Nearly 15.3 million households in America move every year. If you considering being one of them, then you may be wondering how to pack for a move.
Packing is one of the most intimidating aspects of moving for many. With the proper planning and preparation, however, your residential move can be easier than ever.
How to Pack for a Move: Every Step to Take
After you have finished all of the necessary home repairs and tied up all of your loose ends, it is time to start packing. When it comes to packing, there are many steps you can take to make the process run smoothly. Here is an overview of the most important things to consider when packing for a move.
Step 1: Make a Timeline and Buy Your Materials
The first step to take when preparing for a household move is to make a timeline and get all of the necessary moving supplies. Make sure you know exactly when you need to be out of your home or when the movers are coming to load your belongings onto their truck. This will help you determine a solid packing schedule.
You will then want to purchase all of the materials you will need for your move. Make sure to consider buying the following supplies before you begin packing:
- Boxes
- Packing tape
- Permanent markers
- Scissors
- Moving straps
- Newspapers
If you don’t want to buy your boxes new, then you may be able to save money by asking friends and family for extra boxes. You can also go to your local grocery store and ask if they have any extra boxes that you can take.
Step 2: Declutter
Decluttering your home before a move is something you will thank yourself for later. Clean out your closet and decide what you can’t live without. Get rid of duplicates of items that you have acquired over the years.
Once you have chosen the items you want to get rid of, you can donate them to your local thrift shop or offer them to friends. If you aren’t completely sure about certain items, you may want to consider investing in short-term storage and revisit them later.
Step 3: Set Your Necessities Aside
The moving process can take a long time, so it is essential to set aside the items you can’t live without for more than a few days. Gather all of your personal hygiene products and sentimental belongings.
Many people prefer to pack each family member a suitcase for them to take with them during the transit period. This allows everyone to be responsible for their valuable items.
Step 4: Learn What Movers Won’t Take
If you are using a moving company, then you will save valuable time by learning what they won’t load onto the truck.
Here are just a few things movers won’t take:
- Gasoline
- Matches
- Nail polish remover
- Fireworks
- Paints and paint thinners
- Pool chemicals
- Cleaning supplies
- Hair sprays
Most of these products are flammable or explosive, so movers will not transport them for safety reasons.
It is also a good idea to move any sentimental items on your own. Items that cannot be replaced may be safer in your possession. Cards, cash, and other financial documents should also be kept close.
Step 5: Pack Room-by-Room
Once you are ready to start packing, take it one room at a time. Only put belongings from the same room into each box. Mixing items from different rooms will only create more work in the future.
Make sure that you completely finish packing one room before moving to the next. This will ensure that you don’t leave any belongings behind or shove items in the wrong boxes at the last minute.
Step 6: Label Your Boxes
One of the most helpful moving tips is to label your boxes. Labeling your boxes by room will make the entire moving process easier. It is also a good idea to label boxes with fragile items so you and your movers know to handle them with care.
Another important tip is to label your boxes by priority. If you know you will need something quickly after moving in, then mark the box to be opened first. This will eliminate the need to go through every box to find one specific item.
Other Helpful Tips
There are a few other things to keep in mind while completing these steps. Here are a few packing tips that may help you have a smoother move.
Wrap Small Items in Colored Paper
Many people accidentally throw away small items during the packing process. To keep this from happening, wrap small belongings in colorful paper. This will help to differentiate your valuable items from the rest of your packing materials.
Pack Dishes With Extra Care
Dishes and other fragile kitchen items should be wrapped individually and stacked vertically. You may also want to consider padding the top and bottom of these boxes with towels for extra cushioning.
Ship Your Books
Many movers will charge by weight, and books pack on a lot of extra pounds. Shipping your books to your new address will likely be cheaper than moving them.
Are You Ready for Your Move?
Learning how to pack for a move can be intimidating at first, but with the proper planning, it can be a breeze.
Before packing, however, you need to sell your home. If you haven’t sold your home, then there are always options for you.
If you are looking for a quick and easy home sale, then you may want to consider selling for cash. If you want to learn more about this option, then contact us today for everything you need to know.