Updated on May 6, 2024
Packing up everything you own and moving to a new home can be a stressful and challenging task. Plus, moving can leave you feeling surprised, excited, anxious, relieved, and many other emotions simultaneously. The packing and moving tips below can hopefully relieve some of your anxiety. The easiest way to reduce stress is to have a plan! As with most things in life, the more organized you are before moving, the better the outcome, especially if you use a moving company that saves you time and effort.
Preparing for a Move
First and foremost, use a moving checklist. Layout everything you will need to do from start to finish, from changing your address, to buying moving supplies, to coordinating your moving partner, etc. Planning these items as far out as possible will give you some clarity and focus for what needs to be done, allowing you to stay more organized and less stressed.
Tips and Tricks for the Easiest Way to Pack and Move
- Get rid of anything you won’t need before you begin packing. Don’t make more work and stress for yourself by moving unnecessary items. Downsizing now will make your long-distance move more manageable and less expensive. If you won’t have an immediate need for an item but are not ready to part with it just yet, consider storing it for a period of time.
- Stock up on packing supplies. You don’t want to run out of boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape in the middle of your move, especially if you have people over to help. To make packing and moving more simple, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers moving supplies that can be shipped directly to your door or picked up at your local Lowe’s Home Improvement store.
- Be particular about the moving boxes that you use. Every box needs to be in good shape and sturdy enough to protect your belongings. Some stores like Lowe’s will sell especially sturdy or “heavy duty” boxes as well for added peace of mind. Large boxes like TV boxes are also vital for packing your TV and getting your larger, more expensive stuff to your new home safely. Before packing, check all boxes for bugs, cracks, tears, or pre-existing water damage. Double tape the bottom of any box that will contain fragile or heavy items - especially if you are using second hand boxes.
- Spread out the weight of your items in each box and pack them reliably with proper padding. If boxes aren’t fully packed, there is the potential for shifting and damage, so pack boxes as tightly as possible and fill any leftover space with additional wrapping paper, bubble wrap, or linens. Keep the weight of the packed boxes to no more than 50 pounds in a standard box.
- Make sure to label each side of every box to tell what is inside, even if the boxes are stacked. Another option is to mark all sides of the box with a number corresponding to a handwritten or electronic inventory list. This will massively reduce the amount of time it takes to unpack everything in the right order or place.
- Mark boxes with fragile items so that everyone knows to take extra care with these boxes.
- Pack a “moving day” overnight bag for each family member, just like you would pack when going on a trip. Include a pair of pajamas, a change of clothes, and your toiletry items like toothpaste, toothbrush, and shower essentials. For children, pack one or two of their very favorite belongings in their overnight bag to provide assurance.
- Pack enough clothes, toiletries, and medication to make it through several days without your boxed belongings. It makes sense to pack everything you would need as if you were taking a trip.
- Things like jewelry, personal documents, essential electronics, and other valuables should be packed separately and kept with you at all times. If you hire professional movers, insist on moving these items personally, to avoid any potential mishaps.
- Prepare a box or bag with the essentials you’ll need while unpacking: scissors, duct tape, markers, doorstop, etc. A basic toolkit with a hammer, drill, level, screwdrivers, and pliers will come in handy. You should also include cleaning supplies to clean as needed before unpacking in this box. Paper products like toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, paper plates, and disposable cups/utensils are a necessity. Save yourself a trip to the store on an already stressful day by having these necessities on hand.
Packing to Move FAQs
When should you start packing to move?
Give yourself sufficient time to devote to each step of the moving process. The more you leave to the last minute, the more stress you’ll inevitably feel. If possible, you should start planning your move at least two months ahead of the date you would like to move. It would be best to start packing for your move at least six weeks before your move date – you can start with out-of-season items and clothing or stuff you don’t use often. Just a few boxes here and there every few days can give you a great head start.
Using 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable storage containers can help make your move simple and allow you to pack at your pace. We will bring the moving container to your home, and then you can take as long as you need to pack your stuff. When you are done, just give us a call and we will pick it up and deliver it to your new home or place it in storage for as long as you need. Portable storage units make packing for your move simple because of the amount of time you are given to pack your stuff.
Compare that to a traditional moving company or moving truck that forces you to pack everything in one day and move it and there is no denying portable storage is the simpler way to move.
What should be packed first when moving?
Pack off-season and non-essential items that you won’t need or use in the next few weeks. It is best to start in areas of your home that aren’t used as much such as the attic, basement, guest, or spare rooms. Another good place to start is with artwork and home decor items, as these aren’t necessary for the day-to-day tasks of life.
Where is the best place to start when unpacking?
The first item of business in your new home should be setting up and making up the beds. You don't want to get to the end of a long, tiring moving day and realize your mattress is not ready for you to crash! After the beds, the next stop on your unpacking journey should be the bathroom. Getting this space under control will boost your morning routine that will give you momentum to tackle other larger areas that need to be unpacked and organized.
The kitchen should be pretty high on the list of rooms to unpack because the sooner you get the kitchen unpacked, the quicker you can cook at home and save money on take-out.
Most importantly, enjoy your new home and the new adventure it brings. Lean on your family and friends when you feel overwhelmed. Those close to you want to help, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Make Your Move Simple
1-800-PACK-RAT will always be here to help you with moves or provide storage as you are getting set up in your new life. Our portable storage containers are perfect for any local or long-distance relocation you are looking to make. With facilities across the continental United States, we can provide moving and storage services near you when you need them. Check us out today to see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!