Packing sports equipment – 5 useful tips
To a novice, relocation can seem simple and easily manageable. However, what is certain to surprise them is the difficulty of safely packing and transporting large and bulky items. Of course, one does not have to bother with such thoughts when being assisted by long distance movers New Hampshire. Still, if you intend on taking care of the relocation tasks on your own, and are a proud owner of a home gym, you will have to address the chore of packing sports equipment. Howbeit, you will not be all alone in this endeavor. We will help with five useful tips, so make sure to read on.
1. Getting the information you need
When booking your flights, make sure to check the airline’s policy regarding the transport of sports equipment or oversized baggage. Every so often it can happen that the airline has very specific rules about the size of baggage allowed on the flight. In addition, there could be some rules that address the means of packing equipment. For example, some airlines expect you to remove your bicycle pedals and deflate the tires before packing. Keep in mind that you will most probably need to pay and extra charge. Still, the best way to prepare for this part is to do your research thoroughly.
2. Acquiring the proper packing supplies
When packing sports equipment, one of the best ways to ensure their safety is to buy specialist bags. They may take a little more out of your budget than you initially planned, but they will go a long way. Namely, these carriers have been specifically designed so that they can house and protect vulnerable equipment.
In addition, transporting certain equipment outside of their designated bags can turn out to be dangerous for baggage handlers. Skis, for example, are never to be transported outside of a bag, as they pose a threat to airport staff, other baggage, and your gear. Besides, professional pool table movers NH are well aware of the importance proper packing brings, as bulky items always come with an extra need for caution. Thus, they would also advise you to take all the precautionary steps.
3. Packing sports equipment in the right way
Now that we have established that the necessity for the specialist bag is undisputable, we will consider that you have made sure to acquire as much as you need. When the time for packing sports equipment arrives, you would start by placing the item in its respective bag. If there happens to be any extra room, make sure to fill it. Packing paper, bubble rolls, and even rolled up items of clothing or towels will do the trick. You want to ensure there are minimal movement and shifting of the equipment during transport. For this reason, adding padding where it is necessary is essential, as it will protect your gear, and give them extra support during transit. Remember that any toiletries, shoes, or anything hard ought to find their place in another bag. This is another way of preventing damage to your possessions.
4. Know your labeling
Sports equipment usually costs a lot of money. Thus, it would be quite a shame if any of it were to get lost or misplaced during transport. And if it does come to that, one of the best ways to ensure they find their way home is to clearly label them. You want to include two luggage labels for this purpose. One on the outside, and one on the inside of your bag. The latter is in case the outer label falls off. This measure of precaution ought to ensure that your luggage arrives safely at your destination, even if things go a bit awry.
If you are interested in another layer of protection, so to speak, consider padlocking all of your bags. Just keep in mind that this option comes with a catch. Whilst no one will be able to open your luggage, they will also be prevented from seeing the label inside of your bag. One of the ways to sort this possible conundrum is to go the extra mile when labeling your luggage from the outside. Spare no tape, and use water-proof markers.
5. Be prepared for the worst when packing sports equipment
While one can be as diligent and attentive with measures of safety, life often finds a way to show us just how fragile and faulty our ways can be. Still, there is a way to get on top of such an unfortunate outcome. Travel insurance. Do not fail to remember to invest in travel insurance before you depart for your trip. You can spend hours meticulously packing your gear, only to be faced with the news of it being lost or damaged upon your arrival. While it cannot replace what is now gone, quality travel insurance should cover lost, delayed or damaged equipment as standard. This will help you deal with the unlucky outcome a lot.
Properly packing sports equipment goes hand in hand with the precautionary measures one needs to take in order to ensure the safety of these items. For this reason, if you have already decided to do this without the help of a professional moving company, make sure to do all that you can in order to have a successful outcome. Take as much time as you need, and perform all the important steps carefully. Good luck and happy travels!