Perfect Packing makes life so much easier. We have the best 10 tips how to best pack for a move. Our guide contains proven techniques recommended by the best experts in the field. There are three keys to moving efficiently and quickly. Money, manpower and knowledge. Money gets you qualified help like movers, professional organizers and other manpower that can pack your houses in a day or two. Alternatively, consider hiring a lifestyle concierge that can manage the entire process for you!
Alternatively, starting early, being focused and having the right packing material makes moving houses far more efficient. The golden rule is: the less you have, the faster you can be. Therefore, start decluttering as early as possible and begin packing at least 6 weeks ahead. The key to productivity is focusing about one area at a time.
Start with items that need extra care to pack like vases, pieces of art, electronics and kitchen items like glasses.
Moving Hacks That Make Packaging Easy
Here are my best secrets for packing smartly.
- Try to create a packing room
- Keep a first aid kit handy.
- Stuff your shoes with small items to maximize space
- Put heavy items, like books, in small boxes;
- Be careful with weight. Avoid packing too heavy.
- Put light items, like linens and pillows, in bigger ones
- Label each box with the room it’s destined
- Label the content of each box
- Mark boxes with a priority
- Don`t pack air
- Label on two sides
- Get Different box sizes
- Put heavy items on the bottom
- Don`t put items from different rooms in the same box
- Tape boxes well especially the bottom
- keep all screws and hardware in a plastic bag. Label the bag and tape it to the item itself,
- Alternatively designate a separate box with hardware for hardware
- Colored packing tape can be used to distinguish boxes
How To Best Pack For A Move Tip 1: Packing Materials
How many moving boxes do I need?
One of the most common mistakes is not having enough packing material. Especially running out of boxes which wastes time. The rule is to get 10 small, 7 medium and 8 large boxes per room. Everything depends on whether you have decluttered and what kind of personality you have. A minimalist certainly has less to pack and move.
Every packing person should be equipped with a packing kit including boxes, paper, tape, scissor and permanent marker.
- Use laundry baskets, trash bins, and suitcases as boxes.
- Keep light blankets, beach towels and linens as pads
- Paper towels
- Scissors
- Get used boxes
Shopping list for packing material
- Wardrobe box
- Moving boxes in different sizes
- Wine/liquor boxes
- Packing tape
- Packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Permanent markers
- Vacuum bags for clothes
- Garment bags
How To Best Pack For A Move Tip 2: Packing Clothes For Moving
Wardrobe boxes are easy to fill as you can leave all items on the hangers. Light items can also be placed on the bottom. As they are expansive, the alternative is to wrap them in large trash bags. This will also create less trash after your move is completed.
Some experts love using plastic wraps. They can easily be wrapped to the exact length of your hanging clothes. You can wrap together as many items as you like and they are easy to carry. Garment bags are another nice alternative as no wrapping is needed.
Think about labelling. Would you like to separate clothes depending on the season? Will everything go in the same room? You might also want to know where to find socks, sweaters and pants. You could also pack a few outfits for the first week if needed.
How to pack clothes for a move
How To Best Pack For A Move Tip 3: Packing Shoes For A Move
Make sure you separate expensive shoes from everyday shoes. The less expensive ones can be placed in a basket or moving box. Luxury shoes should be wrapped individually in paper and then be placed in an empty wine or liquor box with dividers. It is a great way to keep shoes organized while moving. Filling shoes with paper is the best way to make sure they don’t deform.
How To Best Pack For A Move Tip 4: Packing Books For A Move
The main problem with packing books is their weight. My advice is therefore to pack books in small boxes. Also secure the bottoms with extra tape.
Depending on the value of your books you might want to divide hardcover and paperbacks. Hardcover books should stand straight. You could wrap valuable books in acid-free paper. This will never turn yellow or deteriorate. Also make sure you protect books from dampness. An extra layer of bubble wrap also adds to the protection. Stiff cardboard placed between each volume keeps the spines straight and prevents any movement.
Storages and garages should have room temperature control. Also make sure to cover.
Tip 5: How to Pack Art/Pictures/Paintings For A Move
The good news is that there are boxes for everything. If you have a piece of art that needs extra protection, get an artwork box. Bubbles wrap an extra layer around every painting. Avoid paper. If you put more than one piece in a box, consider a piece of cardboard in between. Secure the box with an extra blanket.
How To Best Pack For A Move Tip 6: How to Pack Electronics For A Move
Packing electronics needs focus as the risk of damage is extremely high. Ideally you still have the original boxes for packing. Especially TV screens are easy to break and should definitely be put in a box with bubble wrap and transported straight up. Never put them flat and put anything on top.
Take a picture of the back of the devices to be sure where all wires will go.Also try to avoid tangled wires by using rubber bands or bubble wrap. Most product manuals have a section for transportation. Surprisingly washing machines can be fragile and should be extra secure during transportation.
In case oue electronics such as computers and TVs need to be stored make sure the units are climate-controlled.
Tip 7: How to Pack Dishes For A Move
When packing dishes keep in mind that they get heavy quickly. Pack dishes on their sides, never flat. Put paper between each dish. Bundle a three or four together and wrap bubble-wrap around them. Also use plenty of bunched-up paper as padding above and below. Cups and bowls can be placed inside one another, with paper in between. There are special dish-barrel boxes which are used for dinnerware, glasses and dishes.
How To Best Pack For A Move Tip 8: How to Pack Glasses For A Move
Glasses are best packed in wine/liquor boxes with dividers. Each glass needs to be wrapped in paper or even better bubble wrap. The rule is: the more protection the better.
Wrap each glass
Only fill ⅔ of the box. You will need room at the top for extra packing material. As an extra precaution gently shake the box back and forth before sealing.
Recommended For you: Ultimate Healthy Lifestyle Guide
Tip 9: How to Pack Mattress For A Move
Mattresses are sensitive to moisture and dirt. So make sure they are wrapped in plastic. You can buy special mattress bags. Storage is not ideal. Better sell it and buy a new one instead.
How To Best Pack For A Move Tip 10: Packing Valuables For A Move
Get an overview first. Check what you can transport yourself. Are there any items that might require an insurance coverage for your move? If you use a mover, ask if any items are excluded. Easy items like your social security card, passports and other documents should be kept on person during moving day.
A Word From Healthylifestyleflorida.com
Packing is a huge project that can give you sleepless nights. Good organization is the key to less stress and being on top of things. Make a list with everything that matters or bothers you when you think of packing. Identifying your needs is the first step into the right direction.
Start planning today – You will love what you can be.
Recommended for you: Simple and Savvy Stress Management and Less Stress Moving – 13 hot tips for an early move.
