Packing is a very important part of the relocation process. You need to ensure that your belongings are very well protected. Otherwise, they might get damaged, or even cause damage to other items. And probably nothing is more difficult than to pack liquids for moving. They are usually stored in very weak containers made of glass or soft plastic. And if they spill during transport they can ruin everything else contained in that box. So, in order to avoid this, here are a few tips on how to pack them properly.
Avoid moving liquids
Liquids are very hard to transport safely. So, try and not relocate too many liquids. Your valuable wine collection is one thing. But, do you really need that half-empty bottle of windows washer? Probably not. It will be much easier to pack and move if you simply get rid of unnecessary liquids.
There are many different kinds of liquids
When you start planning your relocation, you are probably wondering how you will be able to pack liquids for moving. And that’s understandable. They are notoriously difficult to transport safely. But, in order to find a proper way of sealing them, you need to know what you are dealing with. There are many different kinds of liquids. From plain water to cleaning chemicals. Some goods are dangerous and even forbidden from being transported on a moving truck. For a full list contact your moving company. But, here are some of the most commonly forbidden liquids:
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Nail polish/remover
- Paints/varnishes
- Lighter fluid
- Darkroom chemicals
- Fertilizer
- Poisons
If you happen to have some of those chemicals, you will need to be able to dispose of them properly. Otherwise, you risk polluting the environment. And even getting fined for doing so.
Make a list of liquids in your home
The first thing that you need to do, even before you start to pack liquids for moving, is to make a list of all of them. You need to know what type of liquids you will be moving. As well as how easily they can be sealed. It will help you more easily determine what you can pack and what has to go. Especially when moving internationally. So, start by going to the bathroom, kitchen and your storage space looking for liquids. There are many different kinds of liquids, and you probably won’t be bringing everything with you. So, on your list, mark the ones that you won’t be taking with you. And make sure that you dispose of them properly.
Dispose of the dangerous liquids properly
Many liquids are very harmful to the environment. Most of the household liquids that are dangerous are cleaning chemicals. And you can’t just throw them in the dumpster or pour them down the drain. You need to make sure that they don’t get into soil or water source. That’s why it’s best to contact your local health agency and ask them. They will most likely have a place where they collect liquids that can cause harm to the environment.
Packing liquids for moving
Once you’ve disposed of dangerous substances you won’t be taking with you, it’s time to pack liquids for moving. There is always a risk of spillage. But, there are many things that you can do to minimize the risk. From hiring professional packing services to making an effort to prevent spillage. It will go a long way in protecting your other belongings in case of an accident.
Tighten the lids when packing liquids for moving
An important first step that you need to do when you want to pack liquids for moving is to make sure that all the lids are tightened. If you are not sure if the seal will hold, or if the top is loose, there are some other tricks that you can use. You can use packing tape to further tighten the seal. Just use a piece of tape and tape it so the seal can’t move at all. If you think that’s not enough you can further reinforce the seal. Take the top off and place a piece of plastic wrap on the opening. Then put the seal back on. In most cases, this should be enough to prevent the liquid from dripping out of the bottle. This is especially important when moving in extreme weather.
When shipping items in cold weather, the temperature changes can cause materials to expand and contract. And it can easily result in spilled liquid. Remember that it’s always better to spend some time making sure that you properly packed liquids for moving. Otherwise, you can end up with soaked clothes and ruined items.
Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes when you pack liquids for moving
When transporting liquids it’s important to use plastic bins. Especially if you intend on placing multiple bottles in a single box. Cardboard can’t hold much weight. And even if it can, it can easily tear if it gets wet. So, plastic bins are a much better alternative.
Cushion the bottles
When transporting liquids such as wine or other drinks, you are most likely going to put multiple bottles inside a single box. If that’s the case, in order to properly pack liquids for moving, you need to cushion them. So they won’t break when loading the truck or during transport. You can take some of your old clothes and wrap each bottle. You can also use moving blankets or spare pieces of cardboard. It’s important that bottles can’t move or collide with each other.
Label the boxes properly when you pack liquids for moving
One last step in making sure that you properly pack liquids for moving is to label the boxes. If the box is unlabeled, your Hong Kong movers might easily mistake it for something else. Something not so easily breakable. So, to avoid any accidents, make sure you write down what’s in the box. You don’t have to be specific. But, when liquids are in question, it’s important to write down what they are.
