Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, there is really no such thing as an easy move. A little planning and organization can minimize chaos, especially in the packing stage. Follow these packing and moving tips to prepare you for move day and make the days that follow more enjoyable. 

So, you’ve made the decision to hire professional movers to get you from point A to point B. To save some money, you’ve decided to do your own packing and unpacking.

It has been a long time since you’ve moved, and you don’t remember all the packing tips and tricks. However, you do remember how exhausting it was from pre-move to post-move and beyond!

You’re not sure exactly where to begin, but you know you must start somewhere or you will risk not being ready, come move day.

 

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO PACK TO PREPARE FOR MOVE DAY AND SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF SETTLING IN?

 

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Unpacking after a move can either be an enjoyable process, or it can be an absolute nightmare! It can all very much depend on how much stuff you have. Moving is the perfect time to lighten your load, especially if you are moving to a smaller home.

Plan to only take what you can use in your home and leave everything else behind. The less stuff you have, the less time you will spend packing and unpacking, as well as the move will be much less expensive. Furthermore, you will have more space in your new home. This is one of the top packing tips that I share with my clients to prepare them for move day! It just makes good Ol’ fashioned sense to downsize as you pack to start a new journey in a new home!

As you are packing, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this item worth the time it will take to pack and unpack it?
• Is this item worth the expense of moving it?
• Will it fit in my new home?
• Does it still fit into my lifestyle?
• Have I used the item in the last 6-12 months?

If you’ve answered no to any or all these questions, it is time to say SAYONARA! You have now removed a huge burden from yourself during the move.

 

HAVE THE RIGHT PACKING SUPPLIES

Unless you are a minimalist, you’re going to need lots of boxes – likely more than you think. Purchase professional moving supplies from your local mover, storage unit, or home improvement store. Grocery store and liquor boxes aren’t the most convenient boxes to use, but they may be a less expensive option. Here are some other supplies that you will want to have available:

• Boxes of assorted sizes-small, medium, large. Also, dish packs, wardrobe, TV, picture boxes, etc.
• Packing paper – plain newsprint is the best
• Bubble wrap for added protection on fragile items (optional)
• Sharpies for labeling boxes
• Packing tape and dispensers

Put thoughtful consideration into the weight of each box. Follow these guidelines to ensure your boxes are not too heavy for yourself or your mover to lift:

• Use larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items (i.e., pillows, linens, lampshades)
• Use smaller boxes for heavier items (i.e., canned goods, books, paper files)

PREPARE MOVE DAY ESSENTIALS

As you pack one room at a time, consider what you are going to need a pre-move day, on-move day, and post-move day. Be sure to set essential items aside for an “overnight bag”. You will keep these items with you — they will not be placed on the moving truck.

Your moving day essentials may include the following:

• • The address and directions to your new home
  • Contact information for your movers – be sure to exchange cell phone numbers
  • Paperwork – closing info, contracts, payment information, notepad & pen
  • Medications for family members and pets
  • Basic tools and supplies
  • Cleaning products and trash bags
  • Toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other personal products (even a shower curtain).
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
  • Cell phones, alarm clocks, and other electronic devices used
  • Some extra clothes

TAKE SPECIAL CARE OF FRAGILE ITEMS

Pack heavier items at the bottom of each box and lighter items at the top. Using blank newspaper sheets is all you really need to wrap breakables; however, you can also lightly wrap fragile items in bubble wrap for added protection. Be sure not to wrap anything too tight.

Do not use printed newspapers, as the ink can rub off on certain items, which will require more work on the other end and could cause damage. You can also crumple up your newsprint sheets as padding for the bottom and top of your box, as well as place in-between items. Additionally, you can use dish towels, washcloths, hand towels, bath towels, bed or sofa pillows, and light blankets to act as padding for boxes that contain fragile items.

DO NOT pack fragile items with heavy items!

You want to fill each box tightly, with no room to shift during transport… not too tight, however. You don’t want the contents to crack under pressure. 

Secure your boxes by taping all flaps closed with heavy-duty packing tape. You can reinforce the bottom by also wrapping the tape around the edges of the box.

 

PROPERLY LABEL ALL FURNITURE, ROOMS, AND BOXES

Last, but not least, on our list of packing tips is to label each box with the room name (on top and at least one side). Use a sharpie and clearly print the names on the box so they will be legible and viewable from a distance. On one side of the box, list the general or specific contents of the box. Alternatively, label the box with a room name and number and then keep a master list of what is in each box.

Make sure the movers know the room names and locations at the initial walk-through. This ensures that your movers are also prepared for a successful move day!

See my blog posts on “How to Label Your Boxes for an Efficient Move” and “How to Pack for Ease of Unpack” for more helpful tips.

 

At the end of the day, your goal is to make move day and the days that follow less stressful and more enjoyable. For the ultimate stress-free move, hire a team of Professional Organizers: www.NAPO.net, or Senior Move Managers® like Organized Haven: www.NASMM.org.

 

Just remember – a little bit of planning and organization goes a long way!

 

Do you have a lot of experience with moving or managing moves? Let us know some of the packing tips you’d like to share!

 

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Happy packing!

💙,

Nicole

By: Nicole Ramer, SMM~C

(Professional Organizer & Certified Senior Move Manager®)