Whether you’re relocating across town or the country, moving can be a stressful process. Having a plan and using some key packing strategies can help make your move go much smoother. Here are some top tips for packing like a pro.
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Plan Ahead
One of the most important things you can do is plan ahead of time. Give yourself at least a month to get everything packed up before the big move day. Make a checklist of everything you need to pack, from clothes and kitchen items to furniture. If you need to move your office items too, you should talk to an office moving company NYC to get the best advice. It’s also a good idea to book your movers at least 2-3 weeks in advance to reserve your date.
Gather Supplies
In addition to boxes, you’ll need items like packing tape, bubble wrap, newspaper, and labels. Resist the temptation to try and reuse old boxes, as they may rip during the move. It’s better to invest in new, sturdy moving boxes made for packing heavy items. Getting organized with supplies early means less last-minute shopping trips the week of your move.
Pack Room by Room
Rather than trying to pack your whole place at once, focus on packing items room by room. Start in less-used areas like a spare bedroom or home office first. This makes it easier to stay organized as you go. Within each room, group like items together—for example, all books in one box and kitchen dishes together. Be sure to clearly label every box with its contents and the room it’s destined for.
Protect Breakables
Certain items need extra padding to avoid damage during transport. Take care to individually wrap breakable items like dishes, glassware, electronics, and framed photos. For dishes, layer each item between crumpled newspaper or bubble wrap. Box up framed artworks together, making sure each piece has its own layer of padding material. Cushion electronic devices like computers or TVs in their original packaging if possible.
Furniture Folds Flat
While some furniture can’t fold, items like dressers, tables, and box springs can be disassembled to lay flat for the move. Take apart furniture ahead of packing day to give parts time to dry fully if any water is used during disassembly. Consider renting a furniture dolly from your moving company if bigger pieces need to come downstairs.
Label Clearly
On a moving day, clearly label each box with its destination room before loading onto the truck. Have movers load heavier items like furniture towards the bottom and back of the truck. Stack boxes of similar weight on moving blankets laid down for traction. Leave fridge/freezer doors open during transport as well as cabinet and dresser drawers to help prevent sagging.
Unpacking Strategically
While it may be tempting to dive straight into unpacking when you arrive at your new home, resist this urge. Take time to assess the space and devise a strategy before unpacking. Group boxes by room to identify what goes where. This methodical approach prevents disorganization and saves hours of looking for misplaced items later on.
With a little planning and using these packing pro tips, your next move will go much smoother. Don’t forget to book your reliable moving company in advance to make your moving day as stress-free as possible. Proper packing preparation is key for any relocation.