Moving From NYC to California: Packing Tips You Need To Know

When you’re moving from New York City to California, proper packing technique becomes a top priority. Your possessions will be in the back of a moving truck for a long time, and that moving truck will be traveling over roads and highways that aren’t in the best shape. Potholes, construction zones, and other road hazards can cause the contents of a moving truck to shake, rattle and roll in distressing ways. If your items aren’t packed properly, they can get damaged. Avoid disappointment by having your NYC moving company do your packing for you, or if you’re trying to save money on your move, follow these long-distance move best practices:

Use Good Boxes for Your Move: Strength Matters

One common tip to save money on your move is to source your moving boxes from a variety of locations, including the local liquor store or your building’s recycling bin. If you do this, make sure to select boxes carefully. You want moving boxes that are strong, durable, and capable of supporting having multiple moving boxes stacked on top of them.  Bear in mind that moving boxes sometimes get stacked upside down or on their sides – it’s important that your moving boxes are strong in every direction.

Fill Moving Boxes Completely: Empty Space is *NOT* Your Friend

Before you begin packing for your NYC to California move, you want to be sure you have a variety of packing materials available to you. Packing materials are important because they cushion and protect your possessions while they’re in transit. Packing materials also fill up the empty space that remains in a moving box after you’ve put your stuff in it. Empty space is problematic because it is an area for your possessions to move or fall into if a box is jarred or knocked around during the move. If that empty space is occupied by packing materials, your possessions won’t move, and they’re much more likely to survive the move in good condition.

Get Out the Tape Gun: Make Sure Your Moving Boxes Are Shut Securely

Even the best moving boxes and packing materials can do nothing to protect your possessions when the box pops open and everything inside spills out into the interior of the moving truck. Please invest in high-quality packing tape and use it in sufficient quantities to keep your moving boxes closed throughout the duration of the move. The best way to tape a moving box shut is to begin taping on the side of the box, bring the strip of tape over the entirety of the top seam where the box closes, and finish taping on the other side of the box. Feel free to add reinforcing strips of tape as you feel necessary.