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Downsides of self-packing for a move

Most people hate the moving process. It’s stressful, tiring, time-consuming, and costly. However, once you decide to move there are many important decisions you have to make. One of the most important decisions is whether you should pack on your own or hire professionals. Since we all want to save some money, it’s not uncommon that people decide to do as much work as possible alone. But, before you decide whether you should find a reliable moving company in Manhattan that offers packing services or not, you should understand the upsides and downsides of self-packing for a move.

Heavy lifting is one of the downsides DIY packing

Moving involves a lot of lifting, carrying, pulling, dragging. If you are not used to heavy lifting, this can be quite a challenge for you. Before you start moving heavy items, you should know that strength is not the only thing that matters. A proper lifting technique is also very important. That is why it’s important to be aware of the most common moving injuries and to know how to avoid them.

A strained back is one of the most common injuries caused by lifting heavy objects. You should squat down to lift things, not bend at the waist. Also, know your limits and not lift items that are too heavy for you. People often drop heavy items and break fingers or toes, so always wear thick gloves and closed-toe shoes. Cuts and scrapes are the least serious but most common moving injuries. Be particularly careful when handling objects with sharp edges.

One of the downsides of self-packing is heavy lifting.
Moving injuries are common so make sure to be careful when packing and lifting your belongings

Packing is a time-consuming process – another of the downsides of self-packing

Packing takes a lot of time. You will feel stress and pressure and often think that it’s impossible to pack your entire house. But, don’t despair. It takes patience and time, but you can do it. Make sure to start well in time. Before you begin to box your items, you have to go through all your belongings and organize them. Decide what you want to bring into your new home and get rid of the unnecessary items. You can donate clothes you no longer wear, lightly used books, old toys, gadgets, appliances, pieces of furniture, etc.

You will need a lot of packing supplies so gather them in time. These include:

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Packing paper
  • Bubble wrap
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Tape

Protect each item so it wouldn’t get damaged during the transport. Wrap your things in bubble wrap, packing paper or furniture blankets. Use boxes that are sturdy and durable. Don’t overload the boxes because they might break. If your box isn’t entirely full provide padding to prevent items from moving and breaking. Finally, label each box – write essential information such as content, destination room, and handling instruction. This should be written on the side of the box so that you can read it once the boxes are piled up. Labeling will facilitate and accelerate the unpacking process. Another option to consider here is to opt for our expert packing services Manhattan.

Improper packing can cause damage to your belongings

Although packing is boring and time-consuming, don’t rush it. Remember that residential movers are not responsible for damaging anything you have packing yourself. One of the downsides of self-packing is the fact that nobody guarantees for the safety of the belongings you have packed. That is why good organization and preparation are key. Research packing techniques and learn to pack your items properly.

Use quality packing materials. That doesn’t mean that you have to buy expensive, new moving boxes. You can get free ones from local bookstores or liquor stores, just make sure they are in good condition. Also, you have to know how to disassemble furniture and put it back together once you arrive. If you don’t have any prior experience, these activities can result in costly damage to your furniture.

Use quality packing supplies.
Gather packing supplies in time and learn proper packing techniques

Upsides of self-packing

Self-packing is, without a doubt, the cheaper option. You will not have charges for labor, because you will do it yourself or ask friends and family to help. Your only expenses will be packing materials. As we already explained, you can find free moving boxes or use containers or packing materials you already have.

Flexibility is another advantage of packing on your own. You can pack at a convenient pace at a convenient time. In this way, you will have full control of the process and pack your belongings with meticulous attention. You can organize and group your items in a way that makes sense to you.

To pack or not to pack?

Moving is an exciting period, the start of a new chapter in your life. But, it can be a stressful and overwhelming process. It involves a lot of activities and requires a lot of energy. Packing is the most time-consuming part of this process so many home movers wonder whether they should leave it to professionals. This decision depends on you, your needs, and the type of move. If you have little time and your relocation involves a lot of heavy lifting and loading, it’s best to choose a full-service moving company. You will avoid a lot of stress. Downsides of self-packing also include damage due to improper packing and moving injuries.

On the other hand, if you have a tight budget and very few belongings, it’s probably better to handle your move by yourself. The good thing is that you can hire professional movers even in the middle of packing. If you come to the conclusion that packing on your own is too much for you, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Research local moving companies in Manhattan and hire movers who meet all your needs. They will handle your possessions with care and turn a moving nightmare into a positive experience. In any case, have fun and be safe.