When you move, few things are quite as frustrating as realizing that you have lost or misplaced a small, loose part or some other item that inevitably becomes essential at the exact moment when you are unable to locate it. This can be an especially troublesome situation if you hired someone else to pack for you and you can’t even be certain that the item in question successfully completed the move with you instead of being forgotten and left behind. But with a little planning and preparation, you can rest assured that you will confidently and successfully avoid this problem.
There are various ways of ensuring you do not lose crucial pieces, or even whole items. One of the easiest and most logical ways to do this is to keep all of the pieces to an item together as a group. Pack books with bookends; leave light bulbs in your lamps; and pack silverware all in the same box. If you must take something apart in order to move it, pack and transport everything together as a group.
For small parts like hardware and accessories, the best idea is to place them securely in a resealable bag then fasten the bag to the item with packing tape. You can also use a small box that can be securely closed to prevent accidentally spilling. If you do choose to use a box, be sure to label it clearly with the contents and the item to which they belong, and then if possible stow it inside part of the item like a drawer or cabinet. Remove mounting hardware, including any screws or nails, from pictures, shelves and other wall hangings, then fasten them all securely to the item to which they belong with packing tape.
An alternate method involves using multiple storage containers; each for a specific type of item. Use one container for power cords, another for brackets, another for screws, and so on. Always be sure to clearly label your containers and keep them all together through the duration of the move.
Regardless of which method you choose, you should also have at least one box available as a backup parts box to hold any small items you are unable to pack and transport any other way. You can also pack any tools you need to reassemble your belongings in this box. Doing so will prevent you from having to hunt down your tool box or search for the box you have packed your tools in when you need to put something back together.
If you have multiple people working together to move your possessions, it is a good idea to assign one person the task of ensuring that all parts are accounted for, packed and transported. Following these quick and easy tips will prevent you from losing any necessary and potentially irreplaceable parts; making it much easier to put everything back together when the time comes.