Packing is one of the most stressful aspects of moving. Sometimes, we may be tempted to bundle everything into a box, slap some tape on it, and get on with our business.
But if only…
You may get away with it in the case of clothing, but some items are too delicate to warrant that kind of treatment. No matter how much strapped for time we are or how unmotivated we may feel to get started with the packing, we just have to suck it up and do it as it’s supposed to.
Kitchenware falls into that category of delicates, as does makeup.
Now, makeup – as you know – is an investment. The potential losses notwithstanding, nobody really wants to be met with a box of exploded makeup in it when you get down to unpacking on the other side.
As painful a chore as it may, you’ll be grateful you took the time to properly pack your beauty products when you get down to the unboxing.
To aid you in that regard, we thought we would share some tips on how to properly pack beauty products before a move.
Tip 1: If you are going to hire full-service movers to do the packing for you, you might want to set aside your beauty products and move them separately as opposed to leaving them in boxes with the other items.
Clean out your collection
Moving is usually an excellent time to declutter and throw out items that no longer serve us. In the case of beauty products, now is a good time to clean out our collection. Makeup does come with an expiration date, you know…
Mascara, for example, should be used between 3-6 months. Eyeliner remains safe and effective up to a year max; foundation between 6 months and 2 years; etc. And that, mind you, is assuming you’re using and storing the products as is recommended.
So, go through your collection and toss out any products that smell funny, are dried out or broken.
Set your everyday beauty products aside
We all have that makeup we absolutely can’t go a day or two without. Whether it’s eye shadow or lipstick, blush or foundation, identify your must-haves and set them aside.
You can keep these items in their own small cosmetic bag and move them along with your bigger essentials bag that contains all items you’ll need to use on moving day or a few days after the move. This particularly rings true in the case of long-distance moves.
If you have a portable makeup organizer, then you’re laughing.
Remove hazardous items
Most moving companies (if not all) have a policy on what you can and can’t bring with you.
Flammable items are usually part of the prohibited items, and some beauty products happen to fall in that category – think perfume, nail polish or remover, and other items that may contain alcohol.
It’s best to pull out these items and pack them along with the makeup you’ll be moving personally.
Wrap bottles
Speaking of perfume. All items that come in glass bottles should be wrapped to prevent breakage.
Products like perfumes, nail polish, and everything else in a glass container has the potential to leak, so it’s usually nice to wrap them first before packing.
You can use packing paper, newspaper, or any cushioning you might have, then use packing tape or wrap to secure the bottles.
If you don’t have these packing supplies at home, make plans to purchase them in advance.
Alternatively, you can wrap these products in socks, and then slip them in shoes which should go in their own separate “shoebox” that is clearly labelled.
Prevent spillage
Closely related to the previous point, consider taking the top off from your liquid cosmetics and then squeeze out the extra air inside gently.
Before replacing the lid, you can add a small and thin piece of plastic wrap around the opening so that the lid secures firmly while also eliminating the risk of spillage.
A little cotton padding or tissue can be used in the case of compacts like blush, powder, and eyeshadow – between the makeup container and the lid, that is.
Pack facial and other skincare products separately
We have already seen that liquids can be packed separately; and powders too, if you like.
If you want to be extra organized, you can do the same for your facial and skincare products as well. Once it comes down to unpacking, you’ll be glad you did.
Tip 2: The key to packing beauty products is using the divide-and-conquer approach. However, similar items should go together – liquids with liquids, powders with powders etc.
Save small boxes
We mentioned the makeup that you can’t live without. What about those products that you won’t need straightway?
For these items, it’s best to pack them in small containers such as gift and jewelry boxes. New makeup can stay in its original packaging and boxing.
Once that is done, fill any gaps with bubble wrap, newspaper, or tissue paper to keep everything from moving around.
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