Your moving day is near and you have probably wondered about the best way to pack for a move. Depending on the size of your house you could pack your entire house in one day or in a couple of days. With a few tricks, you can pack for a move very quickly and efficiently. Make a checklist of tasks or use this one for the most efficient packing.
Declutter before you start to pack for a move
Before you start to pack, you need to declutter. This is very useful for many reasons. The first and the most obvious is to minimize the number of items you are moving. The second reason is to lower the cost of your move. If the local moving company you want to hire is basing the price upon the size and weight of your belongings, it will be cheaper with fewer items. The less you have to move, the smaller moving truck you’ll need and also the cost will be lower.
Decluttering could save you more money. Actually, you can even earn some money on decluttering. Everything you aren’t using anymore, organize a yard sale and sell everything you can.
Decluttering should always be done before packing. There is no point in packing and moving items you won’t be using, for sure. Also, you will save on packing materials and boxes. Supply with quality packing materials.
Packing is often overwhelming and time-consuming
It is a process that could last for days if you aren’t professional. This is exactly why you shouldn’t waste any time once you start to pack. Get everything you need in advance. You will need:
- Moving boxes – you can buy sturdy, quality moving boxes meant to handle long transport and move. Or you can get free boxes in a local store. Just make sure that they are not worn out.
- Packing peanuts or something similar – you need to fill the void inside every box you pack. Packing peanuts are useful because they can fill even the smallest gaps. Make sure that your boxes don’t have too much empty space when you pack for a move. The best way to pack your belongings is to place them in a box which is just a little bigger, so it has enough space to place the cushioning.
- Tape, scissors, screwdrivers – this is basic, you will probably need more tools, once you start. Keep your toolbox nearby, and try to keep tools inside a box instead of scattering it around the house.
- Plastic wrap – you will need a wrap to secure fragile items you want to pack for a move. Just be careful when you are packing wooden furniture, it is better to wrap it with blankets or old towels, because plastic can create condensation and damage the wooden surface.
- Old towels or moving blankets – are the best for wrapping fragile and breakable items. You will save space by using old towels as cushioning for boxes and preserve fragile belongings at the same time. Old towels or blankets are the best choices for this because if they accidentally damage a little, it is ok since there are old ones.
Pack room by room – the easiest way to pack for a move
It is easy to be overwhelmed by clutter and different piles of belongings. That is why the best solution is to hire professional packing services. If not, plan the way you want to pack before you start. Room by room packing is usually the most efficient way to pack for a move. It is important to first pack anything you won’t be using soon. This applies both for the room and the items you are packing. For example, you should pack your kitchen first. Pack everything from “higher” shelves. Usually, we keep dishes or appliances we don’t often use. So, pack everything you don’t use daily. This includes glasses, dishes, small kitchen appliances. Then continue with spice rack, cutting boards, pots, and pans, etc.
Leave to pack last all items you use daily. Like bed in your bedroom along with bedding, toiletries in the bathroom, towels and similar necessity.
The packing order is important as the loading order is. Everything you load first in a moving truck will unload last. So think about things you’ll need as soon as you arrive and load them last ones. This way you will be able to unpack and use them, while movers unload a moving truck.
Label every box properly
Labeling is a very important part of packing. Especially when it comes to fragile and breakable items. Long-distance moves include sometimes a lot of rough handling and transport, and you can not supervise or affect it. When you label the boxes with an arrow pointing upwards and label fragile, movers will know how to handle it with care.
Label every other box-like kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and others.
Use perishable goods
Most moving companies won’t pack or take food and fluids. Plan your meals according to your food stocks and pantry. It is wise to at least try to use up everything you can instead of throwing it away. If you have a lot of liquor bottles or wines, check with your moving company will they take it. Use specially designed boxes for packing bottles, so they don’t break during the move.
Pack a moving day bag
Moving day bag is basically an essential item for that specific day. Pack everything you might need during the move. Start with your phone, chargers, wallet with both cash and credit cards, keys from an old and new home, and any valuable items you don’t want to put in a box when you pack for a move. A stressful move can make you forget about eating and drinking. Time flies fast when you are caught up in work, so pack plenty of water, sandwiches, and snacks. Take a break to rest and eat and you will be all right.