We often think of moving day as the big event when relocating, but a lot of work goes into sorting, packing, and hauling in the weeks beforehand. And learning how to pack for a move can streamline the process and reduce your stress level during this exciting time. Join us for our best tips and tricks for an efficient move!
Pre-packing before your move
A bit of preparation will go a long way towards simplifying your move. Here are a few tasks to take care of before it’s time to start packing:
Make sure you have the right supplies
The right tools can make any job easier, and moving is no exception. These are some essential items to pick up:
- Sturdy boxes
- Heavy-duty packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Stretch wrap
- Moving blankets
- Protective mattress bags
- Labels and permanent markers
- Moving dolly or hand-truck
Consider hiring professional movers
Sometimes, calling in the professionals is the best option. Expert movers can safely pack and haul your belongings when you don’t have the time, energy, or desire to do it yourself.
Will you need portable storage?
Moving all your belongings at one time isn’t always feasible, but portable storage solutions can bridge the gap between your current location and your ultimate destination. Whether you’re staying somewhere temporarily or you encounter unexpected disruptions during your move, you can rely on portable storage to house your items until your home is ready.
How to pack up for your move
Ready to start packing? Here’s a complete guide on how to pack for a move:
Declutter your home
Before you pick up the first moving box, take some time to sort through your belongings to see what items you can live without.
Maybe you have a cache of scratched CDs, a cabinet full of expired skincare products, or a bunch of toys your kids have outgrown. Make piles of items that can be trashed or donated and get them out of your house.
Pack room by room
Without a strategic plan, your home can quickly become chaotic during a move. To maintain order, work room by room, starting with the least essential areas like your attic or garage and moving toward high-use rooms like the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
Categorize items
Organizing your belongings as you pack will make the unpacking process much easier. Place similar items like cooking utensils and small appliances together. Do your best to keep those boxes close to one another during the move.
Protect fragile items from damage
Properly cushioning your breakables can save you a lot of heartache down the road. Dishes, wine glasses, and picture frames should get a healthy layer of bubble wrap or packing paper.
Label everything!
Don’t assume you’ll remember which box labeled “Bedroom” has your clothing in it! As you pack, write each item on the outside of the box to ensure you have easy access to your essentials.
Pack an essentials box
Speaking of essentials, not everything should go in the moving van. Assume you’ll be living out of a suitcase for a few days and make a list of the most important items you’ll need when you get to your new place. Here’s a brief checklist to get you started:
- Coffee maker
- Several changes of clothing
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towels
- Bedding
- Chargers
Place the heavy items on the bottom
Keep gravity in mind as you begin to pack individual boxes and load the moving truck. Large, heavy items should create a foundation for lightweight, breakable belongings.
How to make packing for a move easier
Want a few more ideas to simplify your move? Here are a few ways you can make it easier to pack for a move:
Make a packing checklist
A comprehensive checklist can take some of the guesswork and stress out of moving. As soon as you have a moving date in mind, start logging your belongings to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Plan how you’ll load the moving truck
If you’re moving locally, you don’t have to get too technical with the spatial dimensions of your truck. After all, you can just make another trip if everything doesn’t fit in one load. However, long-distance relocations require a little more preparation.
How many boxes worth of books/clothing/artwork do you have? How much space will furniture and appliances take up? While mattresses, bed frames, and dressers are bulky, a bunch of small boxes can fill a moving van before you know it.
Use clothing and linens as packing material
The cost of moving supplies can add up quickly, and you might need more boxes, bubble wrap, and tape than you anticipate. Consider using the items you already have — like towels and clothes — to protect your fragile belongings.
You can also employ the Russian Doll Technique by nesting smaller items inside larger items, using padding for any breakables. This is super efficient with fewer boxes to haul.
Call Red Rover for all your packing and moving needs!
Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, Red Rover is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our specialty moving services.