5 tips to maximize space in your moving container

Moving containers make moving seamless – you can move on your own terms, you can avoid hiring a pricey moving company, and you can choose from a wide variety of container sizes to suit your needs. But using a moving container isn’t as simple as tossing your items in and hoping for the best. To maximize space in your container, you need to be strategic. The following five moving tips can help you streamline your process and ensure that every single item fits.

Make a detailed inventory

Before you move a single item into your container, you need a clear understanding of what you own. Take the time to create an inventory of what you’re moving. This inventory doesn’t need to be granular, but it should at least indicate major categories like furniture, kitchenware, and apparel. This will help you reserve the right amount of space within the container, and it will help you strategize what goes in first.

Use as many moving boxes as you can

Though it’s tempting to toss everything into your moving container as is, the lack of organization can lead to chaos when it’s time to unload at your new residence. Instead, try to pack as many items as possible into boxes. This packing method helps protect your items from damage, and the boxes give you an easy, symmetrical way to stack and organize your items inside the container. Additionally, you can place heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in big boxes to make lifting easier.

Label your boxes

Labelling your boxes is critical for a couple of reasons. First, the labels will help you with loading – you can avoid placing heavy items on top of fragile ones. And second, unpacking will be smooth and easy, as you’ll be able to place boxes in the right place once you arrive at your new home. Like the inventory, your labels don’t need to be granular. Simply write the category (e.g. kids clothing, office supplies, etc.) so you have a general idea of what’s inside the box.

Fill every space in your moving container

Though you’re using boxes, they won’t always line up perfectly and you might find some small spaces between them. Try to fill these spaces with some smaller items that haven’t been boxed. By filling these spaces, you’re ensuring that your items won’t shift when the moving container is in transport, and you’re reducing the risk of damage to your belongings. Plus, you’ll be able to fit in even more items this way.

Pack smart

As you load your moving container, be sure to pack items from floor to ceiling. This creates sturdy “walls” that also help prevent shifting and damage. Also, distribute the weight evenly across the container. For example, avoid placing all the heaviest items on one side. This makes transport easier, and it will help keep items in place once they’re on the road. And lastly, place items that you won’t need immediately toward the back of the container. You want the items in front to be those you’ll need right away as you settle in.

With these moving tips, you can ensure that your moving container is not only convenient and cost-effective but also fully functional and easy to use.