Top Packing Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Move

You planning to move to a new house? How exciting! Meaning that a new life is on your doorstep. Except that the transition to a new life sometimes feels messy, because you have to pack up everything that was in your old apartment, both necessary and unnecessary, and move this huge amount of accumulated stuff to a new place. However, it is better if you do not pull the extra stuff behind you. Moving is a great reason and opportunity to reorganize your life. This stage should be approached with great enthusiasm and with an understanding that it is not some routine work that awaits you, but a very interesting venture.

To successfully go through this reorganization period and experience freedom in the new apartment, it is important to make preparations for the move not chaotically, not in a hurry. It is better to take your time and start preparing in advance. In this article you can find out how to start packing for moving successfully and stress free.

Timing Your Move: how long before moving should you start packing

When to start packing? The best time to begin is 2 or 3 weeks before the move date, or even a whole month in advance. This way, you will be able to spend a little bit of time packing every day, without rushing. 

The first thing to do is to sort out the things you don't use in your daily life, so you do not have to climb into boxes for a toothbrush or plates. It is better to leave the seasonal closet alone for now and start with items like books and souvenirs. Therefore, we suggest starting with smaller items and moving on to bigger ones, starting with souvenirs, trinkets, scarves and only by the last few days get to some global things like again important dishes, bedding, desk and computer.

Room-by-Room: In Which Order To Pack Your Home

Packing should be done room by room. You can start with the most unimportant spaces in your house, such as the balcony or the laundry room, and slowly move on to the living room, your bedroom, kitchen and toilet. Firstly, this will help you maintain structure during the packing process. It will also help you when you have to take things apart when you move into a new house, because then you won't have to jump from box to box looking for little things. You will know very well which boxes contain which items.

Labeling Boxes: A Simple Trick to Avoid Unpacking Chaos

To simplify the unpacking process even more when you arrive at a new place, you should label the boxes. It is also handy to write which room the box belongs to, such as the kitchen or bedroom, and then write down what pieces are in the box. Do not worry about the time it takes to label, as it will save you a significant amount of time when unpacking, and you will not be confused. You will also find it easy to distribute boxes between family members and arrange for one family member to sort out things for the kitchen and another for the bedroom. Nor will you have to constantly run to each other and look for things in each other's boxes. You will be able to quietly go to different rooms and each go about unpacking your things. This way, you will be saved from chaos, unnecessary running around and constant searching.

Donate: Simplify Your Move and Help Others

The next step on your list of tips for packing to move is to actually think carefully about what things you want to take with you to your new apartment and what things you might want to leave. This process can be a bit melancholy, but take time to figure out what you would like to let go of. 

Now, what do you do with the things you choose to part with? It is said that one man's trash is another man's gold, and we are sure that many things that you will not need due to circumstances will be a real treasure for others and the best thing to do is to donate them.  

A number of local organizations like Furniture Bank are willing to help you and do all the work for you. One of their special services is the pick-up and donation of items that you no longer need. Just put your items in a few boxes and give them to the organization. This will really simplify things for you.

Choosing the Right Boxes: Why Quality Packing Materials Matter

We advise you to use quality materials, quality boxes and generally stock up on moving supplies like wrapping paper. This will then give you peace of mind that your belongings will not get damaged during transportation.  

It is actually a very important little thing that will not only pay for itself, but will also come in handy in the future, because all the materials that you purchase once, such as good boxes for example, you can then fold and use in the future.

Do not skimp on materials for boxes. Better to go to a good store and buy a reliable material for transporting everything. Then you will not worry that the bottom of the box may tear and your things will fall apart during shipping. You should choose boxes with thick edges that can hold enough weight without sagging. Better to invest in quality packing materials than take the risk of damaging valuable goods.

Tips for packing fragile items

Packing fragile items can be one of the most nerve-racking parts of moving. No matter if you are moving across the country or across the street, worrying that your things will break or be damaged is a very common concern. Thankfully, with a cautious approach and a little added attention, you can rest assured that your fragile possessions will make it to your new home in perfect condition. There are a few basic tips for packing and moving to make sure you pack your fragile items reliably.

Match the boxes to the size of the items

This is relevant if you decide to pack anything made of glass, clay or porcelain. In this case, it is better to choose small boxes so that each easily breakable item can be packed in one separate box, wrapped in sufficient paper so that the item does not jostle or bang against the walls of other items. This makes smaller boxes better suited for such objects. Be sure to fill in all empty spaces with cushioning materials such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts to keep items from moving around during transportation.

Fasten the base of the carton with additional strips of duct tape

Securing the bottom of boxes with extra strips of duct tape is a simple but effective way to keep the boxes from sagging from the weight of your belongings. A little extra duct tape can offer extra support and provide you with peace of mind that your box won't come apart in transportation.

Place soft packing materials on the bottom of the box

Before you place any item in the box, line the bottom of the box with soft wrapping material. Any soft material can be used. It can be toilet paper, bubble wrap, small towels, or absorbent cotton. We recommend wrapping each item in several layers, because then it will definitely keep them from breaking.

Heaviest items are going down

Always put the heaviest things you have at the bottom of the box as you start packing. Do this to protect the more fragile items from being crushed by the weight of the heavier ones. Check that everything in the box is stable and will not pile up on top of each other.

Buy separators to protect wine glasses

Since wine glasses are especially fragile, there is a very good chance that they could break. To keep them safe, you should buy special dividers to keep each item separate inside the box itself. You can buy such delimiters in any store. They are sold ready-made. There are also special boxes that have such delimiters inside, already built in, specifically for the transportation of glasses and glasses. This will help keep your tableware from breaking during transportation.

Don’t forget to take care of hollow objects

Lots of people neglect to fill the interior space in vases, glasses or, jars, but you really should not. Fill the interior void of these items with towels or wrapping paper. You can use even clothes here. If you do not wish to buy a bunch of wrapping paper, you can put inside your t-shirts, some pants, hats. This way, you can not only protect these items but also save some extra space. 

Don’t underestimate individual wrapping

This is one of the crucial packing hacks for moving. Use the bubble wrap or packing paper to cover the full surface of each item and secure the packaging with tape. For items with removable parts, such as lids, pack the parts separately. If you pack particularly fragile items, consider placing them separately in smaller boxed items.

Final Thoughts

After reading this article you should have no more questions left on what is a packing list. We hope these tips for packing and moving will help ease the transitional process. View it not as something tedious or boring, but as an opportunity to rearrange your life and make room for the new. We are ready to guide our clients so that the whole process of moving brings people together rather than pushing each other away. In our blog you can find many other packing and moving tips that will help to add a little bit of organization to your life. You can easily contact us if you decide you need our help or if you need to ask any additional questions! All other useful information can always be found on our main page here