When moving to a new home, properly packing up your belongings is one of the most arduous but important tasks. Improper packing can expose your prized possessions to breakage, dents, and scratches. And if you are an outdoor enthusiast, packing gets trickier as most of your equipment is not only expensive and fragile but also hard to pack due to its shape, size, or material. To help you with your move, here are professional packing tips from these NYC movers to prep your gear for relocation.

Transporting Fishing Equipment

Fishing might be fun, but packing fishing gear for a move isn’t. Fishing rods are abnormally long with parts that can be easily snapped and broken. Normal moving boxes are too small and will almost undoubtedly lead to cracked parts. A cargo carrier specifically designed for fishing equipment minimizes such risk. There are several options when it comes to selecting a rod and reel case, from rod socks to bazooka tube cases. Browse the best fishing rod cases and select the optimal one for your needs. Not only will the case protect your expensive equipment during your move, but it is an investment for protection during future travels as well.

Transporting bulky items like bikes and kayaks might seem tricky, but it’s easy if you use the right equipment.

Transporting bulky items like bikes and kayaks might seem tricky, but it’s easy if you use the right equipment.

Moving Your Biking Gear

A bike rack is the most dependable way to move your bike over long distances. Attaching a rack to the back of your vehicle will not only free up space for other belongings in the trunk or roof, but it will also ensure your bike reaches its destination in one piece. Additionally, a standard bike rack carries up to five bikes eliminating the need to have a rack for each bicycle. In the absence of a rack, you can also move your bike safely by having it secured inside a moving van.

Kayak Relocation

A kayak is best transported by a kayak carrier attached to your vehicle’s roof or hitch (see how to install here). When securely fixed, your boat is safe to move hundreds for miles. The saved space on the moving truck can thus be occupied by other belongings. Should you lack a carrier, a cargo van can do the job too. Position the kayak diagonally inside your cargo van, leaving room to spare for other belongings to be packed in around it.

Safely Stowing Your Skiing Gear

For lovers of this sport, you might want to invest in both a ski boot bag and a ski bag. A large enough boot bag will securely hold your helmet, boots, and boot dryer, while ski bags are designed to accommodate poles and skis. As ski gear like jackets and snow pants are extremely bulky, you might want to transport these in vacuum seal bags that shrink items to a more manageable size.

Investing in the right tools means your expensive equipment will be protected for future use.

Investing in the right tools means your expensive equipment will be protected for future use.

Organizing Camping Equipment

For those who love to backpack or camp, there are lots of small gadgets and bulky items that need to be contained. Invest in a few heavy-duty, clear plastic storage boxes. These are perfect for consolidating all your camping gear, including backpacks, stoves, hammocks, sleeping bags, cookware, and more. Plus, you’ll be able to see what’s in each box for easy unpacking. Or, you might just want to leave your camping gear stowed away in these containers even after you’ve settled into your new home.

Overall, the key to a successful move is methodical packing. By purchasing the right packing supplies, you’ll protect all your expensive outdoor gear so it’s ready to use as you start exploring your new surroundings.