Whether you’re relocating across town or moving to a new state, packing can be overwhelming. Hence, the early and efficient packing can help in a stress-free move. How you pack for a move makes all the difference, which depends on how you organize your belongings or select the right supplies.
If you plan to relocate, this blog will help you understand all the essentials that you need while packing. You will also get a room-by-room brief on how to smartly pack for a move to have a hassle-free transit.
The Right Tools and Supplies for Move
The primary step to a hassle-free moving is to have the right packing materials. You need to be well-equipped with the tools and supplies to make sure your belongings are secured and the entire moving process is safe. Here’s a list of packing essentials you may need for efficient and safe packing.
| Some Tips | Wear a face mask to protect yourself from dust and gloves for protection from cuts and blisters while moving heavy items. |
Cardboard Boxes in Different Sizes
Small-sized boxes can be used to:
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Store heavy items like books, magazines, tools, or similar objects.
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Small boxes can avoid overloading and make the lifting easy.
Large-sized boxes are used to carry:
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Lightweight but bulky items like pillows, bedding, cushions, or heavy jackets.
Wardrobe and Dish Boxes can be used to:
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Transport hanging clothes and store fragile tableware safely.
High-Quality Packing Tape
Make sure to purchase strong and good-quality packing tape to seal the boxes tightly during transit. Low-quality tape can cause split or peeling, leading to damage to boxes. It is suggested to use a tape dispenser to increase the firmness of sealing and decrease the stress of mishaps.
Protective Wrapping Materials
You can use bubble wrap and packing paper to protect the fragile items from any harm. Bubble wraps are used for protecting glassware, electronic items, and other breakables, and packing paper is used to fill the gaps inside the boxes to avoid scratches on glass items.
Cutter or Scissors for Box Wrapping
Packing requires a cardboard cutter or sharp scissors for wrapping and packing. Make sure to keep them handy while packing. These tools are helpful not only for packing or opening the sealed boxes but also for trimming and cutting tape, plastic wrap, and packing paper.
Labels/Tags and Marking Tools
Putting labels or tags on sealed boxes makes the unpacking process a lot easier. Use a permanent marker and write the name of the items and the room they belong to. For example, utensils and other crockery for the kitchen, pillows and bedding for the bedroom, or bath accessories for the bathroom. Most importantly, put the tag of fragile items on glass items or any other delicate pieces on the respective boxes to make sure it is handled carefully.
Sealed Pouch and Ziplock Bags
Arrange small resealable pouches or ziplock bags to store tiny and important items like screws, bolts, and other small hardware that we get while disassembling any furniture. You can name the pouch and bags corresponding to their furniture. This will help in assembling the furniture once you move and settle down.
Room by Room Packing for Move
A room-by-room approach will simplify and organize the packing for a move if you don’t know where to start. This strategy will not only reduce your stress but also save time by making sure no important belongings get left behind.
Kitchen Area
It is crucial to pack the kitchen belongings with extra care, especially those appliances that are fragile and require handling with care. It is suggested not to overload boxes, as it can cause severe damage and chaos. Here are some of the tips to avoid mistakes:
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Sort out and donate any unused food items before the move that you don’t need anymore.
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Throw away the food items that have been opened for days to avoid the issue of leakage or pest issues.
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Empty all the kitchen appliances like blenders, coffee makers, toasters, etc, and clean them before packing them.
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Wrap and secure the appliance cords in a plastic bag and neatly place them inside the appliance.
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Use fresh pieces of cardboard to store electronic appliances so that they can be lifted easily.
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Make sure to label the breakable belongings as FRAGILE on the top of the box to ensure the movers hold the boxes with care.
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Cover the small dishes with bubble wrap and stack them carefully to avoid breakage.
Living Room
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Detach and separately wrap the light bulbs, shades from lamps or chandeliers.
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If possible, pack the electronic appliances like TVs in their original boxes.
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Use towels or blankets to wrap the mirrors and paintings to prevent damage during transit.
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Keep those photos and home videos with you that can’t be replaced and may get damaged in hot or humid weather.
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Mark an ‘X’ with masking tape over the glass surfaces of mirrors and big frames to minimize the shattering risks.
Bed Room
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Let the hanging clothes remain on the hangers and put them directly into the boxes or containers.
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Store the important belongings like jewelry and other valuables in a secure bag and carry them with you, not in the moving vehicles.
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You can use buttons to keep the earrings together, and you can use straws or toilet paper rolls to stop the necklaces from tangling.
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Properly organize and pack loose items or luggage in suitcases.
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Either put all the shoes in one big box or put them in their original boxes, if boxes are available.
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You can cover mattresses and furniture with old sheets and blankets to protect them.
Bathroom
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Make sure to check the bathroom area as it often gets neglected during the packing process.
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Tightly seal and pack the toiletries in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent spills.
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Put the medicines in a separate container. Further, label it to ensure it is easily identified.
Garage Area & Outdoor Furniture
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Don’t forget to declutter garage items, outdoor furniture, and indoor belongings, and pack all the necessary items in one place in a big box.
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Keep the essential tools and your toolbox next to you for last-minute requirements. Once done, put them in a sealed bag or pouch and store them in a cardboard box.
Start a Smooth Move With Smart Packing!
If you have the right strategy, a bit of planning, and the right tools, you can make your packing process manageable, enjoyable, and chaos-free. Make sure you start your planning and packing 1 or 2 months before the last day at your old house. This will ensure you’re moving out peacefully without any fuss or mishap.
