Packing Advice for Your Next Move

Published: October 15, 2024

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges is packing your belongings efficiently and safely. With the right approach and a few strategic tips, you can make the process smoother and ensure that your items arrive in great shape. Below is a helpful guide with the best packing advice for your next move.

Start Early and Create a Plan

The key to a successful move is early preparation. Start packing as soon as you know you’re moving. Don’t wait until the last minute, as this can lead to unnecessary stress and rushed decisions. Create a packing plan that includes a timeline and breaks down tasks by room. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everything is done systematically.

Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you actually use or need. There’s no point in packing and moving items that you haven’t used in years. Decluttering reduces the amount of stuff to pack, saving you time and money on moving costs.

Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies

It’s essential to have the right packing supplies. Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers. Don’t forget specialized items like wardrobe boxes for clothing or dish packs for fragile items. Using high-quality supplies will protect your belongings during transport and reduce the risk of damage. Consider purchasing extra supplies in case you need more than expected.

Pack Room by Room

To avoid confusion and chaos, pack one room at a time. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. For example, instead of labeling a box simply as “kitchen,” you might write “kitchen – plates and mugs.” This method will make unpacking much easier and more efficient once you arrive at your new home. It also helps ensure you don’t mix up items from different rooms.

Use the Right Packing Techniques

Maximize space and protect your belongings by using proper packing techniques. For heavy items like books, use smaller boxes to make them easier to carry. Lighter items, such as linens and pillows, can go in larger boxes. Wrap fragile items like dishes and glassware individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them vertically in boxes to minimize movement.

Take Extra Care With Valuables

If you have valuable or sentimental items, pack them separately and carry them with you if possible. Jewelry, important documents, and personal mementos should be kept in a safe, accessible place during the move. Make sure that these items aren’t packed and transported with the rest of your belongings to avoid loss or damage. Double-check these items before you leave to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Label Your Boxes Clearly

Once packed, label each box on multiple sides with its contents and destination room. This will save you a lot of time during the unloading and unpacking process. You can also color-code the boxes based on the room (e.g., red for the kitchen and blue for the living room). This ensures that all of your boxes end up in the right place, and will make unpacking less stressful.

Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a separate box of essentials that you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This box should include items like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, medications, and important documents. Having these essentials readily available will make your first night in your new home much more comfortable. Label this box clearly and keep it separate from other boxes to avoid confusion.

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, the right supplies, and smart techniques, you can make the process much easier. Follow these packing tips to stay organized, protect your belongings, and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

For help moving your belongings, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of York or call (717) 276-8719 today for a free quote.