Tips for Properly Packing Before a Move

Relocating to a new home can be an exhilarating yet stressful experience. Among the various challenges, packing often stands out as one of the most daunting tasks. By implementing effective strategies, you can turn packing into a smooth and organized process. Whether you're moving across town or to a new city, following some key tips can help ensure that your belongings are safely transported, and your move goes as seamlessly as possible.

Start Early and Make a Plan

One of the biggest mistakes people make when preparing for a move is waiting until the last minute to start packing. Moving requires planning, and the sooner you start, the less overwhelming the process will be. Begin by creating a moving checklist that includes all of your tasks, such as packing and boxing your loose items, hiring a licensed and insured moving company, and updating utilities and billing information.

Declutter Before You Pack

Moving offers an ideal chance to declutter your home. Take a moment to evaluate your possessions and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. There's no need to pack and move items that you no longer need or use. Decluttering reduces the number of items you need to pack and streamlines the unpacking process in your new home, resulting in a more organized and efficient transition. By only packing the essentials, you have an opportunity to control costs for your personal moving budget.

Label Your Boxes Clearly

Labeling is key to staying organized during a move. As you pack each box, make sure to label it with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. This simple step can save you hours of frustration when it comes to unpacking. You’ll know exactly where each box needs to go, which will help streamline the process once you arrive.

It can also be helpful to mark boxes that contain fragile items with a “FRAGILE” sticker or note. This way, both you and the movers will know how to handle these boxes with extra care. Another helpful tip is placing color stickers or other external markers to add a helpful visual for the movers to put boxes in the intended rooms and spaces.

Pack One Room at a Time

Instead of packing random items from different areas of the house, focus on one room at a time. This approach helps you stay organized and ensures that items from the same room are packed together. It also makes the unpacking process much easier, as you can unpack room by room rather than sifting through mixed items.

Start with rooms that are less frequently used, such as the guest bedroom or storage areas, and work your way to essential spaces like the kitchen or bathroom. This allows you to pack gradually without disrupting your daily routine too much.

Protect Fragile Items

When packing fragile items like dishes, glassware, or electronics, it’s crucial to take additional precautions to ensure they are adequately protected. Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper, and place them snugly in the box to prevent movement. You can also use soft items like towels or blankets to provide additional padding.

Don’t Overpack Boxes

While it may be tempting to pack boxes to the brim to minimize trips, overpacking can result in damaged items or injuries to movers. Keep the weight of each box manageable. Heavier items, like books, should be packed in smaller boxes, while lighter items can go in larger boxes. Distribute weight evenly, especially in boxes that contain fragile items. This prevents boxes from tipping over and helps keep your belongings safe during the move.

Hire Professional Movers for Large or Fragile Items

If you have large, heavy, or fragile items, such as furniture, appliances, or artwork, consider hiring professional movers to handle them. Professionals have the experience and tools necessary to safely move these items, ensuring they arrive in one piece. Trying to move large or delicate items on your own can lead to damage or injury, so it’s worth the investment to get professional help.

Packing for a move can be overwhelming, but with proper planning and organization, it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips in this article, you can make the packing process smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, being prepared will help ensure that your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

Contact our team at Redondo Van & Storage to learn more.