How to Pack for a Move: Tips and Tricks from the Experts

Moving has always been and remains one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Sorting and packing items into boxes and bags is the most labor-intensive part of the process, which can leave anyone feeling exhausted.

But imagine this: the process can be simplified!

If you’re planning a move, preparation and organization are essential to make the experience much smoother. Drawing from years of experience in managing relocations, we’ve compiled valuable tips to help you along the way.

Getting Started: Essential Moving Supplies Checklist

Moving is a perfect opportunity to assess your belongings and decide which items truly deserve a spot in your new home. While packing, be decisive. Avoid taking things you no longer need or can do without.

Imagine this: the process can be simplified!

If you have a large home, begin sorting no later than 3–4 months before your move. This timeframe allows you to declutter and potentially earn some money by selling unwanted items.

Efficient organization and pragmatism are the two cornerstones of a smooth moving process. This approach reduces the number of boxes, bags, and containers you’ll need to pack and unpack, saving both time and energy.

Excitement and joy about your new home should not be overshadowed by the hassle of packing. To minimize stress, start early with a packing checklist for moving.

The importance of such a list cannot be overstated. It will help streamline the entire process. Begin by gathering these essential moving supplies:

• Cardboard boxes of various sizes.
• Plastic containers.
• Adhesive packing tape.
• Bubble wrap.
• Padding materials (foam, old newspapers, paper, etc.).
• Utility knife and scissors.
• Markers for labeling boxes, along with labels.
• Plastic bags for small items or non-perishable food storage.
• Blankets for extra protection of fragile items and screens.

You might also need a hand cart for lifting heavy boxes and equipment.

Expert Tips on Packing Efficiently

Good organization and planning are key to any successful move. Here are some global tips:

• create a schedule to ensure you have enough time for every stage of the move;
• sort items by room or function to simplify unpacking and organizing in your new home.

Here are additional recommendations on how to pack for moving:

1. Start with items you won’t need in the near future.
2. Pack similar items together (based on their location or use).
3. Pack essential items (like a first-aid kit or flashlight) at the end and place them in a box with clear labeling for quick access.
4. Make sure to label each packed box with a detailed description of its contents. Use color codes for different rooms to make unpacking easier.
5. Avoid overfilling boxes. Leave some empty space at the top to prevent crushing items.
6. Store packed boxes in their respective rooms to simplify the loading and unloading process.
7. Load large items like furniture and appliances into the truck first, followed by smaller boxes.
8. Place screws, bolts, and other fasteners in labeled bags and attach them to disassembled furniture.
9. Make sure to label boxes with fragile items clearly to guarantee they are handled with care.
10. Prepare an “Open First” box with all the necessities you’ll need before fully unpacking. This includes: spare clothes, toiletries, essential kitchen items, as well as medications and gadget chargers.

Place heavy items in smaller boxes and store lighter items in larger containers. This will make loading and unloading easier, reduce the risk of falling boxes, and minimize potential damage during transport.

Best Way to Pack for Moving Room-by-Room

It’s always a good idea to stick to an organized process and pack items by room or purpose. For instance, group books with books, dishes with dishes, and clothes with clothes. This will help you quickly arrange everything in its proper place in your new home.
The most effective way, how to start packing to move, lies in the sequence. This means gradually transitioning from the least used rooms to the most frequently used ones. This approach minimizes the chance of needing an item that has already been packed.

Follow this order:

1. Attic, basement, and garage, as these typically hold rarely used items.
2. Guest rooms and living room.
3. Kitchen.
4. Bedrooms and bathrooms. Ensure essential items are easy to reach until the day of the move.

Concentrating on one room at a time helps prevent feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work. It’s important to pack thoughtfully, considering the weight and fragility of each item.

Packing Your Home Office

When moving, it’s essential to pay special attention to packing electronics, documents, and office supplies. Keep the following in mind:

• use color-coded labels for electronic device cables;
• store documents securely in a box that remains easily accessible;
• arrange books in a staggered pattern, alternating between spines and open edges to balance the weight evenly.

Before disassembling electronics, take photos to ensure easy reassembly. Additionally, back up your computer’s hard drive to protect against potential damage during transport.

Preparing Outdoor and Garage Items for the Move

First of all, think about how you will fold and pack the garden furniture, as well as items from the garage. Before this, everything needs to be carefully prepared:

• remove leftover charcoal and ash from grills and heaters.
• clean and disassemble outdoor furniture.
• wrap sharp tools in cardboard or towels, or keep them in their original cases for safety.

Keep tools that might be needed during the move separate and pack them last.

Efficient Packing for the Kitchen

To avoid spills or leaks, dispose of any open food packages. Also, ensure all kitchen appliances (e.g., toaster, coffee maker) are empty and clean. 

1. Avoid buying large food supplies about a week before the move.
2. Defrost the freezer and refrigerator a few days before moving.
3. Place appliance cords in plastic bags and store them inside the appliances.
4. Any household appliances (refrigerator, microwave, etc.) are best transported in their original boxes.
5. Secure movable parts of appliances (doors, lids, containers, etc.) with adhesive tape.
6. Pack glasses and stemware in boxes with dividers, and place plates vertically.

Wrap fragile items, such as plates and cups, in bubble wrap or use towels or newspapers as cushioning.

Bedroom Packing Tips

Before packing items from the bedroom, review these tips:

• Pack lamps and chandeliers without light bulbs and separate from lampshades to avoid damage.
• Use towels and blankets to wrap paintings and mirrors.
• Cover large glass surfaces with adhesive tape in a crisscross pattern to minimize the spread of shards in case of breakage.
• Whenever possible, pack electronic devices (e.g., TVs) in their original pack.
• Leave clothing on hangers and place them straight into boxes.
• Always keep jewelry with you in a safe case.
• Cover furniture and mattresses with old sheets or blankets to protect them.
• Store bedding and pillows in dust-proof plastic bags and place them in labeled boxes.
• Roll clothes instead of folding them to maximize space in each box.
• Roll rugs and fasten them with plastic ties or rope at multiple points.

While the TV is still connected, take a photo of its back to facilitate a quick setup at your new place.

Packing Essentials for the Bathroom

Pack all essential hygiene items last. The key is to ensure all toiletries are tightly sealed and leak-proof.

1. Wrap liquid cosmetics and cleaning supplies in plastic wrap or put them in plastic bags for extra protection.
2. To prevent the product from leaking, you can further seal the opening. To do this, remove the cap, place a plastic film over it, and then screw the top back on.

Use plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes for liquid items.

Time-Saving Tips for Last-Minute Packing

If you’re on a tight schedule or lack free time, our moving company offers comprehensive packing services. We handle all the packing and transportation to make your move organized, quick, and efficient.

By hiring the skilled movers at Perfectly Fast Moving, who are experts in safe transportation, you can avoid worrying about:

• the safety and security of every package;
• renting a truck for the move;
• loading and unloading heavy items;
• navigating unfamiliar routes.

Even if you think doing everything yourself might be cheaper, consider the following:

• How many vehicles will you need for the move?
• How many gallons of gas will you require?
• Will you be able to act as a mover and carry heavy items for the duration of the move?

We have a license and insurance, and our professional services are always simple, quick, and efficient, regardless of the distance and complexity of the move.

Conclusion

The time needed to pack everything in your home depends not only on the quantity of items and the size of the house, but also on who can efficiently prepare, organize, and pack everything.
Moving is a challenging and meticulous process, so it’s perfectly fine to ask for help from friends and family. This not only speeds up the process but also makes it more enjoyable, especially if everyone is assigned specific tasks (e.g., wrapping fragile items or labeling boxes with markers).

You can make the move enjoyable by adding snacks and music to keep everyone motivated!

And keep in mind, after all the hard work, the most exciting part begins – settling into a brand-new home where your carefully moved belongings will continue to enrich your life from your “previous” one.

FAQ

Where to start preparing for the move?

Begin your move as soon as possible by gathering the essential items for safe and proper packing.

How to securely pack fragile items?

Thoroughly wrap the fragile item in bubble wrap. The more layers, the better. After that, place it in a box. Stuff any gaps with crumpled paper or foam inserts.

What are some quick packing tips if I’m short on time?

The best tip in this case is to hire professional movers from Perfectly Fast Moving, who will take care of the packing and transportation for you.