Packing your belongings is one of the most stressful and time-consuming parts of the moving process. While it is certainly something you can do on your own (as long as you plan well and begin well ahead of time), many homeowners turn to professional packers to get the job done.
There are many reasons why you should hire a professional packing service. If you do go this route, there are also ways to prepare before your McKinney movers arrive.
Why You Should Take Advantage of Packing Services
Here are four ways using the professional packing services from North Dallas Moving and Storage (NDMS) can make your next move more manageable:
- They save a great deal of time. Moving is already stressful, and you may not find the time to properly pack your belongings with everything else on your checklist. Professional movers can get the job done quickly and efficiently, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your move.
- Movers and packers are insured. If your belongings get damaged during the move, you can be compensated. It’s unlikely that this will happen because movers are extra careful and know the best methods to safely pack and carry each item.
- Packing companies have professional-grade packing equipment. They will arrive loaded with heavy-duty tape, bubble wrap, blankets, buffers, furniture dollies, ratchet straps, and other supplies to keep your items safe during the move.
- Hiring professional packers is often cheaper than doing it yourself. While the quote may seem like a hefty price to pay upfront, there are many hidden costs to do-it-yourself moving that can pile up over the long run.
How Long Does Professional Packing Take?
On average, professional packers need only about eight to twelve hours to pack up a large four-bedroom home. This is significantly faster than an average person would take to pack it themselves.
Here are some estimates of how long the packers will need according to property size:
- One-bedroom apartment: two to four hours
- Two-bedroom apartment: three to five hours
- Three-bedroom home: six to ten hours
- Four-bedroom home: eight to twelve hours
- Five-bedroom home: ten to thirteen hours
Of course, the actual time varies depending on the company and the number of belongings you have. A minimalist house will speed up the packing process, while a cluttered home will take longer.
How to Prepare for a Packing Service
Once you’ve confirmed your booking with a reliable packing service like NDMS, you can rest assured that professionals will handle most of the heavy labor. However, there’s still some work required on your part.
Here are five things to do to prepare for packing day:
Purge Your Belongings
Because the total price you pay for packing depends on the amount of stuff you are taking with you, it would make no sense to pay for professional packing of items you won’t use in your new home.
The first step is to get rid of all things you won’t need. A general rule of thumb is to dispose of items you haven’t used for over a year.
Inventory Your Possessions
Once you’ve sorted through your possessions, create an itemized checklist detailing everything that is ready to be packed.
A household inventory is great for two main reasons: you’ll have a detailed list you can use to check against delivered items to make sure nothing is missing or damaged after the move, and you can use the list to file an insurance claim to receive compensation if need be.
Dispose of Non-Allowable Items
Even when paying for professional packing, there are certain non-allowable goods that packing companies can’t legally transport. Disposing of these things beforehand is a good idea to avoid any last-minute hassles.
The three main non-allowable item categories include:
- Hazardous substances: These items include weapons and ammunition, corrosives, explosives, or flammable materials such as cleaning fluids, paint, chemicals, and oils.
- Perishable items: Fresh, refrigerated, or frozen food fall into this category. Try to use up or give away your food supply before the packers arrive.
- Plants: Most packers will not transport plants due to their fragile nature. You can either give your potted friends away or transport them yourself.
Some of these items are governed by state and federal law.
Set Up a No-Pack Zone
You should set up a no-pack zone where you can place items you don’t want the workers to pack or items you’ll carry yourself, including electronics, essential documents, medicines, and any valuables.
This can be an entire room or a corner you section off. Make sure to place a label saying “Don’t Pack!” and give clear instructions that this is a no-go area before the packers start working.
Prepare Household Appliances
Before packing day, remember to prepare your appliances. Unplug your refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, stove, and oven. Empty and clean them before the packers arrive.
Rent a Moving Truck Beforehand
If you plan to hire movers only for packing and loading your items on a moving truck, make sure you rent the truck before your packers arrive. Be sure to check out our post about how much for a moving truck in McKinney, Texas to learn more about associated costs.
Ready to Go!
Hiring a professional packing service, like NDMS, is one of the best moving decisions you can make. It will free you up to focus on the many other moving parts involved in relocating to a different home!
