Moving to a new house is overwhelming. From arranging and packing to the whole transportation process, everything needs planning and proper execution. Professional packers have gained experience over the years and have involved several packing hacks to help save your time and space. Here are some of the best-kept secrets that will make your move as smooth and efficient as possible.
1. Create a Moving Plan
You don’t begin packing until you have a very clear plan, including the following:
- Timeline: Do you know what exact minute you need to begin packing and in what stability the rooms should be packed?
- Supplies: All of the materials, including boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap.
- Inventory: Ensure an inventory list of everything that is in each of the rooms to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
A well-thought-out plan will help you pack successfully and with great organization, which will ease your workload.
2. Declutter First
Cleaning up before you pack is one of the best ways to move with less time and space wastage. Sort through what you have and determine what you truly need compared to what can be sold, donated, or thrown out. This reduces the amount of items you need to move and allows unpacking in the new place.
3. Use the Right Boxes
Experienced moving companies pack the right things in the right boxes. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Small Boxes: These should contain heavy items, such as books or kitchenware.
- Medium Boxes: These are for things like shoes, electronic devices, and small home appliances.
- Large Boxes: Large boxes are for heavy-weight items, like clothes, bedding, pillows, etc.
Always indicate on the box what it contains and where it goes. This will help you put the boxes in the right places, saving you some time while unpacking later.
4. Pack Room by Room
Organize and don’t overwhelm yourself by packaging one room at a time. Begin with the least used rooms, like visitor rooms or storage areas, and then move on to the used ones. This will help you to stay organized with your packing and probably still be able to live in your current space up until the date of your move.
5. Utilize Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are the real game changer in packing clothes. The tall boxes have an inbuilt hanging rod, which allows clothes to be transferred directly from the closet without folding. This will not only save time but also avoid wrinkles. Further, the bottom of the wardrobe boxes may be used to pack shoes, bags, or any other accessories.
6. Protect Fragile Items
That is where extra care has to be taken while packing. Here are some professional tips about how to pack delicate items:
- Use Bubble Wrap: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper. For extra cushioning, line the bottom of your box with a layer of bubble wrap.
- Pack Plates Vertically: Pack plates on their edges, not flat. It reduces breakage.
- Use Towels and Linens: Wrap fragile stuff in them, blanket it, and cushion it. This saves space, like packing two things at once, and protects your stuff.
7. Maximize Box Space
These are the strategies that expert movers advise using to maximize the space in your box:
- Fill Gaps: Fill any empty spaces in boxes with cozy items like pillows, scarves, and socks. This optimizes space and keeps things from moving while in transit.
- Nest Items: Arrange bigger things inside of smaller ones. Put kitchenware inside pots or small electronics inside larger appliances, for instance.
- Disassemble Furniture: To save space and simplify transportation, remove furniture when possible. Store all small parts and screws in bags with labels that are taped to the matching piece of furniture.
8. Label Everything
An effective move requires proper labeling. Indicate on each box exactly what’s inside and which room it belongs in. To speed up the unloading process, think about labeling or stickers with color codes for each room. For boxes with basics that you’ll need right away when they arrive, you can also add an important label.
9. Pack an Essentials Box
Having an essentials box can be very useful on your first night in your new house. Things like cosmetics, a change of clothes, essential documents, chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and any medicines should be in this box so you can use it right away. Having a necessary box means that on your first night, you won’t be quickly going through boxes.
10. Use Suitcases and Bags
These are especially useful for suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks to fill with clothes, shoes, and other stuff. They will assist in transporting large items; after all, they could be lightweight, and robust, and most of the time, they have wheels. Again, other possessions, formerly kept in these bags, can now fit into boxes.
11. Take Photos of Electronics
Take pictures of the wiring configuration before you remove the electronics. That way, you’ll more easily get everything back together again in your new house with much less effort and frustration. If you still have the original boxes, pack the electronics in those; otherwise, just use strong boxes that have a lot of cushions.
12. Roll, Don’t Fold Clothes
Items like clothes can be rolled rather than folded, which saves space and also reduces wrinkles. This works well when you are putting clothes into suitcases or duffel bags. Use vacuum-sealed bags for towels, linens, and even clothing to create more space.
13. Use Cling Wrap
Cling wrap is a versatile packing tool. Use it to:
- Keep Drawers Closed: Wrap the furniture in wrapping paper to prevent the opening of drawers while the furniture is being moved.
- Bundle Items: Wrap wrapping paper around a set of items that have to travel together, like foodstuffs or bathroom supplies.
- Prevent Spills: Wrap cling wrap around the tops of jars and bottles to prevent leaks.
14. Hire Professional Packers
Consider hiring professional packers if you’re asked for some time or just want to make sure everything is packed as well as possible. They can pack everything quickly and safely since they have experience and know-how to do so, thus giving you more time to be involved in some other moving-related tasks.
15. Keep Valuables with You
Try to keep things like jewelry, documents, and passionate memories with you, if possible, during a move. That way, you can be certain it’s safe.
16. Label Cords and Chargers
Label which device every wire and charger belongs to. This takes out frustration from having to remember which cord goes where and simplifies how to set up all the electronics in your new house.
17. Use Original Packaging
Try to use original packaging for appliances, electronics, and other reusable designs wherever possible. All these items are very well protected in their original packing during transit, which helps that they will safely reach your new home.
18. Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom
While packaging, keep lighter items at the top and heavier ones at the bottom to avoid top-heavy boxes that might topple over during a move.
19. Take Inventory
Keep an inventory of every box and what is inside. This helps in keeping tabs on the things you own and makes sure nothing gets lost in transit, especially long-distance moves.
20. Stay Calm and Take Breaks
More than anything, one should try to remain stress-free and take breaks whenever necessary. You don’t have to be in a hurry; do things at your own pace. Packing tips from an expert help you save time and space, hence moving smoothly and manageably.
Conclusion
Not all moves require a huge amount of packing. Use these professional movers‘ packing suggestions to speed up the process, maintain space, and guarantee that everything will arrive at your new home safely. Remember that planning is needed for a smooth move. Enjoy yourself when packing!
