How to Pack for a Move
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Moving Buyers Guide
Professional Moving Services
- Portable Storage Units: Load at your convenience, and professionals handle transportation.
- Packing Services: For tight schedules, hire movers to pack for you.
What Movers Can't Transport
Common prohibited items include:
- Hazardous materials (aerosols, propane, paint).
- Perishables (plants, food).
- Flammable items (fireworks, lighter fluid).
Additional Packing Hacks
- Use Suitcases: Wheel heavy items instead of using boxes.
- Label Small Items: Wrap tiny valuables in colored tissue to avoid misplacing them.
- Leak-Proof Liquids: Use plastic wrap under lids to prevent spills.
- Create an Inventory: Number boxes and keep a list of their contents to track missing items easily.
Key Tips for Packing Success
- Start with Decluttering
- Clean out unnecessary items to save on moving costs.
- Sort items into keep, sell, donate, and trash categories.
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Use a garage sale or online platforms to sell unwanted items.
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Plan and Organize Early
- Begin packing 6 weeks before the move to stay on schedule.
- Pack one room completely before starting another.
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Create a packing inventory by labeling boxes and listing contents.
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Pack Essentials Separately
- Keep items like toiletries, chargers, and basic cookware easily accessible for the first few days.
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Prepare a mobile office kit if you work remotely.
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Smart Packing Strategies
- Use towels and clothing as padding for fragile items.
- Ship heavy items like books via Media Mail for cost savings.
- Leave lightweight items in drawers; secure with plastic wrap.
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Consider wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes or use trash bags for a budget-friendly option.
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Fragile Items and Liquids \udf76
- Wrap breakable items in extra padding and label boxes as \"fragile.\"
- Prevent leaks by sealing liquid containers with plastic wrap under the lid.
Packing Supplies Checklist
- Boxes (various sizes)
- Tape and markers \u270f
- Labels or colored stickers
- Plastic wrap and bubble wrap
- Moving blankets and cushioning materials
- Twine or string
Consider Professional Help
- Hire movers for packing if you're short on time or resources.
- Research movers with strong reviews and customer recommendations.
- Portable storage units offer flexibility if you prefer to pack at your own pace.
Special Considerations
- Restricted Items: Movers typically won't transport hazardous materials (e.g., aerosol cans, propane, pesticides). Dispose of these responsibly.
- Designate a "cdon't pack zone" for important items like documents, jewelry, and family photos to keep with you.
Pro Packing Hacks
- Use suitcases with wheels for heavy items.
- Stack dishes vertically to avoid breakage.
- Add tape or colored tissue to small valuables to prevent accidental disposal.
- Label boxes by unpacking priority (e.g., \"A\" for essentials).
Packing FAQs
- When should I start packing?
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About 6 weeks before moving day to avoid stress.
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What's the hardest room to pack?
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Kitchens and garages due to their mix of heavy, fragile, and oddly shaped items.
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First thing to do after moving?
- Unpack essentials like toiletries and basic supplies to settle in comfortably.
Packing doesn't have to be stressful if you're organized. Happy moving!
