How to Start Packing to Move

Moving from your home can be a difficult process. It’s not just about taking all of your belonging and putting them into a truck then hauling them to a new house. Moving takes time and money and could leave you finding yourself at the bottom of a mountain of boxes with no idea where anything is.

Before you start packing for your move, keep a few things in mind. This is not your typical ‘pack your whole house in 6 hours’ article about moving, so be sure you read with an open mind.

Packing for your move is more than just packing up all of the stuff you own and figuring out where it goes later on. It’s important to remember that some people do not have the same definition of ‘stuff’ as you. Whether you move often or it’s your first time, you should get into the right mindset before packing your ‘stuff’. Before you start packing, ask two questions to yourself: When do I actually start this? Where do I start this?

CALCULATE MY MOVE

When to Start Packing?

How early should you start packing? The answer to this question is not the same for everyone. Some people may need more time than others to pack for their move. However, it’s always best to start sooner rather than later. Waiting until the last minute to start packing will only cause stress and lead to mistakes.

If you’re not sure how early you should start packing, try giving yourself at least 2-3 weeks. This should give you enough time to pack everything without feeling rushed. If you have a lot of stuff, you may need even more time than that. If this is the case, start earlier, so you don’t feel overwhelmed and stressed come moving day.

See Also: Packing Outdoor Items for a Move

Where to Start Packing?

The answer to this question will depend on your situation. If you’re moving out of a house or an apartment, start packing up the rooms that you won’t be using anymore. This could include the guest room, home office, or any other room that you won’t need once you’ve moved.

If you’re moving into a house or an apartment, start packing the rooms you will be using right away. This could include the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. You’ll want to leave enough space in each room for all of your belongings, so it’s best to start packing these rooms first.

It’s important to pack smart when moving. Don’t try to pack everything into one box. This will only cause problems when you unpack somewhere. Instead, pack like with like (i.e., kitchen items in one box). Packing smart will make your move easier and faster, so start packing to move today!

Remember not to rush the moving process or try to do everything yourself. Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be if you plan. Start packing to move sooner rather than later, and you’ll be surprised at how much easier your moving day will be!

Also Read: How to Save Space When Packing for a Move

CALCULATE MY MOVE

How to Start Packing?

Get Your Prep Done

It’s important to find a mover as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute could result in not finding a mover or having to pay a higher price. When looking for a mover, be sure to ask for referrals from friends and family. You can also search online for movers in your area.

Once you’ve found a few movers, comparing prices and services is important. Be sure to ask the movers questions about their services, so you know what to expect on moving day. It’s important to choose a mover that you feel comfortable with. Be sure to read reviews online before making your decision.

If you’re moving DIY, plan out your DIY move a few days before. This should give you enough time to figure out the best way to pack all of your stuff and move it safely.

Also Read: How Early Should You Book a Mover?

Label Your Boxes

Labeling your boxes will not only help you keep track of what’s in each box, but it will also help the movers know where to place each box. This will make the moving process much faster and easier.

When labeling your boxes, be sure to include the following information:

• The room the box should go in
• What’s inside the box
• Any special instructions for the movers

This will help the movers know where to place each box and what to do with it when they get to your new home. It will also help you keep track of your belongings once you’ve moved.

If you’re moving yourself, this will be a little bit harder. Instead of labeling the boxes with numbers, it’s best to number each room. For example, if you have three rooms to pack up (living room, home office, guest room), start with “ROOM 1” in the living room and end with “ROOM 3” in the guest room. This way, you’ll know exactly where each box should go at your new home.

Also Read: Where to Get Free Moving Boxes | How to Pack Collectibles

Get Rid of Unwanted Stuff

One of the best ways to make moving easier is to get rid of any unwanted stuff. This could include old furniture, clothes, or any other belongings that you no longer use. Getting rid of this stuff will make the moving process faster and easier. It will also free up some space in your house or apartment. This will make it easier to pack your belongings and move them to your new home.

If you’re having difficulty getting rid of stuff, try holding a garage sale or donating items to a charity. This will help get rid of some of your unwanted belongings and raise some money simultaneously! If you want to be helpful, you can also donate unwanted stuff to a friend or family member.

Also Read: Where to Donate Furniture

Go Room by Room

It’s always a smart idea to go through each room and figure out what you need there. For example, living rooms usually have the most furniture, so maybe it makes more sense for you to pack up your bedroom first. This will help speed up the packing process and keep things organized when moving day arrives.

After you’ve gone room by room:

1. Start packing.
2. Pack your smaller boxes first and move up to the larger ones later. This will help minimize clutter so you can easily find what you need.
3. Pack like with like (i.e., kitchen items in one box).

It’s also a good idea, if possible, to keep similar items together. This will make it easier to find what you need when everything is moved into your new home.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Pack Your Breakables Separately

It’s always a good idea to put together some boxes of breakables. These are more fragile items and could be easily damaged if not packed correctly, e.g., wine glasses, dishes, etc. If you have any breakables, be sure to pack them in smaller boxes so they can easily fit on top of the larger ones.

Be sure to take your time when packing up your belongings. This will help minimize stress and keep things organized for moving day. Please keep track of all of your paperwork (receipts, warranties, etc.) because you will need it when moving into your new home. If you’re hiring a mover, make sure to take lots of photos of any damage to your belongings before the movers arrive. This will help if there are any issues with the move.

Also Read: How to Use Packing Paper for Moving

Tips to Make Moving Easier

• The best time to pack is during the fall and winter when it’s too cold or wet to do anything else.
• If you must pack during the summer, try packing your heavier items first (e.g., books) and lighter ones later (e.g., clothes). This will keep smaller boxes from becoming sweaty, making for easier loading at your new home. Keeping like with like is another good idea because it will make it easier to find what you need when things are being unloaded.
• Don’t forget about cable boxes, computers, and other electronic equipment. Keep these in a safe place until moving day because they will be needed by the movers.
• Put together some small boxes of breakables for moving day, so your more fragile belongings have a safe place to go. Make sure to pack this box on top of your other boxes, so there is minimal risk of damage.
• Pack a first-aid kit because you never know what could happen on moving day. Also, be sure to include some non-perishable snacks and drinks for the movers, if possible.
• Make sure your car is fully loaded if you’re making two trips. Everything has been packed and labeled; double-check that there aren’t any “extras” left behind; Turn off the water, Put all paperwork away for easy access. The following day, put together some snack boxes for the movers, so they have a place to put their drinks and snacks. If possible, you could also do this for them the night before and leave it out so they can grab it on their way to your new home.
• Inform your neighbors of your move. Pick up mail for the next few weeks until you find a new post office. Have utilities transferred into your name. If you’re hiring movers, make sure to take lots of photos of any damage before they arrive.

See Also: How to Move a Trampoline | Where To Donate Clothes Near You

Conclusion

Moving is a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and organizing skills, you can make moving day go by smoothly. In this article, we’ve shared some tips that will help pack up your home more efficiently, so you don’t lose anything in the move or forget something important on moving day. If you want any guidance with how a particular item should be packed before movers arrive, let us know! Our team of experts is happy to offer their advice and assistance as needed. Whether you need an organizational overhaul or just a little bit of support packing up your belongings, our team is ready and waiting for you!

CALCULATE MY MOVE

FAQs

How do I pack my books for moving day?

Books are one of the easiest items to pack for a move. Place them in a box and stack them up. If you have any oversized books, you can place them on top of the other boxes. Be sure to pack heavier books on the bottom and lighter ones on top. This will help keep the boxes from becoming too heavy. This will also help you find your books easier when unloaded at the new home.

How early should I start packing for my move?

A: Ideally, you should start packing for your move a few weeks in advance. This will give you plenty of time to pack everything up without feeling rushed. However, if you’re short on time, you can start packing closer to the moving date, but be prepared for a lot of stress and chaos.

See Also: How To Unpack After Moving | Will Movers Move Alcohol?

What are some packing tips for the summer?

During the summer, it can get very hot and humid, making it tough to pack. The best thing you can do is pack your heavier items first (e.g., books) and lighter ones later (e.g., clothes). This will help keep smaller boxes from becoming sweaty and difficult to open. Minimizing the amount of time you spend packing during the hottest part of the day will also help reduce sweat build-up, so pack up your boxes in the morning or evening. If possible, leave a window open while packing, and don’t forget to take breaks!

What do I need to know about hiring movers? Hiring movers can be costly. Because of this, you’ll want to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If possible, ask for an in-home estimate so they can see the layout of your home and determine how much time it will take them to pack up all of your belongings. Before they arrive, you can also take photos of any damage or imperfections, so you have something to show them if anything is broken during the move. If possible, request a copy of your receipt as well. This will be helpful in case there are any discrepancies after the move has been completed.

Written by
Alex Sherr

Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.