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Are you planning on packing up before moving home? Whether you’re moving within the same city or not across the country, packing for a move can be mentally and emotionally draining.
And yet, it’s better to start prepping early to make sure that you don’t forget anything important.
If you’re wondering how to pack for a move, here are a few tips that can help you with the process. Keep reading!
Start as Early as Possible
When it comes to packing for a move, starting as early as possible is key! Gathering the necessary supplies, making a plan, and gathering friends or helpers if needed are essential.
Start by compiling a moving checklist of all items to pack, and decide which are essential and which can be packed later. If you need help, make sure to book it ahead of time. Also, it’s helpful to keep an inventory list of all items packed.
Declutter Some Items
One of the important moving tips to consider is decluttering some items. It is essential to take an inventory of all the items before deciding what should stay and what should go.
Many people usually find that there are things that haven’t been used in years, building up physical and mental clutter. Assessing each item can also help save costs on supplies and be more eco-friendly in the process.
Getting rid of items will also decrease the entire weight of the load. Taking the time to really declutter is an effective and impactful step for a smooth packing process.
Know the Guidelines for Sorting Items
Know what needs to be packed first, what should be packed last, and all other items in between. Start by packaging the fragile items first and use packing material such as newspaper or bubble wrap to help keep them safe.
Next, move on to the non-fragile items, such as books and clothing. Items that you plan to donate or give away can be set aside in a separate box so you can easily donate them afterward.
Lastly, pack the items you will need when you first arrive at your new home such as beds, bedding, kitchen utensils, and toiletries. Your move will be much smoother if you sort and pack your items according to their importance.
Prepare Packing Materials
Prepare packing materials in advance of your move. This includes obtaining boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labeling materials. Boxes should be of varying sizes so that they can accommodate different types of items. With packing tape, make sure to use plenty of it to securely seal boxes and prevent items from shifting during transport.
Bubble wrap can protect delicate items from damage, and labeling materials ensure that everything will be put in the right place when you arrive at your destination. Additionally, make sure to obtain moving blankets so your furniture will stay secure during transport. With the right materials, your move will be a breeze!
Get Different Types of Moving Boxes
Knowing the different types of moving boxes and their recommended uses can help make the process easier. First and foremost, invest in high-quality boxes of varying sizes. Invest in large, medium, and small boxes for different items.
Additionally, consider specialty boxes such as wardrobe boxes for clothing, dish packs for crockery and glassware, and a mattress box for mattresses. Taking the time to pack with the appropriate boxes properly will not only save you time and energy during the move but will also keep your items safe and secure.
Strategies for Storing Fragile Items
Fragile items should be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper and packed carefully into their own, labeled boxes. Make sure each box is labeled with a FRAGILE warning and has a list of the contents. Due to the delicate nature of some items, place separators (e.g. cardboard and Styrofoam) between layers of items.
Avoid putting heavier items on top of lighter objects to prevent crushing and breakage. Also, cushioning fragile items with crumpled packing paper rather than packing peanuts will provide greater protection from vibrations. Additionally, take the time to measure boxes, and don’t overload them.
Finally, if anything is particularly sensitive and irreplaceable, consider shipping it directly to your destination separately and outside of the moving van. If handled properly, fragile items should arrive at their destination unscathed and in perfect condition.
Practical Advice on Labeling Boxes
When it comes to packing for a move, labeling boxes is an important step. Labels help to keep track of what items are in each box and which room they should end up in once you arrive at your new home.
You must be descriptive and detail each box’s contents. Also, create a master list of items to check off once all are packed. Do label identifiers into each box such as the room location, a box number, and the contents.
Moreover, it is helpful that you color code the labels or use stickers to indicate priority compared to other boxes. Then, take pictures of each box and its contents for documentation.
Put this practical packing advice and moving tips into practice and make your move stress-free. Also, hiring the help of a reliable moving company makes the moving process a lot easier on your end.
Do You Now Feel Excited About Packing for a Move?
Overall, moving is an overwhelming task, but packing for a move with the right planning and techniques can help make the job much simpler. Have moving boxes, packing paper, and tape on hand, and determine ahead of time what should be moved and what can be discarded.
Strategically packing as early as possible and labeling accurately is the key to a successful move. Don’t forget to call professional movers if needed – just be sure to plan in advance for the best results!
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