Moving can be a stressful process, but with the right pointers, it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we’ll share 41 foolproof packing and moving tips and all the essentials for moving into a new home from someone who’s moved 20+ times to help make your next move a breeze.
Planning and Preparation
Before you start packing clothes into boxes, it’s essential to plan and prepare for your move. Some key things to consider when moving houses include:
- Create a moving checklist: Create an essential moving house checklist. Outline all the tasks and packing essentials for moving out that need to be completed before, during, and after the move.
- Choose a moving company or professional movers: Research moving companies and obtain quotes from at least three different providers. Find a reliable company that will take care of all the moving day essentials for you from start to finish.
- Declutter and organize: Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Discard and donate the unwanted using a garbage bag.
Best Packing Tips For Moving
Packing is a crucial part of moving. Here are some packing hacks, packing process tips, and essentials for moving to ensure your belongings arrive safely:
- Gather essential moving supplies: Collect supplies, such as moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, wardrobe box, and other materials from your local grocery store or moving supplies store.
- Use the right size boxes: Pack heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in large boxes to prevent overloading. Take extra precautions when you pack jewelry and wrap valuables. It is better to pack them in a separate cardboard box.
- Label boxes: Clearly label moving boxes with their contents and the room they belong to for easy unpacking.
What are 41 Packing and Moving Tips and Packing Supplies You Need?
Here are the 41 foolproof packing and moving tips to make your move as smooth as possible:
- Start packing early: Begin packing non-essential items several weeks before the move. It can quickly become a hassle if you spend time packing at the last minute.
- Pack an essentials bag: Prepare a bag with essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, toiletries, clothes, and important documents for easy access during the move.
- Use wardrobe boxes: Hanging clothes in these special boxes keeps them wrinkle-free.
- Color code boxes: Use different colored stickers or markers to label every box by room. This is especially useful when you use one box for same-category items.
- Protect fragile items: Wrap and pack breakable items with bubble wrap or packing paper, and use bunched-up paper to fill empty spaces in the box. This is the best way to pack breakables.
- Pack plates vertically: Place plates vertically in boxes, separated by packing paper, to reduce the risk of breakage among all those boxes.
- Use original boxes for electronics: If possible, have your electronics completely packed in their original box for added protection.
- Disassemble furniture: If possible, take apart large furniture, such as your dining room table using professional movers, to create more space and make moving easier.
- Keep screws and hardware organized: Place hardware for disassembled furniture in labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding furniture pieces.
- Roll up cords and cables: Neatly roll up cords and cables, secure them with a rubber band or twist tie, and pack them in labeled bags or boxes.
- Utilize suitcase space: Pack clothes and other lightweight items in suitcases to save on storage space.
- Use towels and linens as padding: Wrap fragile items and pack glasses in towels or linens to provide extra protection during the move.
- Repurpose household items as packing materials: Use items like socks, T-shirts to pack boxes and pillowcases to protect fragile ones.
- Take photos of electronic setups: Capture images of your electronic setups before disassembling them for easier reassembly in your new space.
- Create an inventory list: Keep track of your belongings by creating an inventory list.
- Separate valuable items: Pack valuable items like jewelry, passports, and important documents separately in a few boxes and keep them with you during the move. This also helps save money.
- Pack books spine-down: Place books spine-down in boxes to prevent damage to their bindings during the long distance haul.
- Don’t pack flammable items: Avoid packing flammable or hazardous materials, as they can pose safety risks during the move.
- Use plastic wrap on liquids: Secure lids on liquid containers with plastic wrap and bags to prevent leaks.
- Pack a first-night box: Prepare a box with essentials for the first night in your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and bedding.
- Seal boxes with packing tape: Ensure all boxes are securely sealed with tape to prevent them from opening during transit.
- Double-box glass items: Place your fragile things in a smaller box and then place that box inside a larger box with padding for extra protection.
- Use garbage bags and laundry bins for soft items: Pack soft items like stuffed animals and pillows in large garbage bags and bins to save space.
- Keep important documents safe: Store important documents in a waterproof, fire-resistant container or safe.
- Reinforce the bottom of boxes: Apply extra tape to the bottom of the boxes for added support.
- Pack shoes in plastic bags: Place shoes in plastic bags before packing them in boxes to keep other items clean.
- Don’t overpack boxes: Avoid overpacking boxes to prevent them from breaking or becoming too heavy to carry.
- Pack items from the same room together: This will make unpacking and organizing easier in your new home.
- Use a box cutter to make handles: Cut handholds in the sides of boxes for easier lifting and carrying.
- Cover furniture with moving blankets: Protect furniture from scratches and damage with moving blankets or large sheets.
- Load the moving truck strategically: Place heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on top, and load the truck in the order you plan to unload it.
- Hire movers or enlist help from friends and family: Another moving tip is simply to have as much extra help as you can muster for your moving day can make all the difference.
- Have a plan for pets and children: Arrange for family members or someone you trust to watch pets and children on moving day to keep them safe and out of the way.
- Check the weather forecast: Plan for potential weather issues by having tarps and plastic covers available.
- Keep tools and cleaning supplies accessible: Have tools for furniture assembly and cleaning supplies handy for immediate use in your new home.
- Confirm details with the moving company: When hiring movers, double-check the date, time, and address with your moving company before moving day.
- Take breaks and stay hydrated: Moving day can be physically demanding, so make sure to take breaks and drink plenty of water.
- Be prepared for unexpected issues: Have a backup plan in case of delays, such as extra materials or a temporary storage unit.
- Unpack room by room: Focus on unpacking one room at a time to make the process more manageable.
- Set up your bed first: Assemble and make your bed as soon as possible so you have a comfortable place to sleep after a long day of moving.
- Give yourself time to adjust: It takes time to settle into your new home, so be patient and allow yourself time to get used to your new surroundings.
Tips For A Hassle-Free Moving Process
Keep the following tips handy for hassle-free moving.
- Wake up early: Give yourself plenty of time to complete any last-minute tasks and load the moving truck.
- Stay organized: Keep your moving checklist, inventory list, and important documents handy for easy reference.
- Communicate with your movers: Stay in contact with your moving company throughout the day to ensure a smooth process.
Unpacking Cardboard Boxes and Settling In
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, follow these tips for a seamless unpacking process:
- Unpack essentials first: Start by unpacking the essentials bag and first-night box to make your new space livable.
- Organize as you unpack: Put items away in their designated spaces as you unpack to avoid clutter and make settling in easier.
- Break down boxes as you go: Flatten and stack boxes as you unpack to save space and make recycling or disposal easier.
- Prioritize rooms: Focus on unpacking and setting up essential rooms first, such as the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
- Take time to decorate: Give yourself time to arrange furniture and decorate your new home to make it feel more comfortable and personal.
- Update your address: Notify important parties, such as your bank, credit card companies, and the post office, of your new address.
- Meet your neighbors: Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and start building connections in your new community.
Conclusion
Moving can be a stressful experience, but with these 41 foolproof packing and moving tips, you can make the process smoother and more manageable. Remember to plan and prepare, use the right packing techniques, and stay organized throughout the move. And, if you need professional shipping and logistics services, consider SFL Worldwide for your domestic and international shipping, freight forwarding, and customs clearance needs. With a little patience and the right strategies, you’ll be settled into your new home in no time.
I’m Tammy Waller, a supply chain and logistics specialist with over 10 years of expertise. I’ve been an author and SFL employee for over 10 years.
As an author, I’ve been able to teach others. I love guiding users through supply chain and logistics operations.
I have substantial experience managing logistics operations, supply chain management, transportation, inventory management, and warehousing in shipping-moving and logistic services. I’ve worked on many worldwide logistics and supply chain projects, honing my abilities in negotiating rates, scheduling shipments, and managing vendors.
