Moving from one household to another can, on the surface, initially be a bit daunting. There always seems like there is an inordinate amount of work to do. From thinking about what needs to be transported, to actually moving, the process can be tiring if you are not properly prepared. Thankfully, professional movers can help make this experience as easy and stress-free as possible.
With the appropriate research and planning completed prior to the move, you will find that moving can be done with as little trouble as possible. It all starts with knowing how to pack your belongings. Here are seven easy ways on how to pack efficiently for a move:
1. Gather the moving supplies
Before you learn how to pack efficiently for a move, you’ll want to ensure that you have the required packing materials ready. This entails making sure that all boxes have been acquired, and supplies such as packing tape have been bought. Since your possessions will come in varying sizes and shapes, having different types of boxes will be necessary as well.
As it pertains to the moving boxes, make sure that they are strong and durable enough to carry a specific weight. Good quality materials such as padding supplies and bubble wrap will also be needed. No matter the magnitude of the move, ensuring you have the right supplies beforehand is often the most important step.
2. Identify what needs to be moved
You are most likely moving to an entirely new property; therefore, not everything is needed for transport. While some items may have enough sentimental value to bring along, others may just be unnecessary to pack. You should rationally determine what you actually need to pack versus what may just need to go in the trash bin.
To begin packing efficiently for a move, it would be best to have a separate pile in your current household for discarding items that contribute to clutter. Work one room at a time to ensure the decluttering process goes as smoothly as possible. For the items you will not be needing anymore, consider donating or selling them. If you ever wanted to conduct a yard sale, now would be the best time to do it!
3. Pack items by their importance
Now that your possessions have been organized by prioritization, the next step is to pack them accordingly. When you move to your new residence, the unpacking process usually won’t happen the same day. However, you will be needing some essential items immediately once you have entered your new property.
This is why you need to conduct a “last on” approach to packing efficiently for a move. Your fundamental items should be packed last in their respective boxes, so that you’ll have easy access to them when you open the box. These specific items can range from clothes to toiletries, so make sure you organize your boxes accordingly.
4. Pack items by the room category
Now that the groundwork has been laid, you should start packing your possessions. The best way to initiate the process? Start with one room at a time. That way, you’ll be able to clear out your items in an organized manner, while still staying relatively on schedule.
When you pack efficiently for a move, the best rooms to start with are your bedrooms. Then, proceed working your way down to the living room and kitchen.
5. Watch the weight of the boxes
Even though you have the required boxes for transporting your items, it is still necessary to be cognizant of what’s going into them. The most important factor here is overall weight; some items are not supposed to be lumped together with other belongings. Designate heavy items to be packed elsewhere, so that they don’t break your boxes during the move!
6. Use unwanted items for extra support
That old rag or towel you have lying around? Don’t discard it just yet; you could use it for extra support for your other possessions. For the items that are most fragile, consider using that old towel as a wrap for the item. This will ensure that it gains extra protection when put into its respective box.
Items such as vases or dishes should always have as much protection as possible. Bubble wrap is a great start; but you should always be prepared to be one step ahead of potential disaster. This way, your fragile items will be in perfect condition once the move is complete!
7. Label your moving boxes
Once everything has been packed efficiently in their respective boxes, you should label them accordingly. In saying this, it is now time to grab a nearby Sharpie. Make sure each box is labelled according to where it is going to be placed once you have moved. That way, you won’t be frantically running around trying to figure out which box goes where at your new household!
With enough preparation, packing can be relatively simple. The most important step during the process is planning ahead. That way, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache when it comes time to actually pack. As the old adage goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!
