The Three Weird Things You Probably Don’t Think You Need To Pack In Boxes

It’s moving day. You take one last glance around your home before the movers arrive, just to make sure that you haven’t forgotten to pack anything. All you see is a sea of cardboard and your furniture. You’re good, you think. There are three things, though, if you are like many moving customers, that you have likely forgotten to pack, and even if you did remember them, how exactly do you pack them?

No, you don't need to pack your cat.  Image via Douglas O'Brien/Getty Images.
No, you don’t need to pack your cat.
Image via Douglas O’Brien/Flickr
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Here are the three things most people don’t even know they need to pack:

1. Lamps – Lamps are one of the most commonly forgotten items when it comes to preparing for moves. While some metal lamps might be tough enough to go unpacked, if a lamp can be dented or broken, you want to put it in a box. Even if your lamp is made from sturdy metal, you still want to remove the lightbulb and pack that. To pack a lamp, either ask your mover for help or use a dish pack or a specially designed lamp box. For standing lamps, tape two of the boxes together to make one tall box. Wrap the lamp very carefully in paper or in cloth (moving blankets are perfect). Stuff any extra space in the box with paper and pick up the box and lightly shake to make sure there is no movement inside. If not, you’re good to go. Just seal it up. If so, add more paper then seal the box.

2. Pictures and mirrors – Unless you are moving a picture that is virtually indestructible, every single picture or mirror in your home should be in a box. Smaller pictures can fit in dish packs or smaller boxes, as long as they are well wrapped. Bigger pictures, though, need their own boxes. You can buy picture/mirror boxes from your mover and they can fit up to two pictures. As with lamps, make sure they are very well wrapped and that the packed box has no room for movement.

3. Mattresses – For many, mattresses are among their most expensive pieces of furniture. Some movers require mattresses to be in bags (easiest) but some require boxes. It’s recommended that you let the movers take care of your mattress. If you find a mover that says a mattress doesn’t need to be packed, find another mover. That’s how mattresses become dirty and torn.

Before you panic, the good news is that all of these items can be taken care of for a relatively nominal fee from your mover.