Moving can be stressful, but tried-and-true packing tips can make your transition smoother. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, packing efficiently is the key to saving time and space.
At The Moving Company, we’ve seen it all. We’re a veteran-owned and operated business with decades of experience in the moving game. In this blog post, we share strategies we’ve picked up over the years to safely transport your items. Keep reading to discover packing tips and tricks to master your move.
Packing Tips 101: Keep Calm and Stay Organized
Moving day is bound to feel hectic. With plenty of advance planning, you can keep things on track for you and your family. You can tailor our packing tips to meet your specific needs as your big move approaches!
Color-Coded Packing Strategies
Use different colored masking tape to label boxes by room. This simple hack ensures that movers know exactly where each box belongs, saving time during unpacking. Create a color code cheat sheet to keep everyone on the same page.
The Moving Caddy, Your Handy Packing Companion
Assemble a portable caddy with all your packing supplies, such as tape, markers, scissors, and bubble wrap. This keeps everything you need within reach, eliminating the constant search for supplies.
Not sure what you need for your move? The Moving Company offers packing and moving supplies so that you have everything you need ready to go. Our team will provide boxes, packing paper, labels, cargo straps, and anything else you need for a seamless move.
Develop a Simple, Streamlined Labeling System
Use shorthand symbols or stickers to mark boxes. Instead of writing “fragile” on each box, use a symbol like “F” with a circle around it to streamline the process. Just make sure everyone involved in your move is looped in on your system. With this approach, you can ensure delicate items are transported safely during your relocation.
Create an “Unpack First” Box
Prepare a box with essentials like toiletries, towels, and a change of clothes. This ensures you have what you need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Make sure you load this in your vehicle or moving truck last so that you can easily access it.
Packing Tips for Pros: The Russian Doll Technique
Employ the Russian doll technique by nesting smaller boxes inside larger ones. This method saves space and keeps smaller items organized. Pack small items like spices or jewelry inside pots to maximize space and keep them organized. This can also keep you from needing to spend extra money on boxes or packing materials. By making use of what you already have, you can save money when moving on a budget.
Save Space With Vacuum Sealed Bags and Press and Seal Wrap
Utilize large vacuum seal bags for items like linens, blankets, and pillows. These bags compress items, saving space in your moving truck or storage containers.
Use press and seal wrap to keep items like cutlery organizers and makeup drawers intact. This method seals items tightly, allowing you to pack them as-is without disassembling.
Protect Clothes With Garbage Bags or Garment Bags
Slip large garbage bags over hanging clothes to keep them clean and organized. Simply tie the top to seal, eliminating the need to remove clothes from hangers.
If you have particularly nice clothing you want to protect, you might want something sturdier than a garbage bag. Use zipper garment bags for dresses and other delicate items. These bags protect clothes from dust and wrinkles, making them easy to pack and transport.
Roll Clothes Instead of Folding
Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. This technique is especially useful for packing clothes in drawers.
Organize Clothing and Accessories With Packing Cubes
Use packing cubes to organize smaller items like socks and accessories. These cubes make unpacking easier and keep your belongings tidy. They also fit neatly into suitcases or moving boxes.
Packing Tips to Prevent Leaks and Spills from Liquids
Liquid items can be difficult to transport. Not every lid or bottle is leak-proof. To ensure your laundry soap, shampoo, and grocery items arrive with minimal mess, you need to plan ahead. Pack liquids separately to prevent damage to other items. Secure them tightly to avoid leaks.
Tackling Large Furniture and Appliances: Packing Tips for Efficiency
Large furniture and appliances can be the most challenging items to transport. Here are some packing tips to help you save time and space:
- Disassemble When Possible
If your furniture can be disassembled, such as tables or beds, take it apart to make it easier to transport and store. Keep all screws and bolts in labeled bags to ensure they don’t get lost.
- Use Protective Coverings
Wrap large items like sofas and mattresses in protective coverings to prevent damage during transit. Use furniture blankets or plastic covers specifically designed for this purpose.
- Measure Doorways and Hallways
Before moving large appliances or furniture, measure doorways, hallways, and stairways to ensure they will fit. This can save you from having to maneuver items multiple times or worse, damaging them.
- Hire Professional Help
For extremely heavy or bulky items like refrigerators or pianos, consider hiring professional movers. The Moving Company has the equipment and expertise to handle these items safely and efficiently.
- Plan Ahead for the Delivery
Schedule the delivery of large items first to ensure they are placed in the moving truck or storage space efficiently. This will help maximize space and reduce the risk of damage to other items.
Putting These Packing Tips Into Practice
Efficient packing means creating a system that saves time, space, and stress. By incorporating these hacks, you’ll be well on your way to a smoother move. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, our packing tips will help you navigate the process with confidence.
Additional Packing Tips for a Smooth Move
- Start packing non-essential items weeks before your move date.
- Take the opportunity to declutter your home before moving.
- Keep a moving binder with important documents and contacts.
- Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family for assistance.
- Moving is physically demanding; take time to rest and hydrate.
By combining these strategies with the packing tips outlined above, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful and stress-free move.
Let Us Do the Heavy Lifting for You
Packing tips can help you feel prepared, but sometimes it’s best to let the pros handle the job! Reach out today to schedule our services for your next move.