5 Tips for Packing Your Basement
If you have a basement, you know it’s different from the main floor of your home. As a result, you have to pay more attention to issues like moisture and pests than you would to other parts of the house.
Moving your belongings from your basement may be easier than you think. Here are five tips to simplify the process.
1. Start by Sorting
If you’re like many people, your basement might have a lot of random furniture and boxes. So you need to start by removing the clutter, so you can see what you have.
Initially, it’s best to do a quick sort of broad categories. Then, separate everything into piles you want to keep, donate, sell, or toss.
Only dig into boxes if you see apparent wear or damage. You’ll progress more if you don’t lose yourself in the details.
2. Check for Pests
As you sort, you may notice signs of a pest infestation. However, if you don’t want to bring pests on the move, you should plan to deal with them now.
Pests tend to leave messes behind, like droppings or bits of chewed paper. As a result, they are more likely to hide behind boxes or in the walls.
If you find a nest, take care to remove it. Consider calling an exterminator to make sure the pest elimination is handled correctly.
3. Avoid Moisture Damage
Rooms below grade are more likely to have moisture issues due to gravity. Water rolls downhill but can also seep through your basement walls.
Look for signs of water damage, like soggy boxes or discolored flooring. If you notice puddles or dripping water, relocate the items in the area to prevent further damage.
While you sort, consider laying down a tarp or plastic sheet. This will help keep your items away from moisture pooling on the floor.
4. Plan Your Transport Route
As you pack items in the basement, you need to make a plan to get them out of the house. Some basements have a full walkout, which makes it easy. Others require you to carry everything up a flight of stairs.
Consider the most practical route for moving boxes and furniture outside. The shortest path may be a challenging one to follow, particularly for large or heavy pieces of furniture.
5. Pack Appropriately
Even if most items in your basement are things you don’t use very often, it’s still important to pack them well. Invest the time to repack items in old boxes and confirm that delicate items get proper protection.
Think about your transport plans when you pack boxes. For example, it may make more sense to use multiple smaller cartons when packing to make it easier to get them out of the house.
Simplify Your Move
Packing your basement can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
We have a team of highly skilled professionals to take care of all your moving and storage needs, regardless of how big or small your shipment is or how far you’re moving. In addition, you can customize our services to meet your specific needs.
For more tips on getting ready for your move, contact us today.