Relocating can be tough for anyone. In the weeks leading up to the big move, you have room after room to pack and endless clutter to dispose of. Then there’s also the matter of logistics. Even if you’re moving within the same neighborhood or city, planning the trip is a frustrating task.
If you’re eager to make your relocation as stress-free as possible, then one of the things you have to prepare for is packing your car. Don’t be fooled into thinking that loading it with one box after another is the entirety of the task. By underestimating it like this, you’ll find yourself with a bigger problem on your plate at the worst possible time.
The good news is that there are simple ways to ensure that your car is ready to transport your belongings securely. Here are five of the essential things you can work on ASAP.
Segregate Wisely
You must determine early what valuables you want to move by yourself. Some homeowners don’t feel comfortable with the notion of letting strangers handle delicate artworks or confidential documents, even if the relocation from one part of California to another will take an hour or two. This is perfectly understandable, and the moving company that you hire won’t take it against you. Just make sure that you’ve segregated the things that you are moving by yourself and instructed the movers not to touch them.
Apart from preventing any confusion from ensuing, it will also reduce the number of things you’ll be loading in your car. No matter how big it is, it’s not wise to fill it to the brim since it’s not designed for that purpose. Being selective of your choices also allows you to focus on ensuring that they are packed securely for travel.
Take Advantage of Overhead Carriers
Overhead carriers are exactly what you need to transport bulkier items. Purchasing the right kind can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your items and make packing your car more manageable.
Always begin by loading cargo on your overhead carrier before stuffing things into the car. Packing from the outside first will leave more room inside for you and your more delicate possessions.
Plan What to Put in the Overhead Carrier
Overhead carriers are the most convenient when you plan what you’re going to put in them. This is because it will help you buy the perfect size for your relocation. Stuffing items into it until it exceeds capacity will put you in a risky situation on the highway. The last thing you want is to see your bag flying to the side of the road while you’re on transit.
You’ll also want to make sure that it fits your car just right and you know how to use it. When buying in stores, tell them exactly what you want to put inside them so that they can recommend the overhead carrier with the dimension that works for your needs. You can also have them install it for you right there and then to save time.
Say No to Boxes
You won’t be able to maximize the space inside your car if you use boxes. They’ll occupy all the seats and create hazards, especially if the box is old and the items inside aren’t secured properly.
To make use of every nook and cranny, opt for vacuum bags, garbage bags, and fabric containers. You can push them into trunk corners and slip them under the seat, therefore maximizing all the storage room your car has to offer.
The Smaller, the Better
Delicate items are best stored in smaller containers by themselves. Cramming them in bags only increases the likelihood of damage, and securing them will be more challenging. There’s also the matter of big containers blocking the driver’s visibility. This is particularly true if you can’t help but use boxes for some of your things, as one or two can easily obstruct the view.
If small boxes don’t suffice, make sure that the big ones are placed in your overhead carrier. They’ll be safer there because you won’t move them around as much if you need to access the bag of essentials you packed.
Leave the Rest to The Movers
Once you’ve packed your car with all the valuables you won’t entrust to anybody else, start the engine and drive to your new home. Don’t let the extra space inside or on top tempt you to cram just one more bag into your car. Leave the rest to the movers and focus on making it safely to your destination.
