Moving across the street or the country is already stressful, especially during this hot season of home buying and selling. Other than the daunting process, another challenge is the short supply of moving trucks due to the demand.

But, don't worry! We're here to make your moving day smooth and efficient by sharing a few tips on how to pack boxes for moving without breaking a sweat. 

Tips For A Streamlined Move

Choosing The Right Date

Go for a mid-week, mid-month move-in date. As the weekend draws near, the cost of movers and rental vehicles will rise. During regular business hours, dollies and elevators will be available for your use. Additionally, you'll have the entire weekend to settle down and unpack!

Do Your Research

Contrast opportunity cost with moving firms while choosing one. As a general guideline, request estimates from three or more different businesses. Then, you'll be confident enough to select whichever, in terms of cost and service scope, best suits your demands.

Familiarize yourself with Unnecessary Items

Before you start packing those boxes, make sure you’ve decided on what not to pack. Focusing on things you want to declutter will help you know what to pack later on. Get rid of anything you don’t love, need or want. Bringing items you don’t need or want in the new home is a waste of time. 

Moving in is already exhausting so avoid lugging anything you're just going to toss out later. Clean up everything from drawers, closets, and storage units before packing even begins. 

To properly declutter unnecessary belongings, start by preparing four separate piles: a trash pile, a donation pile, a sell pile, and a storage pile. 

Anything that’s not worth donating can go directly into the trash. Remember to throw away trash responsibly. Items that are used once or just a couple of times but are not worth keeping or selling can go to the donation pile. You can give your donations to charitable sites. It’s a win-win for you! You can help others at the same time let go of the items you won’t be needing. 

Anything that is of value and worth can go straight to the sell pile. Easy-to-use apps for pre-owned belongings can help with that. Lastly, for items that you won’t be needing anytime soon but are not yet ready to toss, put them in a storage pile. 

Get Organized

After deciding what to toss out and toss in with those boxes it’s time to organize them. Using box labels, sharpie markers, and color-coded stickers or tape will make it easier for you to keep track of what’s inside each box, especially if you don’t want to lose items during the move.

Organizing your boxes will also help movers (and yourself) know where to put everything once inside the new home. You also want to avoid filling one box with heavy things such as dozens of books. Remember, large boxes should contain lighter items, such as blankets and pillows, and small boxes should contain heavier items, such as pots and books.

Pack Things Room By Room

Once you’ve organized your things, it's time now to pack! Are you ready to begin? 

To make packing more efficient, focus on the room one at a time. Begin with rooms you won’t need in the coming days or weeks leading up to the move. For example, packing up your closets, libraries, and living room could take at least a month or two before your move date. While rooms to pack last might include bedrooms, bathrooms, child’s playroom, nursery, and kitchen. Labeling each box according to the corresponding rooms will also make it easier for you to find as it is organized. 

Carefully Packed Fragile Items

You don’t want to break those precious vases when moving so to ensure all your valuables are safe, have plenty of packing peanuts, lots of newsprint, box inserts, bubble wrap, and tape on hand. If you are also thinking of packing your plants (yes, you can transport them) with some smart thinking and careful planning, plants can be safely transported to your new home to continue to thrive there. 

Here are some recommendations that will help you along the way with your plants. Hydrate your plants before uprooting them. Give your plants a trim. Uprooting your plants with care by watering them before digging up and keeping as much soil attached to the roots. Re-plant as quickly as possible. You may also take a photo of your items before moving just in case it gets damaged. After packing up each box, make sure the tops, bottoms, and sides are all taped and secured properly.

Labeling The Boxes

The label holds the key to easy unpacking. Clearly label the top and at least two sides ( enough for you and movers to read). Wrap the marker in packing tape or clear tape to prevent tearing and scratching. 

Separating Hazardous Items

If you are thinking of packing hazardous items consider transporting them separately. Disposing them will make it a lot easier for you. Items like paints, varnishes, cleaning chemicals, and more can be packed together in plastic bins before putting them in the box to avoid spilling. Medical items and medications should also be kept separately and if decided to dispose of, they should be disposed of properly for others' safety. 

Save Personal Items For Last

Pack a few essential belongings and keep them with you during the move and be sure to make it organized as possible. Keep your valuables, such as expensive jewelry, watches, bags, and sentimental items on you during the move. We don’t recommend transporting these on a moving truck, this is also for your peace of mind as you won’t need to worry about your valuable items getting lost or stolen if you can help it.

Need more tips on how to move in seamlessly? If yes, feel free to visit our website to learn more.