what to do:
Preparation. Wear clean gloves to prevent oils from transferring to the painting, and if possible, remove glass to avoid breakage.
Protective Paper or Foam Sheets. Use acid-free paper or foam sheets over the artwork to protect the surface.
Bubble Wrap. Wrap the entire painting generously with several layers of bubble wrap. Face the bubble wrap outward to avoid indentations on the surface of your painting.
Cardboard Corners. Use cardboard corners on all four corners of your artwork to shield the edges of your artwork from damage during transport.
Boxes. Use adjustable picture boxes for better protection. If using cardboard, sandwich the painting between two sturdy pieces and tape it securely.
Packing TV For A Long Distance Move.
You must pack a TV for a long distance move thoughtfully, and it will require more than just a box. Follow the steps bellow:
Gather the Right Materials: Use the original box or buy a specialty TV moving box. Purchase foam/corner protectors, packing paper, bubble wrap, moving blankets, and tape.
Unplug and Organize Cables. Store cables in labeled ziplock bags taped to the back of the TV.
Wrap the TV. Cover the TV with packing paper, foam sheets, a moving blanket, and bubble wrap. First, wrap the TV with packing paper and a moving blanket. Then, generously wrap the TV with bubble wrap for added protection during your long distance move.
Use a TV Box. Once you pack your TV with the essential materials, slide the TV into the box. If you have foam, place the foam on the bottom and top of the TV for added protection.
Seal and Label. Use heavy-duty tape and label the box as "Fragile."
Transport Upright. Always load the TV standing up between sturdy items like a mattress.
How To Pack Glassware and Dishes for a Long-Distance Move.
Packing dishes for a long distance move may seem simple, but your fragile items could be at risk without the right materials. To ensure the safety of your glassware, here's what you'll need:
Prepare the Box. Use packing tape to strengthen the bottom of the box. Add a layer of packing paper to protect your glassware. This will help prevent damage while your truck transports it over long distances.
Wrap Each Item: Individually wrap each glass and dish in bubble wrap or packing paper to protect them. Ensure you cover your glass and dishes completely for maximum protection.
Layer the Items: Place heavier items like plates at the bottom and lighter items like glasses on top.
Fill Gaps: Use crumpled packing paper, packing peanuts, or foam sheets to fill in any gaps between items. This prevents shifting during transit.
Seal and Label: Seal the box and clearly label it as "Fragile," and the room it came from.
How To Pack Clothes for a Long-Distance Move.
Packing clothes is simpler than dealing with fragile items, but organizing is key:
Sort and Declutter. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear to reduce clutter.
Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes. Wardrobe moving boxes are great for packing clothes for long-distance travel. Just move your clothes on hangers directly into wardrobe boxes.
Fold Clothes into Suitcases. Reduce the boxes needed for your long distance move and maximize suitcase space for folded clothes.
Use Garment Bags for Delicates: Protect formal wear with garment bags. Please note that if you hire long-distance movers, they may not permit using bags for your clothes.
Pack Shoes Separately. Keep shoes in their original boxes or heavy duty bags.
Label Clearly. Mark boxes with categories like "Winter Clothes" or "Shoes" for easier unpacking.
Packing Services For A Long Distance Move.
American National Movers offers affordable packing services. Our long distance movers know how to pack and move fine china, paintings, Smart TVs, and more.
-Many pack their clothes, glass, dishes, TVs, and fragile items themselves because long distance movers can be expensive. However, American National Movers can pack and move you between states at an average cost of $4,000. That's similar to the price of a truck rental.
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