How To Prepare For A Move? 11 Packing Hacks And Techniques When Moving

What do you think of the quote from American Horror Story: “Death, divorce, moving – these are the three most stressful events a person can experience”? Let’s mater packing and moving tips to keep your move from turning into a horror movie episode. Using just a few simple techniques with packing hacks for moving, you’ll be able to pack your belongings quickly and efficiently. 

Read on since following my tips can simplify your moving process and save time and stress. 

What Packaging To Use When Moving?

The packaging is the first thing to take care of when preparing for a move. There are many different packaging options to choose from. Packaging types are used depending on the item and the shipping method used. For example:

• If the item is being shipped by air, it must be packed in a pressure-resistant container;
• If the item is being shipped overseas, it may need to be packed in a sturdy box with reinforced seams to withstand the journey. 

Ultimately, the best packaging for an item will keep it safe and secure during transit. By choosing the proper packaging for each item, you can ensure that your goods will arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Packaging options when getting moving:

• bubble wrap: for everything glassy, fragile, and breakable;
• stretch wrap: for any items to protect them from dust;
• cardboard boxes: for personal items, clothes, shoes, dishes;
• twine or clothesline: to tie a pile of books, shoe boxes, etc.;
• large bags (polyethylene, canvas, paper): for clothes, blankets, plaids, and curtains.

In addition, you will need duct tape, markers, and scissors for packing.

11 Packing Hacks For Moving

Now you know what kind of packaging to use for different items, it’s time to learn the tips that will help you make the moving process easier.

Planning every detail of your move is critical. There are many tasks to complete, so it can become overwhelming. But our list is pretty extensive. If you feel like something is getting out of hand, you can use this checklist as a reference to get back on track. The earlier you start, the less stressful the moving process will become.

I’ve got plenty of tips for you on how you can handle the move and not go crazy. So take a pen and write down every useful tip that comes in handy when you move.

#1: Estimate The Amount Of Work

First of all, plan for how many moves you want to make. Are you thinking of doing it in one go? It is unlikely to work if you are moving on your own. Therefore, when you have moving preparation, it will be easier to proceed in several stages: 

• First, it is better to move all the furniture: sofas, cabinets, tables, chairs, dressers;
• On the second day, move appliances: washing machine, dishwasher, TV, etc., and boxes with clothes, books, dishes, household items, etc.;
• Then make a third move: move furnishings and household items such as hangers, curtain rods, pictures, carpets, etc.

#2: Sort Your Belongings

In preparation for a move, gather things separately in each room: living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, hallway. Use markers of a particular color for boxes of each zone, so you will not confuse when unloading. Don’t forget the balcony and pantry, if there are any.

#3: Decide In Advance What To Take

It is probably the most significant moving tip for moving easily. Everything you bring into your new home should be workable and necessary. But usually, everyone accumulates things they want to repair or sell if they’re in working order. So before you move, divide all things into three groups: 

• Keep (these are all things that you like, that are fully serviceable, and that you use);
• Give away to friends or sell over the internet (this includes all the things in working condition that, for some reason, you do not need anymore);
• Throw out the garbage – don’t be sad and throw all the broken, old, and unnecessary stuff in here.

#4: Measure Dimensions 

When you have active moving preparation, you need to know the dimensions to get all your stuff in. Measure in advance the rooms in your new apartment, the doorways, and the height of the ceilings. All this is necessary to understand whether the large furniture will pass through. If you are counting on an elevator, also measure the distance of the opening.

#5: Buy Packing Materials In Advance

Another packing tip when moving is to buy all the packing materials in advance. You will need to purchase appropriate moving and packing supplies so that you don’t need to waste additional time on finding and buying necessary packing supplies. Also, you should consider purchasing several packaging supplies that can be used to pack items of different sizes and shapes. As a rule, even if you think it would be enough, it is always not enough. Acting this way will save a lot of your precious time.

#6: Sign All Boxes

Write down in detail what you will put in the boxes, for example: “Cutlery,” “Pans,” “Towels,” “Winter Shoes,” etc. 

Sign the boxes of fragile items especially brightly, and similarly describe the contents (“Coffee set,” “Vases,” “Chandelier,” etc.). It is better to sign the boxes on all sides so that it is immediately visible and apparent what is inside. Another packing hacks for fragile items when moving is to wrap them in bubble wrap. 

#7: Distribute Things Evenly In Boxes

Boxes should not fall apart when you move them. To prevent this from happening, you should distribute the weight evenly. It is best to put heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.

#8: Keep All Valuables And Documents Separately

Another step for moving is to gather all valuables. Chances are, valuables (jewelry, memorabilia, and documents) don’t take up much space and can easily be carried on the road as carry-on luggage – this is the most reliable way to go. 

#9: Pack A Box Of Essentials 

After all the work is done, you’ll need slippers, a toothbrush, soap, towel, sleepwear, and bedding – put it all in a separate bag. It would not be superfluous to put a pack of wet wipes and a bottle of water in the same bag.

#10: Assemble The Furniture Fittings

To prepare for the move, dismantle furniture, and take a regular polyethylene or paper bag and duct tape. Collect all the fittings, screws, nuts, handles, and other small parts in a bag, which should be taped to the furniture inside. This way, you are sure not to lose details, and you can easily reassemble the furniture in its new location.

#11: Apply Furniture Covers

Pack upholstered furniture in covers or sheets before loading. It will save you nerves and make moving easier. After wrapping upholstered chairs or armchairs in plaids, you can tie them with a rope so that during loading, the lids won’t come off and fall in the dirt, exposing your furniture to all the dust or dust or accidental rain.

I hope these tips will help you with an easy, quick, and safe move. Use our organizing section to forget about the clutter in the future!

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