Packing Tips: Make Moving Easier

Whether you’re hiring professional movers or doing the move yourself, knowing what and how to pack will help you save time and money. Here are a few tips to keep you organized and help make the day more efficient and easy.

1. Pack One Room at a Time

As much as you want to avoid packing, don’t try to throw the entire house into boxes over the course of a weekend.  Go step-by-step.  Pack one room at a time (save the kitchen for last), and the job will seem less overwhelming.

2. Don’t Go Cheap on Packing Materials

We get it: moving is expensive enough.  But spring for the extra few bucks to get quality packing materials and you won’t regret it.  Relying on battered old boxes is sure to result in getting valuables damaged in transit. 

3. Don’t Overload the Boxes

You’ll want to be sure to pack heavier items on the bottom of your boxes to keep them stable – but don’t overdo it.  Even if you’re not doing the lifting, overstuffed boxes or boxes that are too heavy can lead to damaged goods.  Make sure all the boxes are a reasonable weight to ensure fewer drops and easy handling.

4. Keep It Organized

What’s the only thing worse than packing?  Unpacking.  Especially if you didn’t bother to organize and label your boxes when you packed.  So organization is a major key to reducing packing stress when you get where you’re going.

5. Protect the Good Stuff

Some of the stuff you’re moving will be irreplaceable.  So swaddle them in a protective layer of bubble.  It’s great for surrounding valuables with a cushiony defense, and filling in any empty space to keep items from rattling around in the boxes.  So the good stuff arrives safe and sound.

6. Keep the Essentials Separate

Here’s a recipe for chaos: pack your every day items with things that you rarely use.  Packing the coffee maker in with the automated break maker?  It’s not a good call.  Be sure to keep those must-have items separate, and keep them together.  You’ll want to have a change of clothes, toiletries, paper towels (and yes, coffee) within easy reach on the first morning in your new place.

7. Boxes aren’t always the answer

If you’re moving, you have visions of endless boxes.  But not everything will fit in a box.  What about the couch and throw pillows?  Or appliances?  Try wrapping them with stretch wrap It’s not just great for keeping pillows with their respective chairs, but can keep fridge doors sealed shut and ward off any dings or nicks during the move.