Packing a tote is easier than packing a box, mostly because there’s nothing to build or tape. A few habits make it go even better.
Heavy things on the bottom
Put the heaviest items in first and lighter things on top. The tote stays stable and nothing gets crushed.
Mind the weight
Each tote can hold up to 75 lbs, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to lift 75 lbs. For heavy things like books, fill a tote partway and top it off with something light, like towels or pillows.
Fill the gaps
Things shift less when the tote is full. Tuck socks, dish towels, or t-shirts into empty spaces. They have to get moved anyway.
Wrap what’s breakable
Dishes and glasses still need padding. Wrap each piece in paper, a towel, or clothing, and stand plates on their edges instead of stacking them flat.
Keep the lid flat
Pack to the rim, not above it. The lid needs to snap on flat so the next tote can stack on top.
Seal up liquids
Anything that can leak should be closed tight and bagged. Please keep hazardous materials out of the totes entirely.
One room per tote
Try not to mix rooms. A tote that’s all kitchen is much faster to unpack than a tote that’s a little of everything.
Label as you go
Slide a 5" X 7" card into the pocket on the end of the tote as soon as you close it. You’ll thank yourself at the new place.
Stack and roll
Stack packed totes near the door, heaviest on the bottom. When it’s time to load, set a stack on the Tote Taxi and roll it out.