Would you believe Americans believe that moving is much more stressful than divorce or having kids? Technically, this is true. Moving can be extremely stressful and downright disastrous.
Still, you can make it easy and seamless with the right packing tips. With so many details involved in a moving process, the best thing you can do is start packing early.
To help you out, we have listed 10 of the most helpful packing tips that’ll make your move easier.
1. Plan Your Move
For a seamless moving process, the best thing you can do is formulate a plan. The smaller and more intricate details will help roll out the bigger plan to get there on time. Once you know that you intend to move, create a moving plan immediately.
Start by outlining everything that has to be done and by what date it should be done. This is where you create a checklist for your moving process, arrange things with the moving company, and talk to your landlords. Schedule your moving company as early as possible to avoid last-minute headaches.
2. Get All the Packing Supplies You Need
At the top of your packing checklist are packing supplies like boxes. If you’re looking to save money, you can check for free boxes at your local grocery shops or similar stores. They may have excess boxes they want to get rid of and may be happy to offload them to you.
You could also check whether your friends or family have some boxes they’re not using. Most people will be more than happy to help, especially if they’re taking up space in the storage. Of course, you should ensure the quality and durability of the boxes.
Ensure they’re not compromised due to wear and tear or moisture exposure and won’t fall apart in the moving process. Get boxes in different sizes, not just big ones, then get other supplies, such as markers, sturdy packing tape, and packing materials like newspapers. Get everything you need to prepare for a move.
3. Label Boxes by Room
One of the easiest packing tips you’ll come across is labeling boxes by room. It’ll make packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking easier. You should also list everything inside the box or the kind of stuff inside and whether they’re fragile. Consider printing colored labels for each room to make unpacking easier for the movers.
4. Pack Something Everyday
The last thing you want to do is wait until the last day to pack for a move. Once you know you’re moving, get packing supplies immediately and start the packing process. Depending on your daily schedule, you can set aside at least one hour each day specifically for packing.
Packing at the last minute is going to overwhelm you and stress you out. It will also make unpacking impossible because you won’t know where anything is without enough time to label boxes. Break down the packing process into simple steps because packing and storing are easier than packing last-minute.
5. Use the Right-Sized Boxes
Heavy items should go in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. It’ll make it easy for the moving company to pack the boxes in the moving truck. If larger boxes are too heavy, it’ll be hard to carry them to the truck, and you’ll risk dropping and damages. It’s also vital that you don’t leave empty spaces in the boxes.
Fill spaces and gaps with clothes, packing paper, or foam peanuts. It’ll prevent items from shifting during the move and breaking in the process. It’s a lot easier to use your clothes instead of purchasing foam peanuts to pack fragile items or fill these gaps.
6. Label Furniture Parts and Electronic Accessories
Label furniture drawers or doors that you need to remove before moving, so you know where it goes when putting it back together. Screws and bolts should go into plastic bags with a label of where they belong.
The same goes for electronics, but go a step further and take photos of the back configurations. That’ll make it easier for you to know where the cords go when putting them back together.
7. Items to Pack Away From Household Stuff
You may have certain things in your home that could be hazardous, such as cleaning chemicals and painting supplies. These should not be packed together with household items. It’s best to move them separately or dispose of them before moving.
Alternatively, you can pack them together in clearly marked boxes and put them in a different part of the truck. Some items to move carefully include ammonia, fire extinguishers, auto batteries, and heating agents.
8. Use Plastic Wrap for Items That Could Leak
Anything that has the potential to spill should be well wrapped in plastic. Things like shampoos and hair conditioners may seem tightly sealed, but you never know what can happen, and they could spill all over your other belongings. Please keep all your toiletries separate and use plastic wrap to seal them and avoid spillage.
9. Have a Box for Last-Minute Items
You will have to pack certain things on moving day, so reserve a box or a packing bag. It’s also important to have a relocation essential box or bag, which could even be a personal suitcase.
Some of the items could include your wallet, glasses, valuable jewelry, snacks, and medications. You could also pack things like your laptop if you need to check something during your move.
10. Drain Fuel From Equipment
If you’re moving with any equipment that uses fuel, such as your lawnmower, make sure you drain it. Most moving companies refuse to transport hazardous materials, so you have to make sure everything is safe.
Use moving blankets to protect your equipment, and pack detachable items separately. Any wheeled equipment should be secured in the truck to avoid movement. This is one of the most important packing tips you should make sure you follow for safety purposes.
Packing Tips: Everything You Need to Know About Packing for a Move
Packing for a move doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you start early and organize yourself. Make sure you get the right packing supplies and label each box clearly. You can get colored labels and give each room a different color.
It’ll make it easier for the movers to know what belongs where during unpacking. With these packing tips, you can be sure your move will be much easier.
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