Proper packing is key to a successful move. When all of your belongings are properly packed, it means that your belongings will stay safe. Proper packing also means your belongings will take up less space, which means fewer boxes to move and lower moving costs. Here are some vital packing tips to help your next move go smoothly.
Start Early
You might not want to start packing months in advance, but you should make a packing plan well before your move. Even seemingly-simple tasks like getting boxes and other moving supplies should be done at least 4 weeks before the move. Start packing up some items which you don’t use, such as holiday decorations and basement items, a month in advance. You should also begin sorting through your belongings as soon as you find out you are going to move.
Take Inventory
About 1 to 2 months before moving, go through your home and note any valuable items which need to be moved. Take pictures of these and put on a removable storage device. You will also want to write down any serial numbers. Put these in a designated moving binder.
Note Difficult Items
While taking inventory, also note any items which might be difficult to move, such as:
• Large items
• Furniture which needs to be disassembled
• Fragile items like antiques
• Breakable items
• Framed items like mirrors
• Electronics
• Lampshades
Come up with a packing plan for these items. Obtain any special boxes and padding which is needed for the items. Or, contact your moving company about having them pack these items for you.
Purge Thoughtfully
If you are like most people, then your home is laden with items which you don’t use or need anymore. Moving is a good reason to finally rid yourself of these items. Since getting rid of your belongings can be emotional, start early and go slowly. Don’t try to purge your entire home in a single day. Maybe do one room per day or week, depending on how much time you have.
Consider how you will get rid of the items. Sort them into piles such as trash, donation, or for sale. If you plan on having a garage sale, then you should do this at least 1 month before moving.
Organize By Room
A few weeks before you move, take the time to really organize your home so all belongings are returned to their proper place. This will make it easier to pack by room so you don’t end up with socks packed in with your dishes.
Get the Right Packing Supplies
You will probably need more boxes then you realize. As a general guideline, here are how many boxes you will likely need.
| Rooms | Small Boxes | Medium Boxes | Large Boxes |
| 1-2 | 8-10 | 3-5 | 3-5 |
| 3-4 | 12-15 | 8-10 | 6-8 |
| 5-6 | 20-25 | 12-15 | 8-10 |
| 7-8 | 30-40 | 20-25 | 12-15 |
You will also need 1-5 dish packs, depending on how many dishes you have. If you wish to use wardrobe boxes, then get 1-2 wardrobe boxes per wardrobe. Use 1 file box per filing cabinet drawer which needs to be moved.
In addition to boxes, you will need these packing supplies:
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Tissue paper
• Labels
• Waterproof markers
Label All Boxes with a System
The most important packing advice is that you should take the time to label every box. It is really worth it to buy some professional box labels at an office store or online. To make unloading and unpacking easier, assign each box a different color label. Then the boxes can be easily unloaded in the right room, saving you time and energy.
Use Up Unmovable Items before the Move
Some items can’t be moved with you, such as paint, propane tanks, and cleaning supplies. It may void your insurance if these items are taken with you. You also should not move any perishable items like food stuffs. A few weeks before the move, start using up or disposing of these items and do not buy any new ones.
Do Laundry
Starting weeks in advance, start laundering any items which need it, including items like blankets and stuffed animal toys. Your family’s clothes should be laundered about a week before the move. Keep a separate bag for dirty items.
Have Area Rugs Professionally Cleaned
About 1-2 weeks before the move, have your area rugs professionally cleaned. Many rug cleaning services will also pack your rugs for you for free.
Make a Survival Box
Set aside all the items you will need to get by during the first few days of your new home. This will include clothes, toiletries, basic cooking and eating supplies, a few toys for the kids, and pet supplies like a leash and water/food bowel.
Designate Boxes as “Open First”
Set aside items which you will need first when arriving to your new home. This may include coffee, tea, a kettle, some dishes and cups, utensils, snacks, and sponges/clothes for cleaning. Mark this box as “open first.” Have the moving people put it on the truck last so it will be taken off first.