We are sure we’re not the only ones who wish that moving was as easy as packing a night bag for a weekend getaway. Unfortunately, certain belongings you possess will always pose a bigger challenge to move with as compared to some other things. Let’s take liquids for example. Have you thought about how you’ll transport them to your new home? And what if they spill during your move staining other items like your clothes or furniture?
First of all, you need to understand what all things come under the ‘liquids’ category. All of your kitchen and bathroom cleaning supplies, shampoos and lotions, paints, garage products like oil, petroleum, fertilizers, etc. come under this category. There are chances of these liquids spilling while they’re transported to your new home. So if you’re wondering how to pack liquids for a move, don’t worry about that. We have covered everything right from packing liquids to unpacking them to your new home. So keep reading on to know packing liquids for a move.
Which are the Liquids You Can and Cannot Move?
Packing and transporting liquids can be really risky as they can not only damage your other items but also make way for a disaster. This can happen especially if you have any chemicals, extinguishers or gasoline containers with you. If you wait till your moving day arrives, you’re going to get really stressed when you have to decide which liquids you really need to transport. Above all, you need to think whether you really need to transport any liquids at all as transporting them is always risky. Here’s what you need to do to decide what all you can take along with you and what you need to dispose:
Perform An Inventory
The first thing you need to do is perform an inventory to know what all liquids you possess. For that, you will have to search every nook and corner of your house. You can start with your kitchen and bathroom and list down all the possible liquid items like cleaning supplies, toiletries, haircare and skincare products. After that, you can cover every bedroom followed by your store room, basement and most importantly your garage. While you’re noting down everything in your inventory, make sure you rate each liquid into a specific category. For example, there can be categories like not using, expired, corrosive, flammable, toxic and safe to give you an idea of how dangerous and safe your liquids are.
Discard the Dangerous Liquids
This is when you’ll need your inventory list. Go through your list and check all the items in your not used, flammable, toxic and dangerous categories. If you feel there is any particular liquid which is of no use and which you can afford to dispose of, discard it from your list of moving. Do keep in mind to consult your moving company if you’re hiring one and ask them for a list of liquid items they don’t transport. That will make it easier for you to get rid of unwanted and dangerous liquids. Some of the liquids dangerous for moving are as follows:
- Petrol, diesel and other gasoline products
- Poisons, pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers
- Paints
- Bleach, ammonia
- Cleaning supplies
- Pool chemicals
- Fire extinguishers
- Lamp oils
- Nail polish removers
- Unknown chemicals
- Unidentified liquid containers
Disposing Unwanted Liquids
An important thing you need to keep in mind is that not all liquids can be disposed of in the same way. For example, liquids like chemicals, cleaning supplies and medicines cannot be thrown away with other garbage in the bins. In order to dispose them carefully, you can get in touch with the local waste management department in your area. You can donate your other liquids like lotions, bleaches, cleaning supplies to any shelter homes near you.
What Do You Need To Pack Liquids?
Now that you know what you need to do before you start packing your liquids, let’s see what are the essential packing supplies to pack your liquids. Do keep in mind that your liquids cannot be packed like your other items in cardboard boxes as there are chances of spilling. Here are the packing supplies you’ll need to safely pack your liquids:
Plastic Bins
Unlike cardboard boxes, plastic bins or containers will be able to hold the liquids properly. In case of any leakages or spills, the plastic bin will contain it so that your other items are safe while moving.
Resealable Zip-Lock Plastic Bags or Garbage Bags
In order to protect your other items while transportation in case of any spills or leakages, you need to give extra protection to your liquids. You can use resealable zip-lock bags to pack them before you place them in your plastic bins or containers. If at all you don’t have zip-lock plastic bags, you can use garbage bags to pack your liquids before you store them in your containers.
Bubble Wrap
There may be certain delicate liquids you possess like your perfumes which are in glass containers. In order to prevent any breakage, you’ll need to pack and secure them with a bubble wrap.
Packing Paper or Newspapers
During transportation, there are chances of your containers getting tossed around. So to avoid any spilling of liquids, you can stuff your containers with packing paper or newspapers.
Plastic Wrap
All the lids of your liquids may not be as strong as tightly packed especially if they are already used. In order to seal them properly you will need a plastic wrap.
Packing or Masking Tape
There needs to be a very secure sealing of your liquids. For that you can either use a packing tape or a masking tape. Since your liquids are always at a risk of spilling and damaging other precious items, do not compromise on purchasing a packing or masking tape.
Labeling Materials
You will need to label every container with the specifics as it will make it easy for you to unpack when you relocate. For that you will need a permanent marker and labelling stickers.
Also Read: Best Packing Materials And How To Use Them
How to Pack Liquids for Moving?
Now that you know what you need to pack your liquids, let’s learn how to pack them. You needn’t worry about this as we have covered it all for you. Here is our step by step guide on packing liquids for moving:
Step 1: Sort out your liquids
The liquids you own may be for different purposes. For examples your lotions and perfume are for your body while others may be for cleaning purposes. Before you begin packing all of your liquids together, you need to sort them. This is when you can go back to your inventory list and sort out liquids based on their categories. Make sure you do this in a spacious place without any interruptions as there are chances of spills during sorting. Have a calm mind and separate all your juices, perfumes, cleaning supplies, lotions, etc. This will make your packing easier and stress free.
Step 2: Secure the lid with a Plastic wrap
Once you’re done sorting all your liquids you can start packing them. Make sure you have all your packing supplies at hand. The first thing you need to do is secure the lid of every liquid item that you possess. You need to open the lid of your liquid bottle, cover the opening with a plastic wrap and then tighten it by putting the cap back on. To add extra protection, you can tape it with a packing tape.
Step 3: Pack similar liquid Bottles together
After you have sealed the lid of every liquid bottle or container, you need to pack all the similar liquids together. For example, your perfumes should be packed together, your cleaning supplies can be kept together and your lotions and cosmetics can be packed together. You need to pack them in a zip-lock bag before you place them in a plastic bin. In case you don’t want to spend too much on zip-lock bags, you can use garbage bags which are cheaper. Do keep in mind that you can keep a certain amount of liquid bottles or containers in one zip-lock bag or container as long as they are in an upright position. As long as there’s enough room in the bag, you can keep several liquids together.
Step 4: Place your liquids in plastic bins
In order to transport all your liquids together, you need to arrange and place them in plastic bins. Make sure that you keep the liquids in an upright position and close to each other. If at all you see any empty space in between the liquids, then you need them to fill it with packing paper or newspaper. This is to make sure that they don’t wiggle or toss around while transportation leading to any leakages or spills.
Step 5: Label all your plastic bins
After accommodating all your liquids in your plastic bins you need to label them. You can label according to their contents. For example, you can label them as fragile liquids, perfumes, cleaning supplies, etc. Labelling will make it easier for you to unpack when you relocate.
Step 6: Unpacking your liquids
When you are unpacking your liquids, make sure that you are in a safe place. We advise you to do this on a floor. Your liquids may have shifted and tossed during your move and you don’t want your new home to be marked with any stains. It’s good to carry this task outside your house or on the floor over a plastic carpet. You need to unpack one bin at a time. Make sure that you wear gloves just in case there are any leakages in your liquids.
Do’s And Don’ts For Packing Liquids For A Move
- Do not compromise with cardboard boxes instead of plastic bins. If at all your boxes get tossed during your move, your liquids might spill and your other belongings may get stained or damaged.
- Make sure that you use a plastic wrap for liquids that have a snap dispenser. This will keep their opening sealed and avoid any spills or leakage. You can give extra protection with the help of a packing tape.
- Avoid buying any liquids, especially when your moving day is coming closer. The lesser liquids you have, the better. But we advise you to either donate or dispose of your liquids before your move.
- When it comes to toiletries, you can pack them separately. You never know when you may need them. That’s when labelling makes it easier for you especially when you need to find something immediately.
See Also: How To Pack Wine Bottles For A Move
Conclusion:
Packing liquids may seem like a lot of work. But if you have read our step by step guide, you are ready to do it by yourself. If at all you have hired a moving company, you can let the professionals take care of it. But if you’re planning to do it on your own, make sure you have the necessary packing supplies and you’re good to go!
