Packing your stuff for a move is already difficult when it’s just your furniture, clothing, and other belongings
So let’s look at some top tips for moving when you have lots of expensive tools
If you’re a professional contractor or a passionate handyman who loves DIY stuff and has a bunch of expensive power tools lying around, you’re usually in for an even more challenging time when packing for moves.
For every handyman, power tools are treasured and expensive machines that help carry out important DIY projects. From electric screwdrivers and sanders, to air compressors, each power tool you own needs to be handled with care to ensure that your investment stays safe.
If moving has you stressed out about how to keep your power tools safe, then don’t worry! This article was made with individuals like you in mind. Here are a few pro tips to help keep your power tools safe during a move.
Sort out and separate your tools before packing them
It’s always best to separate and sort out all of your power tools before you start packing them for relocation.
Get your tools ready in one place before packing
Sorting your tools makes it much easier to clean and secure them properly. It also helps you decide which power tools are worth taking with you and which ones aren’t worth the hassle.
You can start sorting out your power tools by dividing the storage area into smaller zones to make the process faster. Be practical and figure out the tools you need and which ones you’ll end up never using.
If you’ve been planning on replacing some of your tools, consider selling them or just leaving them behind. This can end up saving you a lot of space, and can reduce the transportation costs if you plan to seek help from a moving company like Muval, who I’ve used before when in Australia.
Getting rid of the tools you no longer need also helps you pay more attention to the tools that you care about and move them safely.
Gather your packing materials and prepare an area
Allocate an area for packing your tools
After you’ve sorted out all of your power tools, it’s time to gather the packing materials you will need to protect your tools during the move. Gathering all important packing materials beforehand makes packing a lot smoother and ensures that you don’t miss out on anything.
Prepare a designated packing area such as your garage where you can keep things organized and work easily.
Make sure you have all the necessary packing materials such as:
- Bubble wrap and foam peanuts
- The original toolboxes your power tools came in
- Packing boxes
- Duct tape
- Cleaning equipment
- Protective blankets and sheet
Disassemble and detach removable parts
If you have power tools that have removable parts, it’s best to start taking them apart to make them more convenient to box up. For example, the GTech range of garden tools such as the GTech HT50 Hedge Trimmer, can easily be taken apart.
Begin by removing easily detachable parts such as drills, cords, and blades. Clean each part and wrap it up in bubble wrap or protective sheets. This minimizes the chance of injury and keeps the parts safe.
Once removable parts are safely wrapped up, search for the original packaging that your power tools came in. Original packaging often has designated compartments for specific parts and is designed to protect your power tools during transport.
If you’ve lost the original packaging, the next best thing to do is to find a few sturdy cardboard boxes of appropriate size to pack your power tools in.
You can also use Ziploc bags to pack small detachable parts and prevent them from getting lost. Just remember to mark and label each bag’s contents to make reassembly easier after the move. You can buy ZipLoc bags on Amazon easily enough.
Remember to clean each power tool before packing
Dirty and dusty tools are more susceptible to rusting and damage, which is why cleaning each power tool thoroughly before packing is very important. How you clean each tool depends on the kind of power tool you’re working with.
Some power tools can be easily cleaned with some good old-fashioned soap water or cleaning liquids. Other tools don’t respond the best to liquids and for these items, a thorough wipe with a dry cloth often does the trick.
Keep on top of your cleaning so you can move more easily
The best way to find out how to clean the different types of power tools is to simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions listed in their manuals. If you’ve lost your copy, there’s no need to worry because you can easily find them online.
Never forget to drain all liquids
Many power tools store and use fluids. It’s extremely important to drain these tools before packing them. Draining all fluids eliminates the risk of liquid spills and can save both you and your tools from serious harm.
You should especially make sure that power tools that use flammable fuel are completely drained to ensure your safety. Even plain water — if not drained — can cause rusting of your tools!
Use a dolly or hand truck to load your power tools
Most power tools are heavy and if you have quite a few boxes to load, you’re at high risk of injuring yourself and your back. You may also drop a box or two and ruin your tools.That’s why it’s a good idea to use a dolly when loading your tools onto the moving truck.
