Packing for a move is complex and involves many steps. If you’ve never moved before or are relatively inexperienced with moving, this checklist can help you through the process. Here are some suggestions.
1. Make a Game Plan
How much time will it take you to pack? What will you pack first, second, third, and so on? Which family members will help, and what will be their roles? Will you be hiring a full-service mover, or will you be packing your items on your own? Talk with family members to decide what will work for everyone. Once you’ve got a plan in place, you can get started with the packing process.
2. Buy Packing Materials
If you’re going to complete the packing on your own, buy packing materials to keep this process moving. Keep more packing materials on hand than you anticipate needing – you’ll probably need them. It’s beneficial to have extra markers, scissors, and packing tape to cut back on time spent hunting for the ones that go lost. Buy any specialized boxes you anticipate needing – like dish pack kits for your plates or wardrobe boxes for your clothes.
3. Learn How to Pack Properly
Packing is an art. If you’re not working with a full-service mover, you’ll want to know what these movers do to make packing easy. For example, place some crumpled paper on each carton’s bottom so that you create a cushion for the items you put inside. Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper to prevent things in the boxes from moving around.
Place delicate items inside their own small boxes, then put those boxes into a larger single box. Don’t overstuff boxes so that the lids must bend around the things inside.
4. Pack Seasonal Items First
Plan to pack seasonal items that you aren’t currently using and other things you don’t regularly use before packing them. Don’t pack up the items you use a lot until you’re close to the end of the packing process.
5. Declutter
Decluttering helps you organize your belongings and eliminate things you don’t need anymore. Sort through your items before packing and discard things that you won’t use in your new home. Rehoming trinkets from your junk drawer will help give you a fresh start in your new home.
6. Set Aside Restricted Items
Your movers will have a list of items that cannot be packed, like cleaning products and aerosols. Know what you can and what you can’t put in the moving truck, then set those items aside.
7. Follow Packing Best Practices
When you’re packing, follow these packing best practices.
- Pack sharp items like knives and skewers on their own. Cover the pointed ends to prevent them from puncturing the box.
- If deconstructing something to pack it, keep the screws and pieces with the item in a labeled plastic baggie
- Wind up cords on electronics, then secure the cable to the item.
8. Make Unloading Easy
Label each moving box according to where it will go in your new home, then tape signs on the doors of each room at your new home to make unloading easier.
Want to Simplify Your Moving Process? Hire Experienced Movers
There are lots of steps in the moving process – more than what appears here. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to hire an experienced, full-service mover to help. Call today to get started.