Packing for a move can be challenging, but with these packing hacks it can become much simpler. Start early and pack each room as soon as you can.
Label your boxes clearly to help both yourself and the movers know where everything should go in your new home.
Start Early
As soon as possible, begin packing. Starting early can reduce stress levels and give you satisfaction that procrastination didn’t win this time around – in fact it would be ideal to start months beforehand if possible!
Begins by sorting items you no longer use frequently into garage sale, donation and recycle piles so there will be enough space in your home before moving day.
As soon as you start packing, invest in quality supplies to save yourself both time and effort: boxes in different sizes (20-40lbs per box is ideal), tape and label maker. In addition, sharp scissors or box cutter will come in handy, along with extra supplies like foam padding peanuts or newspaper to cushion delicate items.
On moving day, make sure that you bring along essentials such as toothbrushes and toilet paper, clothes to change into, important documents, medications and phone chargers that you will need immediately – this survival kit will help ensure a stress-free journey!
Pack Room by Room
Packing room-by-room can help keep your move organized, and unpacking will go much more smoothly once in your new home. Start with rooms you don’t use as often, such as guest bedrooms and attics, then move through each area of the house. Be sure to pack out-of-season clothing, decorations and linens early!
Pack bedding (sheets, pillows and comforters) as efficiently as possible into one box by filling each one to its capacity and then lining it with clean sheets or newspaper to protect it from dirt and dust during transport. To save even more space when packing bedding items, consider vacuum sealing them prior to packing it away.
Labeling boxes correctly is essential to a smooth move, and color-coding them is an easy way to do it. Label each one clearly with its contents and the room they belong in so you (or your movers) can locate them later on. Also mark any special handling instructions on them so you and your movers know what to do with delicate or heavy boxes – this will prevent damages during unpacking!
Label Your Boxes
Labeling boxes clearly with their contents and destination rooms when packing is of utmost importance when working with professional movers. Even taking this extra step will save you much-needed time in the long run.
Assign each room a color using markers or tape. Write its hue on at least two sides of every box so it remains visible even when stacked, and create a color key on a sheet of paper for easier identification of rooms each color should go to.
Be sure to include specific instructions for fragile or valuable items, such as “This Side Up,” or “Do Not Stack.” This way, when someone opens their boxes they will handle them with care.
As part of your packing strategy, label your boxes immediately so you know exactly what’s inside each one. However, labeling all your boxes afterward can also work; just be sure to compare their labels against your inventory list so there are no misplaced or lost items!
Pack in Waves
Packing for a move can be an overwhelming task for even the most organized individual, but with some clever hacks you can speed up and simplify this process.
One effective packing tip is to take a room-by-room approach when packing up. This allows you to stay on schedule while remaining organized. Start with rooms you use the least often such as guest bedrooms or attics before moving through your entire home – this method also gives you an opportunity to store away items you won’t need until later on in your new residence.
Making use of zip-top bags to organize small items such as cords and screws is another effective packing tip. Simply label each bag clearly to avoid confusion about what lies within. These handy bags can even help secure important documents while sorting and storing your PODS container efficiently.
Professionals use another simple tip when wrapping chair and table legs: crossing two wooden beams across their center before wrapping each one. This simple strategy prevents loose legs during transport while decreasing damage risk.
Pack the Kitchen Last
Packing can be daunting for most homeowners when it comes to packing the kitchen – being one of the busiest rooms in a house, it tends to become overwhelming quickly. Start with areas you rarely use like china cabinets, rarely used small appliances and collections of seasonal cookware – aim to have these packed up at least a week prior to moving day leaving only essentials out at this stage; Koch suggests investing in premium packing materials to protect items during this process.
Start by wrapping each item individually in paper and bubble wrap for added protection, adding foam sheets for extra cushioning between plates or glasses stacked vertically. Koch and McCord suggest placing heavier items at the bottom of your boxes while lighter items go towards the top; labelling these boxes will ensure you can quickly find them when unpacking in your new home and creating a “First Night Box” filled with essential items you will need immediately before and after moving day – such as set of utensils for each member of your household as well as several plates, cups, bowls for everyone!
Make a First Night Box
No matter where your journey may lead, essential items will help make the first night and day much more comfortable. Your first-night-box contents should depend on what works for your specific situation; some essentials to include include:
Bedding should include sheets, pillows and a cozy blanket so you can sleep peacefully during the move. Toiletries: Pack toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and rolls of toilet paper so they are easily found during the move. Towels: Bring along two bath towels and hand towels so you can take an initial shower in your new home after an emotional journey has been endured during transport. Clothing should include pajamas to help ease transition into daily life in your new place as well as change of clothing for tomorrow as well as some easy-to-prepare snacks with bottles of water to help get through until kitchen set-up is complete.
Essential Items: Pack any medications you require as well as identification documents in a protective folder or envelope, along with flashlight and tool kits which could come in handy if any unexpected repairs arise while settling into your new home.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Packing for a move requires paying close attention to small details that could make or break your process. From using special containers for dishes or using handcarts, these details could save time and effort by helping avoid costly mistakes.
Before packing begins, go room by room through your home and assess each closet, cabinet and drawer to see which items can be left behind. Sort unwanted items into “garage sale”, “donate”, and “recycle” piles so as to save time, space and energy when moving day arrives. Doing this will allow you to take full advantage of every inch of available storage space when making this step easier on yourself and others involved with moving.
Create a list of supplies you’ll need for your move, including boxes, markers, bubble wrap, newspapers and old towels and blankets. Arrange a packing station where these supplies can be stored easily as you pack — this could be anything from a table in the guest bedroom to corner of your living room – then get to work!
Preparing to move can be daunting, yet ultimately rewarding experience. With careful planning and strategy in place, packing should go smoothly on moving day – then all that remains is enjoying your new home! Best wishes from Alex Keight. She is an award-winning freelance writer/blogger who has lived all across the United States (and world!), often spending her free time patting cat booty pads while cooking up delicious meals in the kitchen and buying far too many books that she will ever have time to read herself!