Moving? Here's How to Pack Efficiently Without Losing Your Mind

Moving soon? Get top tips on decluttering, room-wise packing, using the right materials, labeling, and safe transport for a stress-free move.

Moving to a new home is an exciting but challenging process that requires careful planning and organization. Starting early and implementing efficient packing strategies will help alleviate stress and make your move more manageable. In this blog post, we will provide valuable tips on how to start planning and organizing early for a successful move.

Start Planning and Organizing Early

Begin packing well in advance of the move date if possible. Moving is a major undertaking that requires extensive planning and preparation. The earlier you start, the more manageable and organized the process will be.

Ideally, start packing 2-3 months before your target move date. This gives you plenty of time to sort through belongings, acquire supplies, and pack methodically without feeling rushed.

Make a detailed packing timeline and checklist to stay on track. Break down packing goals week-by-week leading up to moving day. Identify target dates for having each room packed, furniture disassembled, supplies purchased, etc.

Go through every room and storage area in your home. Be ruthless about deciding what to keep, donate/sell, or trash. Anything you don't need or use should be removed from the home prior to packing. This prevents you from wasting time and money moving items that will just be discarded later.

Sorting and purging in advance reduces the total volume needing packed and transported. It also eliminates future clutter in your new home. Take advantage of this opportunity for a fresh start and downsize belongings to just essentials.

Pack Room by Room

The easiest way to stay organized when packing for a move is to pack one room at a time. This helps you maintain order and makes unpacking quicker too.

Start by labeling boxes clearly with the room name and brief contents - for example "Kitchen - Plates and Cups". Use a permanent marker so labels won't fade or wipe off.

It's best to pack room by room starting with spaces that aren't used daily like the guest room, basement, attic, and storage areas. Pack up off-season clothes, decor, and other items you won't need right away.

Work systematically from the least used spaces to the most used rooms like kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Leave necessities you'll need last. This helps prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Packing room-by-room also lets movers load the truck efficiently. Boxes are kept together by room so they can be unloaded in order at your new place.

Use the Right Packing Supplies

When packing for a move, it is important to gather the right supplies to properly pack and transport your belongings. Start collecting sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes. Go to home supply and moving stores to purchase specialty boxes for mirrors, mattresses, and other oddly shaped items. Invest in high-quality commercial packing tape, as opposed to duct tape or masking tape which can fail.

Make sure you have ample wrapping paper, tissue paper, packing paper, bubble wrap, and foam peanuts to wrap fragile items securely. Use permanent markers to label each box with the room it is packed from and a brief description of contents. Color code and number the boxes based on the room. Clear plastic bins are great for organizing packed boxes by room. Packing materials are often cheaper in bulk.

Before packing breakables, cover bottom and sides of boxes with a 2-3 inch layer of crushed paper or bubble wrap to cushion items. Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper or bubble wrap before packing in boxes. Use wads of tissue paper to stabilize contents and fill empty spaces. Be generous with packing materials - packed items should not shift or rattle when box is closed and moved.

Pack Clothes and Bedding Efficiently

When it comes to packing clothes and bedding for your move, utilizing some key strategies can save a lot of space and hassle. One of the best techniques is to use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. These specially designed moving boxes allow you to leave clothes on their hangers and transport them easily. Start by loading your longest garments first, grouping them near the center. Then pack shorter items around the edges. Protect your clothes by lining the bottom and sides of the box with a blanket or other padding.

Another space-saving tip for bedding and linens is to compress them with vacuum storage bags. Simply place the blankets, sheets, pillows, etc into the bag and use a vacuum hose to suck out the air. This shrinks soft items down to a fraction of their normal size so you can fit much more into each box. Be sure to label vacuum bags clearly so you know what's inside when it comes time to unpack. Proper packing of clothes and bedding will make your move much smoother.

Secure and Insure Valuables

When packing for a move, it's important to properly secure and insure your most valuable items to ensure they arrive safely at your new home. This includes jewelry, passports, financial documents, and other irreplaceable items.

• Pack jewelry, watches, and other small valuables in secure boxes or containers to prevent damage or loss during the move. Consider using a fireproof lockbox or safe.
• Carry cash, keys, passports, and essential documents yourself rather than packing them. This ensures you have access to necessary items during the move.
• Create an inventory of valuables, noting model numbers, purchase dates, estimated values, and serial numbers. Photos or video can document items as well.
• Insure valuables either through your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or through the moving company's insurance options. This provides coverage in case of loss, theft, or damage during the move. Make sure you understand the amount and type of coverage provided before the move date.
• For especially valuable items like antiques, art, or collectibles, consider requesting additional insurance coverage or third-party specialty insurance. Pricey possessions may require appraisals and higher premiums.

Securing and properly insuring valuables takes time and diligence, but is worth the effort for expensive or irreplaceable items. Handling these items yourself or entrusting them only to professional movers reduces stress and provides peace of mind during a move.

Use Smart Loading Strategies

When loading the moving truck, use some smart strategies to make the process more efficient and prevent damage. Here are some tips

• Load heavy items first, then lighter ones. Pack the heaviest furniture and boxes in first. This helps keep them low and centered. Then load lighter items and boxes around them. Make sure to have padding between items to prevent damage.
• Keep necessities accessible. Pack a "load last" box with essentials you may need right away like coffee, toilet paper, paper plates, medications, phone chargers, etc. Load this box last so it's easily accessible when you unload. Also keep suitcases with clothes and personal items separate for easy access.
• Distribute weight evenly in the truck. Try to evenly distribute weight from side to side to prevent tipping. Also load items tightly from front to back to prevent shifting in transit. Secure items with furniture pads, straps, and blankets to prevent damage.
• Work as a team. Have at least two people loading the truck to safely handle heavy items. Lift with legs, not back. Use ramps/dollies when necessary. Take breaks to avoid strain.

Proper truck loading order and technique will make unloading much smoother and prevent damage. Take it slow and focus on safety. A smartly loaded moving truck will get your belongings securely to your new home.

Hire Professional Movers if Needed

If you have large, heavy, or fragile items that will be difficult to move yourself, consider hiring professional movers. This can save you time and effort while reducing the risk of damage during the move.

When hiring movers

• Get estimates from at least 3 reputable moving companies in your area. Compare their rates, services offered, insurance options, and reviews/references. This will help you find the best value.
• Book early - movers' schedules fill up quickly during peak moving seasons.
• Clearly communicate details about your move including timing, pickup/drop-off addresses, parking restrictions, stairs or elevators, and any special handling needs.
• Ask about additional services like packing/unpacking, storage, or junk removal if needed.
• Check that the company is licensed and insured. Ask about valuation coverage for your belongings.
• Prepare by sorting possessions and removing items you don't want moved. Disassemble large furniture if required.
• Label boxes by room and contents to make unloading easier. Keep valuables and essentials separate to take with you.
• Be available at both properties during pickup and delivery. Do a final walkthrough before movers leave.
• Provide snacks, water, and tips for the moving crew. Their job is physical and demanding. Keeping movers happy improves service.

Hiring professionals takes the heavy lifting out of moving. The cost is often worth it for the efficiency, convenience and peace of mind.

Transfer Utilities and Services

An essential part of moving involves transferring or canceling any utilities, subscriptions, or other services at your old address and setting them up at your new address. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to do this, as it can take days or weeks for some services.

• Forward mail to new address: Contact the post office and fill out a change of address form so your mail will be forwarded to your new address. You can do this online at USPS.com. Make sure to notify important contacts, banks, etc of your new address as well.
• Cancel/transfer utilities and subscriptions: Call each utility company like gas, electric, internet, etc and let them know you are moving. Cancel service at your old address and set up new service at the new address. Transfer newspaper and magazine subscriptions as well.
• Transfer phone/TV service: Contact TV/internet and cell phone providers to cancel or transfer your service. Be aware of any termination fees for cancelling contracts early.
• Notify important accounts: Inform your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers etc about your upcoming move and provide them with your new address.
• Cancel automated payments: If you have any automated payments set up for utilities, rent/mortgage, subscriptions, etc, update them with your new payment info.

Giving yourself plenty of time to transfer these services and update your address info will ensure a smooth transition into your new home. Having utilities already set up and your mail forwarded will make moving much less stressful.

Clean the Old and New Homes

Cleaning the old house before the movers arrive is important for a smooth move. Make sure to:

• Clean all rooms, including closets, cabinets, and appliances. Wipe down walls if needed.
• Vacuum and mop all floors.
• Clean windows inside and out.
• Empty and defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
• Empty the garbage and recycling bins.
• Clean bathrooms thoroughly - sanitize sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets.
• Sweep out the garage and wipe down any cabinets or shelves.
• Perform any outdoor maintenance like lawn mowing, weeding, etc.

When you arrive at the new home, have cleaning supplies ready to tackle any messes. Stock up on

• All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant wipes
• Paper towels, rags, sponges, mops, buckets
• Vacuum, broom, dustpan
• Any specialty cleaners needed for surfaces

Start by vacuuming all carpets and wiping down all floors. Clean mirrors, windows, counters, sinks, appliances, etc. Unpack cleaning supplies last so they are easily accessible. A thorough deep cleaning of the new home will make it feel fresh and welcoming.

Update Important Records

Moving to a new home requires updating your address and contact information with important organizations, companies, government agencies and more. Make sure to start this process early, as it can take time for changes to fully take effect.

Here are some key records to update when changing addresses:

• ID Cards and Driver's Licenses: Visit your local DMV office and fill out change of address forms for your driver's license, state ID cards, and vehicle registration. Bring the required documents and fees to obtain an updated license with your new address.
• Passport: For U.S. passports, you'll need to submit Form DS-82 to the State Department to officially change your address on file.
• Voter Registration: Update your voter registration information by contacting your local election office. This ensures you can vote at polling places near your new residence.
• Financial Accounts and Institutions: Contact your bank, credit card companies, investment firms and other financial institutions. Provide your new address and update your contact information so statements and correspondence are mailed to the correct location.
• Insurance Policies: Inform your health, home, auto and life insurance companies about your new address. This keeps your policies active and makes sure claims are processed correctly.
• Medical Providers: Notify doctors, dentists, veterinarians and other health providers about your upcoming move. Transfer prescriptions or medical records as needed.
• Memberships: If you have magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, alumni organizations or other groups, update your address so you continue receiving mailings.
• Post Office: Fill out an official USPS change of address form at your local post office or on the USPS website to forward mail to your new address.
• Contacts: Don't forget to notify important contacts like your employer, friends and family about your new address via email, change of address cards or phone calls.

Taking time to update records and notify important contacts ensures a smooth transition when moving homes. It prevents confusion and makes sure you don't miss important mail and information.

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this blog post, you can ensure a smooth and efficient moving process. Starting early, packing room by room, using the right packing supplies, securing valuables, and hiring professional movers when needed are all essential steps for a successful move. Remember to transfer utilities and services, clean both the old and new homes, and update important records to complete the transition smoothly. With proper planning and organization, you can make your move a positive and stress-free experience.