Easiest Way to Pack for a Move – a Quick Guide

September 23, 2019 / Posted in How-to
Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

Obviously, the easiest way to pack for a move is to hire professional long-distance movers. But such services cost and when you are moving into your new home on a tight budget, you need all the money you can save. You can do it yourself if you just make a plan and organize everything thoroughly. Benefit from this opportunity and get rid of all the unnecessary stuff you have piled up for no reason over the years.

person packing up fragile items
There are few easy ways to box up everything

For a simpler packing process when you’re relocating, you should consider hiring professional long-distance movers or DIY with good planning. Note down tasks, use bins and luggage for streamlined packing techniques, take photos for setup reference, and declutter. Gather strong materials and other essential supplies, label boxes, protect fragile items, and keep essentials handy for immediate use.

Tips to Help You Find the Easiest Way to Pack for a Move

There is a saying which states that a stupid man remembers and a smart man writes down. This is especially true when it comes to long-distance moving. In that commotion of sorting through each box, it is easy to forget essential things like transferring the utilities or applying for them at your new home. One of the best tips for efficient packing is to write down everything you can remember and keep adding things along the way. 

Consider hiring cross-country movers such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving a month before going to your new home. Keep in mind that they might be crowded with work, so you won’t be able to book long-distance moving services. You may also have better chances of scheduling the cheapest day for moving. Know that weekends are usually the most expensive option due to increased demand. If you need a car shipping company, consider booking their auto transport services even earlier.

Handle Utilities on Time

It is advisable to call electricity, gas, and water utilities a week in advance to inquire about the exact shutdown time. The same goes for changing your address to avoid bills and packages arriving at your old address once you have left. Also, don’t forget your internet connection. After all, according to Statista, in 2022, there were around 299 million users in the US, and you’re probably one of those people who consider your connection paramount.

Use Your Storage Bins and Luggage

Storage bins and luggage are very bulky so try to use them as moving boxes. Of course, you can always opt for renting storage units from a long-distance moving company for the belongings you don’t plan on transporting to your new home straight away.

Take Pictures of Everything

To be able to reassemble electronic devices once you arrive at your new place, take photos of the complex sets of cords and plugs at the back of your appliances, so that you know which one goes where. Also, take a photo of the place you are leaving, as well as the one you are moving in, in case some damages occur when you leave or arrive.

Take Advantage of Trash Bags and Other Related Items

Similar to luggage, trash bags can serve as packing material. You can fill them with softer objects and squeeze them between each box to stabilize them. And it’ll make it easier for movers to transport your items.

Make a Schedule

Marking a schedule of activities on a calendar and packing checklists will significantly reduce the trouble of relocating and let you know when to expect and prepare for movers. You will be able to keep track of everything you need to do and avoid the stress of doing things hastily and last minute. Write down the tasks for each day of the week and see how they get completed one by one with no trouble.

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Set Aside Stuff You Don’t Need

There are a lot of things we do not use and will probably not use at all, but which are in good shape. Set them aside for garage sale or simply donate them to help someone. Plan the time for sale and price the items you’re planning to sell.

Get Rid of Clothes You Don’t Wear

If you want to ease the burden of packing and loading and keep some money in your pockets, then set aside the clothes you have not worn in a year and get rid of them. You can start sorting and separating clothes in the early stages of moving. Minimizing belongings will help you pack with ease, and lower the costs of relocation services.

a to do list and a pen
Write down everything you need to do

Prepare Your Packing and Moving Supplies

It is advisable to collect sturdy boxes and other quality materials in various sizes, as you will be dealing with items of different shapes and dimensions. Also, books and kitchenware are rather heavy, so solid boxes with reinforced bottoms are a must.

What Packing and Moving Supplies Do You Need?

First of all, you need boxes. Apart from that, you will need the following materials:

  • Bubble wrap,
  • Packing paper,
  • Padding supplies or crushed paper,
  • Moving blankets,
  • Sturdy tape,
  • Labels,
  • Markers,
  • Scissors.
packing supplies
Different supplies will come in handy

Pack Ahead of Time

You should start planning and sorting things well in advance. Start with seasonal clothes you know you won’t be wearing and things you won’t need like books, paintings, photographs, and more. 

Pack Effectively and Efficiently

First, create a packing area. Designate a room and clear it as much as possible so that you can put boxes and other related materials there. When putting things in a box, try to be efficient with space and make sure the heavier possessions are placed at the bottom. Heavy stuff like books should be packed in smaller boxes, as you will not be able to lift them otherwise.

When packing kitchen drawers, you can even keep the contents inside if you add plenty of crushed paper and then wrap it and secure it with tape. When it comes to electronic appliances, make sure you bag the cords and remotes and tape them to the devices they belong to.

The typical American home has 300,000 items
happy smiling woman unpacking boxes sitting on sofa at new home
Boxing up by schedule will make the whole process significantly easier

Label Your Moving Boxes

Labeling will save you a lot of trouble when unpacking. First, you need to label each of the boxes according to the rooms they belong to. After that, clearly designate which one is going to be unpacked first. For example – Kitchen, No 1, whereby No 1 would indicate things you will need immediately upon arrival. Then write other warnings, such as “Fragile,” or “Up” and “Down.” For easier unpacking, you can even write the content on one side of the box.

Man taping a box labeled kitchen
Labeled boxes are one way to know where your stuff is

Protect Fragile Belongings

Fragile items need to be wrapped separately in multiple layers of bubble wrap or paper and placed in a box filled with padding material. Also, be generous with padding when filling in the gaps between the items to prevent them from shifting during transport.

Pack the Essentials Separately

Essentials should be packed last, as you will need them immediately when you arrive. For example, you will definitely need the following stuff:

  • Toiletries such as soap and towels,
  • Toilet paper,
  • A sponge and a spray for cleaning,
  • Paper towels,
  • Scissors,
  • Kitchenware like plates and cutlery, glasses or cups.

You will also need basic beverages such as water, coffee or tea sugar, milk, and some cookies. In the evening you will need bath towels, bedsheets, and spare clothing for the next day. Roll the film of your evening routine and pack accordingly.

A set of bathroom toiletries
Don't forget to pack toiletries separately

Contact Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving for a Seamless Moving Experience

With the right planning, organizational strategies, and resources, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Remember that decluttering before packing is essential. Use what you have for packing, and keep track of all your belongings through lists and photos. Whether you decide to tackle the packing process on your own or prefer to hand over the responsibility to professionals, preparation is key.

If you’re looking for a stress-free moving experience, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is here to help. Our team of experts provides top-notch cross-country moving and packing services tailored to your needs, ensuring your belongings are safely and efficiently transported to your new home. Contact us today to learn more about how our auto transport company can make your next move your best move.

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