Packing for a move is stressful. We’re not going to pretend that it’s not.
You’ll need to ensure the new home is ready and has no issues. You’ll need to know how you’ll be transporting your items safely, and you’ll need to disconnect utility services and transfer them to the new home. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by a move.
We’re here to show you how to pack for a move in the most stress-free way possible. If you have a plan on how you want to tackle it, then you can do so with ease.
Below is our guide on the best way to pack for moving from one home to another. Continue reading below to get the scoop!
Start the Process ASAP
Our first tip is to start the packing process as soon as you can. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to correct errors and figure things out. If you try to do everything at the last minute, then it’s certain you’ll put a lot of stress on yourself.
Pick a day when you have time and begin to plan out how you’ll move from one home to the other. Will you hire a man with a van to transfer your items for you, or will you enlist in help from friends and family?
Have a date for the move and the help you’ll need planned out and marked on the schedule.
Create Your 3 Piles
When you’re packing up your old home, you’re given the perfect opportunity to declutter and rid your home of all that useless junk you never use. To do so, you’ll want to create 3 piles.
As you go through each room, create 1 pile of items you’re keeping, 1 pile of items you’re donating, and another pile of items you’re throwing away. This will ensure you’re not taking any items you don’t want or need with you into your new home.
You can also consider selling some of your old items if they’re in good shape and you simply no longer have use for them. Some extra cash during a move always comes in handy.
Pack Room by Room
To make things as simple as possible, pack up your home room by room. Don’t start one room until you’ve finished packing the first one. This will help you stay organized and sane.
You should start with the rooms that you use the least. For example, begin by packing up your guest bedroom, attic, the basement, or the office. You don’t want to start with the bathrooms or kitchens, because you’ll still need to use these rooms during the moving process.
Have 1 Essential Box Per Person
There will be a few items that can’t be packed until the last minute. These items typically include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoos and conditioners, toilet paper, and other toiletries.
Because of this, each family member should have their own box for essentials. Their essential box stays with them at all times so their items are always available to them. There’s no sense in packing these items up and then having to dig through the boxes to find them and use them throughout the move.
Make an Inventory Checklist as You Go
While you pack, don’t forget to make an inventory list. An inventory list is essential for ensuring nothing is lost, stolen, or forgotten. It’s even more crucial when you’re using the help of a moving company.
It’s the best way to keep track of everything. Create the list as you pack and then check off items on the list as you unpack.
Label Everything and Keep Rooms Together
Don’t place items in a box and seal them up without labeling them first. You’ll want to label EVERYTHING. It may seem like a tedious task, but it’ll save you lots of time and stress when it comes time to unpack in the new home.
You’ll also want to load boxes from the same room together on the moving truck. All kitchen boxes should be piled together and so on. Also, keep in mind that you’ll want to place toiletries in plastic bags.
If you’re packing any type of item that has the possibility of spilling, you’ll be thankful you placed it in a baggie.
Know What Items Can’t Go on a Moving Truck
Not all items can go on a moving truck. It could be a disaster if your moving company needs to remove different items from each of your boxes because they’re unable to transport them.
If you’ll be using a moving company, then take the time to give them a call before you start packing and ask them what items they won’t move for you. These items can then go in a box labeled with the room they came out of and a note that they can’t go on the truck.
Don’t Unpack Drawers or Containers
You want to make the process as simple as you can. There’s no need to unpack drawers or containers just to place the items in a box. If you can keep your knick-knacks or clothing items inside their drawers, then do so.
The same is true for any type of container you have in your home. Pack the containers with all of the items inside them.
Know How to Pack for a Move and Remain Stress-Free
If you know how to pack for a move, then you can remain stress-free and focus on other more important things regarding the moving process. Use this guide above to help you navigate your move!
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