Exposed: Top 10 Worst Moving Hacks

Exposed: Top 10 Worst Moving Hacks

13-07-2015 11:29:13am

Moving soon? Don't be misguided by these horrendous moving tips that are circulating on the web.

We've been trawling the web for new and amazing moving tips to share on our blog. In our travels we've been bitterly disappointed by some of the rubbish polluting the net. We'd like to take this opportunity to take out the trash!

#1 "Use free boxes from the supermarket for packing."

This tip has been shared countless times on the web. It's an especially good tip if you hate all of your stuff and want to see it crushed like the hopes and dreams of the many who have tried to save a coin trying it out in the past. Boxes from the supermarket aren't made to stand up to the moving process. They are prone to collapse, tearing, or having the bottom fall out. There are so many ways in which these boxes can, and often do, fail.

Fix:

  • Use boxes and packing supplies that were made specifically for moving. They're built tough.
  • If you want to save some money on boxes, check out Gumtree (in Australia), or Craigslist. People often give their removal boxes away for free after they've finished with them.

#2 "Fill your drawers, trunks and wardrobes to save space."

This is an obvious one. But it's been recommended time and again. So we're going to have to set the record straight. It's not a good idea. You don't want to injure someone because of the weight. You don't want items moving around inside and getting damaged, or causing damage.


#3 "Tape screws and hardware to dismantled items."

You will end up with a trail of screws leading down your driveway, into the truck and embedded into your car and truck's tyres. You cannot rely on them staying affixed there.

Fix:

  • Put all screws and hardware into separate Ziploc® bags and write the name of the items they belong to on the bag with a permanent marker. Put all of these bags into a dedicated 'Parts' box.

#4 "Buy plastic storage containers for packing."

Plastic storage boxes may, at first glance, seem to be ideal for packing when moving house. Unfortunately, they're not all they're 'cracked up' to be. Indeed, they're prone to cracking and they don't stack well. Even though plastic tubs are reusable (if they survive) they're worse for the environment than cardboard moving boxes (which are recyclable, reusable and made from renewable resources) and they generally cost more. If your plastic tubs don't cost more than moving boxes they are at an even greater risk of cracking and collapsing!

Fix:

  • Use purpose specific moving boxes.

#5 "Look at the picture. Tell me, what do you see?"

I see a poor soul who has followed the age old "money saving", "eco-friendly" tip of using newspaper for packing their belongings into their boxes. It's a terrible idea. Professionals don't use it. I was naively duped into trying it once when I was much younger, naive and untrained in the skillful art of packing. After completing a few boxes my hands were covered in ink. Everything I touched was covered in ink. And when I unpacked my boxes, everything inside was covered in grubby ink marks and, again, so were my hands and everything I touched. Never again.

Fix:

  • Use butchers paper. You can buy it by the ream and it is cheap.
  • If you were unwittingly duped into following this tip as I did, many moons ago, baby wipes are great at getting the ink off of just about anything. Which is as reassuring as it is terrifying. What is in those things anyway?

#6 "Place disposable plates between your dinner plates to protect them."

This idea isn't entirely the worst. But it's not much use either.

Fix:

  • You really should use butchers paper, weaving in between and around your plates and then bundle a set (usually around 6) with paper all around to secure them. This way they will not move about and get chipped. Remember to stack them vertically in your box (they're stronger this way) with a layer of crushed paper underneath and above.

#7 "If your painters/masking tape has dried up, put it in the microwave to make it sticky again."

Part of the issue with this one lies in the problem it is trying to solve. If this kind of tape is likely to dry up, and doesn't have awesome sticking power to begin with, you shouldn't be using it to seal your boxes. I can't think of one truly useful purpose for using masking tape when moving. Masking tape is designed to be removed easily. It doesn't have great adhesive properties. It is weak and easily torn. It is designed for another purpose altogether and this tip should be applied there.

Fix:

  • Use packaging tape for packing. Use masking tape for painting projects and kids craft time.

#8 "Cut holes into the side of your moving boxes for easy lifting."

If moving boxes were meant to have holes in them, they would come like that. Cutting holes into these boxes reduces their structural integrity and is an open invitation for vermin.

Fix:

  • Don't overload your boxes. They should not be difficult to lift.
  • Pack heavier items (like books) into smaller boxes.
  • Use a trolley to carry many boxes at a time and to lighten the load.

#9 "Fill nail holes with toothpaste or soap."

If you are renting and you try this you're risking your bond. Not to mention that the reference you get from your landlord may not be favourable.

Fix:

  • Use filler or putty that is designed for the job;
  • or, leave the nails in place;
  • or, speak to the agent who is managing the property to see what the preferred method is.

#10 "Use suitcases for your heaviest items"

This is not so obvious until you've had some experience in loading a furniture removal truck. Packing a removal truck is like a big game of tetris and it takes experience. Your removalist (or yourself) is unlikley to want to stack several layers of items on top of a suitcase. It's not a great idea for a column of boxes to be stacked precariously on top of a suitcase, crushing it as they threaten to topple over... In reality, a suitcase is likely to be placed higher in the load. On top of other items. A very heavy suitcase is dangerous to lift that high and may crush items below it.

Fix:

  • Pack heavier items, like books, in smaller boxes that are made for for furniture removals. In Australia, our second most popular box is called a "Book Box". They're not made just for books, but they're an ideal size and strength to carry heavier items. They stack really well too!

#BONUS HACK "Popcorn is a terrific substitute for packing peanuts or bubble-wrap."

No. Just...no. I had already finished the top ten when this hack reared its ugly head and I decided that it was just too atrocious to leave out. It was gifted to us on a professional moving site, which makes it even more disturbing. You may as well put up a neon sign advertising "Free Mouse Food!". Not that mice can read. But I think the point is clear enough.

Fix:

  • Buy more paper. It's better and cheaper than bubble-wrap and packing peanuts anyway.
  • Go on and completely disregard #Tip 5. You have my blessing. Even grubby newspaper would be better than this.

That brings an end to my tirade over false, misleading and often irresponsible moving tips. I'll close by pointing out that none of the tips above are commonly used by any reputable furniture removalists, who move people on a daily basis. There's something to be taken from that.

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