How to Pack for a Move

455,499 views
63 Editors
Edited 2 days ago

Three Parts:Getting Started and Getting Organized Packing Effectively and Efficiently Finishing the Job

Packing for a two-week vacation is difficult, but packing for a move from one residence to another can be horrific. Not many people look forward to packing even if they are looking forward to the move! Start collecting boxes about a month or more before the move date. Supermarkets and hospitals have great clean boxes, so ask them to save some for you or pick them up every time you shop. Start packing early to minimize the rush and let’s get started.

Part 1 of 3: Getting Started and Getting Organized

1
Gather all required packing supplies and moving boxes of different sizes.You will need different sizes of strong moving boxes to pack items of different sizes. Make sure you purchase good quality packing materials and strong moving boxes or cartons; it may be wise to consult a professional for recommendations. Also, consider acquiring:
- Padding supplies
- Bubble wraps
- Wrapping sheets
- Newspapers, blank newsprint paper
- Scissors
- Heavy duty packaging tape
- Labeling stickers
- Marking pens
Ad
2
Create a "moving file" with important paperwork you will need throughout your move. Include in it your moving truck reservation, moving helper payment codes (if applicable), pet veterinarian records (again, if applicable), cash for movers tips, your hotel reservation, contact information for important people (realtor or property owner), and any important documents you could need before you have the chance to unpack.
- Keep this file in a safe place, such as in your purse or personal bag, where you will not accidentally pack it in a box. It should also be in a place where it won't get buried in the mess that will inevitably develop.
3
Pack a suitcase or box for each member of the family several days in advance. Include a personal-sized bar of soap, new toothbrush and toothpaste, towel and washcloth, disposable razor if needed, some "relaxing" clothes (sweats or something similar) and two complete changes of clothes, and anything else you know each person will need during the first few days (while everything else is in boxes). This way everything they'll need is easily attainable.
- Keep these boxes or suitcases in a safe place where they will not be mixed in with everything else, perhaps in the car or even farther away (work or a neighbor's house). Bring them with you in the car or however you are traveling.
4
Gather some old clothes you can use for padding. Instead of buying feet and feet of bubble wrap or handfuls and handfuls of packing peanuts, turn to your clothes to provide that padding. Not only does it save you money, but you have to pack the clothes anyway, so it’s really two birds with one stone. Clothes are often more malleable than paper and bubble wrap, anyway.
- As for things like glassware, wrap each one in a sock. It’s almost like that’s what the socks were truly meant for. If they clink against each other, they'll be fine.
5
Take photos of complicated set ups, like the back of your TV. Is there anything you have set up that took you forever to get just right and you’re totally loathing the moment you have to disassemble it? Then snap a photo of it for quick reference later.
- You may also want to snap a photo for frame arrangements and decorative set-ups, too. Not to mention the nostalgia and memories, of course.

Part 2 of 3: Packing Effectively and Efficiently

1
Make a spacious packing station at your current residence. You’ll want a nice, wide open space where you can drag and drop all your stuff and then expedite the packing process. This is where you’ll have your boxes, your packing materials, and your pens, tape, and labels. This is your I’m-getting-stuff-done room.
- As you pack each box and seal it up, put a number on it, in addition to the room label and contents. This way, if you have X number of boxes, you’ll know when one is missing, in addition to being able to tell the movers just how many boxes you have.
2
Start packing – and don’t pack air. Wrap each individual item properly with enough layers of wrapping sheets, bubble wrap, or clothes. Place items inside a box with extreme care in the best position possible to avoid damages. Heavier items should be placed on the bottom and lighter items should be placed on the top inside the boxes. Get as many items as possible in each box to cut down on the number of boxes you’ll need.
- Pack heavy items such as books, toys, etc. in small boxes. However, be conscious of not over packing boxes until they are bulky and may break.
- Pack fragile or breakable items with extra care and attention. If required, use more layers of wrapping sheets or bubble wraps to wrap such items. Place saran wrap between bottles and caps to prevent leaking. Consider putting cotton between fragile cosmetics, too.
- Use wadded newspapers or crushed papers to fill empty spaces of boxes or cartons.
3
Make sure to pack everything that belongs in a particular room together in a room-labeled box. This makes unpacking easier once you get where you are going. Start packing one room at a time, packing smaller items first to get them out of the way. Carefully mark and tape each box so you can find everything when you unpack.
- This makes it easier for the movers, too. If they're courteous and not on a time crunch, they'll likely take each labeled box and put it in its corresponding room.
4
Begin taking apart any large items. Place all hardware in double-thick Ziploc bags, according to contents and room. Keep all bags in one box with the proper tools – allen wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. This will make it easier to put everything back together when you have moved in.
- Make sure you keep the box of hardware and tools in a central place where everyone can find it. This will make re-assembling much easier. Place in it the small things like video ear plugs, remote controls, boxes of nails and things you will need immediately after moving in.
5
Clean out each room one by one, starting with the kitchen. Toss away junk and only box things that you use. Use your kitchen food storage containers for all loose things you find as you empty drawers from the kitchen, desks, or table drawers throughout the house. Label boxes according to contents and rooms they belong in then securely close or tape them. Use various sized bags for the same purpose. Add a sticky note inside each bag noting the contents like "stereo cables" and "pens and pencils.” Place all containers and bags inside a larger box labeled appropriately with room and content.
- Plates should be stacked vertically, like records. Don’t forget to look in the dishwasher!
- Do you need anything to stay intact, like necklaces (so they don't get tangled)? Try saran wrap or stretch wrap over them as is and then pack them.

Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Job

1
Pack an "open first" box last. This most probably will include the items which you have been using until the date of the move. Think about small handy items you might want access to before you unpack all boxes. It may also be useful to add items such as dish soap, a sponge, a roll of paper towels, Kleenex, a couple pens, scissors, plastic/paper plates/forks, a bottle opener, bath towels for each family member, one pot, one pan, one plastic stirring utensil, an extra box cutter, etc.
- Keep in mind that people will need to wash their hands, eat, and shower long before you are done unpacking on the other end of the move. Having this box will make that simple.
- Also, toss in a sugary treat such as Lifesavers or hard candies in case anyone gets hungry or low blood sugar on move-in day. This is a good way to keep the bad moods at bay.
2
Stack the boxes as you are finished filling, taping, and labeling them. Try to keep them stacked in the rooms that you have finished packing. Keep all power strips and extension cords and grounded adapters in one specific box; they will be much easier to find later.
- Clearly label the hardware box and the extension cord box. Consider spray-painting both boxes bright yellow or red.
- Place all the screws or bolts back into an item after it has been taken apart. This way, you can connect the bed or put the lampshade back on immediately instead of searching for them.
3
If you’ve kept track of how many boxes you have, count them up. Do you know where each one is? Are any in need of any extra tape job? Do you have more than you thought you might and need to inform the movers that you'll need a bigger truck?
- Which ones are fragile and which ones are sturdy? Are there any that you want to handle yourself, just in case? You may wish to set a few aside so you know where they're at at all times.
4
Look in each room, and make sure that everything has been removed. Place any last minute items together in one room. Remember: when the truck has been filled, and the movers tell you that they have everything, checking out each room to make sure that nothing has been left behind is your responsibility. When you are certain that each room is clean, then it is time to shut the door and leave!