Published: November 01, 2024

8 Tips for Packing Efficiently for a Move

Packing for a move can be overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to start fresh. There are practical strategies that will help you stay organized and ensure that your belongings are safely packed for your new adventure. With a little planning, you can turn this into a more manageable task. To make the process easier, here are eight effective tips for packing efficiently. 

1. Declutter Before Packing

Before you begin, take the opportunity to go through your belongings and declutter. Moving items you no longer need or use adds unnecessary time and cost to your move. Go through each room and sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. By minimizing the number of items to pack, you’ll streamline the entire moving process.

2. Gather All Your Supplies

Having the right supplies ready can make a big difference in how smoothly the process goes. Stock up on sturdy moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Consider buying boxes in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of items. Don’t forget to grab markers to label your boxes and packing peanuts or paper for your fragile items.

3. Pack Room by Room

Instead of scattering your packing efforts across the house, focus on one room at a time. This approach will help you stay organized and make unpacking much easier. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a general description of its contents. For example, a box labeled “Kitchen – Pots & Pans” will be much easier to manage when unpacking than a box labeled “Miscellaneous.”

4. Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items

While it might be tempting to load heavy items like books into a large moving box, it’s best to use smaller moving boxes for these types of belongings. Smaller moving boxes will prevent overloading, making the boxes easier to carry and less likely to break. Larger moving boxes should be reserved for lighter, bulkier items like bedding, pillows, or clothes.

5. Protect Fragile Items

For fragile items such as dishes, glassware, and electronics, use plenty of padding to avoid breakage during transit. Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top. For extra protection, fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent items from shifting.

6. Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a separate essentials box containing items you’ll need right away upon arrival at your new home. Include things like toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, important documents, snacks, and basic kitchen items like utensils and a pan. This essentials box will save you from rummaging through all of your packed boxes when you first move into your new home.

7. Take Care of Valuables

Jewelry, important documents, and sentimental items should be packed separately and handled carefully. It’s best to transport these items separately rather than packing them with the rest of your belongings. Use a small, sturdy box and keep it with you during the move.

8. Don’t Overpack Boxes

While it’s important to maximize space, avoid overpacking your boxes. Heavy boxes can break or become difficult to lift, while overfilled boxes may cause the contents to spill out or become damaged. Aim to fill each box to capacity without making it too heavy to carry.

Packing efficiently for a move is all about planning and staying organized. By decluttering, going room by room, and using the right supplies, you’ll ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish. Packing efficiently is crucial to making your move less stressful and more organized. Start early, follow these eight helpful tips, and you’ll find that packing doesn’t have to be a stressful experience!  

For help with your move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Southeast Michigan or call (734) 821-4854 today for a free quote.