January 16, 2024

Mastering the Long Distance Move -

Preparing Your Items

Part 2: Preparing Your Belongings: Expert Packing Tips and Tricks From Your Trusted Grand Rapids Long Distance Moving Company

Embarking on a cross-country move is a monumental task that demands detailed planning and, perhaps most importantly, proper packing. In this next installment of our series, "Mastering the Long-Distance Move," we're delving into the intricate art of preparing your belongings for their trip across the country. At the center of this process is Corrigan Moving Systems, your trusted Grand Rapids long-distance moving company and partner, ready to ensure that each item you cherish arrives at your new home in the same condition it left. Let's discover packing tips and tricks that will not only simplify the process but also make your cross-country move a easier and more organized experience with the unparallelled experience of Corrigan Moving Systems.

Deciding whether to pack on your own or hire Corrigan Moving Systems for professional packing services involves several things. Here are important points to think about when making this decision.:

  1. Time Constraints:
    • If you are on a tight deadline or limited time to prepare for the move, Corrigan's packing services can free up your valuable time. Professional packers efficiently handle the entire packing process, letting you devote your attention to other crucial elements of the move.
  2. Packing Expertise:
    • Determine your ability to pack and expertise. If you're confident in your ability to pack delicate or priceless items safely, you might go for a DIY approach. However, if you have concerns or want to guarantee optimal protection for your possessions, Corrigan's experienced packers can give you the necessary skill.
  3. Convenience and Stress Reduction:
    • Think about the convenience and stress relief that come with professional packing services. Corrigan's packers are trained to handle items of all shapes and sizes, providing a smooth experience and peace of mind.
  4. Specialized Items:
    • Evaluate the presence of specialized items such as antiques, fine art, or breakable collectibles. Corrigan's packers have experience in handling these fragile items, making sure they are packed safely for the journey.
  5. Cost Considerations:
    • Compare the cost of professional packing services with the potential expenses of buying packing materials and investing time in packing on your own. While professional services come with a cost, they can offer considerable time-saving benefits and lower the chances of damaging your possessions.
  6. Insurance Coverage:
    • Think about the valuation coverage available from Grand Rapids long distance moving companies for items packed by professionals. While items you pack yourself may be covered to a certain degree, items packed by professional movers often have enhanced protection during the move.
  7. Volume and Size of Belongings:
    • Determine the volume and size of your items. If you have a large household with numerous items, professional packers can quickly handle the packing process. For more compact moves, packing yourself might be more feasible.
  8. Personal Preferences:
    • Consider your unique preferences and comfort level. Some people choose the DIY approach of personally packing their belongings, while others enjoy the convenience and piece of mind offered by professional packers.
  9. Pre-Move Consultation:
    • Take advantage of our pre-move consultation. Bring up your specific expectations, concerns, and wants with a moving consultant. They can give you tailored advice on whether professional packing services make sense with your unique and specific requirements
  10. DIY Partial Packing:
    • If you favor a middle ground, think about partial packing with our guidance. You can pack some possessions yourself while depending on skilled packers for more challenging or delicate objects.

Ultimately, deciding to pack by yourself or use Corrigan's professional packing services depends on your unique circumstances, preferences, and the specific needs of your move. Corrigan's Grand Rapids team is well-prepared to help and offer guidance based on your particular requirements.

Packing Your Items 

Have you made the decision to pack your own boxes for your upcoming long distance move? Corrigan is here to back up that decision and offer as much helpful advice as you need to ensure a safe transition. Here are our best tips and tricks for packing yourself:

1. Declutter Before You Pack:

  • Tip: Take advantage of Corrigan's pre-move consultation to assess and declutter your possessions.
  • Trick: Throwing away belongings you no longer need cuts down the packing effort and guarantees you only bring what really matters to your new home.

2. Invest in Quality Packing Supplies:

  • Tip: Be sure to only use strong, undamaged boxes or plastic totes. Don’t use bags or open topped boxes on your long distance move.
  • Trick: Corrigan-approved packing supplies protect your possessions during the journey, cutting the risk of damage.

4. Label Every Box Clearly:

  • Tip: Put your last name, room name, and contents on the side of all the boxes you pack (not on the top – because you can't view the information when boxes are stacked).
  • Trick: This ensures easy identification of essentials, ordered unpacking, and guarantees boxes are placed in the right place.

5. Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items:

  • Tip: The more compact the box, the the more it can weigh. The larger the box, the lighter it should be.
  • Trick: This guarantees not only safer lifting and carrying but also avoids boxes from breaking during the move.

6. Wrap Fragile Items Carefully:

  • Tip: Use newspaper to help wrap and safeguard fragile items.
  • Trick: Your attention to delicate belongings guarantees they’re adequately protected to survive the bumps and jostles of a long-distance trip.

7. Consider Corrigan's Professional Packing Services:

  • Tip: Take advantage of Corrigan's expert packing services for a stress-free experience.
  • Trick: Professional packers from Corrigan have the expertise to handle belongings of all shapes and sizes, ensuring everything is safely packed for the long haul.

8. Pack an Essentials Box with Corrigan:

  • Tip: Collaborate with the team at Corrigan to prepare a box with necessary items you'll need immediately upon getting to your new place.
  • Trick: This could be personal care items, a fresh set of garments, important documents, and any other items crucial for the first day in your new home.

As you experience the complex process of packing for a long-distance move, remember that Corrigan Moving Systems is here to be more than just a long distance moving company. We’re your dedicated partners in making this journey as easy, safe, and hassle-free as possible. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series, where we'll explore the journey itself and how Corrigan Moving Systems ensures your possessions reach their destination intact.

Ready to start the relocation process? Contact one of our expert staff today!