Six Important Tips on How to Pack For a Big Move

When it comes to packing, the common consensus is that people don't realize how much they really own until it is time to pack it all.

Here are some of our packing tips when it comes to packing for a move effectively and efficiently.

Packing Tip 1 - Start early

It is important not to leave packing until the last minute. Facing a lot of items that all need to be cleaned, organized and packed in a short amount of time makes moving more stressful and overwhelming than it has to be.

Packing Tip 2 - Stay Organized

Keep a marker out to label boxes with the items they contain, the rooms they need to be moved to and whether or not they are fragile. This makes unpacking once the move is finished much easier. Don't tape the boxes closed until the last possible moment. Leaving them open allows you to add to the boxes if you've forgotten something, as well as take items out that you didn't realize you would need to use again before the move.

Packing Tip 3 - Get the right materials

Before you start packing for a big move, choosing the right materials is important. Make sure you have cardboard packing boxes that vary in size. Use smaller boxes to pack heavier objects, like books, and large boxes to pack lighter items, like pillows and clothing. For heavier boxes, it is a good idea to double up on packing tape to support the bottom of the box.

Keep markers to label your boxes, bubble wrap and newspaper for packing fragile items and packing tape to close the boxes before the move.

Packing Tip 4 - Follow a Timeline

Budget your time thoughtfully and start packing the things you don't use often first, that way you aren't faced with packing away items you might end up needing before you move.

Start with things like pictures, knick knacks and collectibles that you don't use on a regular basis. Follow that with out-of-season items like clothing, holiday decorations, camping equipment and serving dishes and utensils.

Packing tip 5 - Electronics

If it is possible, pack electronics in their original boxes before putting them all into one larger box. If you don't have the original boxes, use packing wrap or newspaper to pad the item before placing it in the box. When packing electronics into boxes, place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Make sure each box weighs no more than 50 lbs.

Before you pack away DVD and CD players, remember to take out any discs that may be inside to avoid them being scratched during the move. For electronics such as computers, label each wire and plug in with a piece of tape to make it easier for setting everything up again when you are ready to unpack.

Packing tip 6 - China, silverware and stemware

The most important packing rule for fragile items is to use as much protective wrapping as you see fit. Layer the bottom of each moving box with newspaper or bubble wrap, wrap each item separately and finish by filling the top of the box with newspaper for a tight fit. Just like with electronics, when packing dishes and serving items, put heavy items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.

Packing for a big move can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you follow our tips, your next move can be completed efficiently with less stress. You can also have you items professionally packed by using a storage and moving company. That will give you peace of mind that your most important possessions will be handled with care and brought to your new place safely.