Packing for a move can often feel overwhelming, but you can make the process easier with the right strategies. Whether you’re relocating across town or embarking on a long-distance journey, here are tips on how to pack like a pro: room-by-room packing tips:
Sort Items
Take some time to go through items and decide what you truly need. Organizing your belongings into ‘keep,’ ‘donate,’ and ‘discard’ piles can make packing more efficient and cut down on the cost of your move.
Kitchen
The kitchen is usually one of the most challenging areas to pack due to its variety of items and fragile dishware. Start with non-essentials, packing items you don’t use regularly, such as seasonal dishes and glassware, large trays, baking trays, and small appliances.
Leave the dishes, glasses, silverware, and pots and pans you use daily to the very last.
Wrap Dishes Properly
Use professional packing paper, which you can buy from your mover or a big box store. Clean towels can also cushion the bottom of dishes and glassware cartons. Stack dishware vertically in boxes to minimize the chance of breakage.
Label Cords and Accessories
Gather cords and accessories, wrap them, and label them for appliances. You can also use zip-top bags to secure small items with their respective machines.
Inventory Your Pantry
Carefully assess your pantry and fridge. Before moving, donate unexpired food items you won’t use before moving and pack the rest.
Living Room Packing Tips
Your living room often contains larger, more valuable items. Here are some steps to protect them:
Electronics
Before disconnecting any electronics, take pictures of the wiring setup to help you remember later. Use the original boxes or wrap them securely in packing paper or bubble wrap when possible.
Big Screen TV
Do not put bubble wrap against the TV screen, as this can leave marks. Pack your TV in the original box, or purchase a TV carton if possible.
Use Soft Items for Padding
Use cushions, blankets, or clothing to pad fragile items. This dual-purpose packing saves space and cuts down on packing materials.
Take the shades off the lamps. Wrap them gently in packing paper and put them separately in a box or bin. Do not pack bulky or heavy items with them to avoid crushing the shades.
Hang curtains in wardrobe containers or pack them in a bin or a large box.
Disassemble Furniture
If you are moving a short distance and paying by the hour, disassemble larger furniture pieces to save the mover time. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags taped to the corresponding furniture item.
Bedroom Packing Tips
When it comes to packing your bedroom, organization is key:
Clothes
Consider using wardrobe boxes to hang closet clothes. You can hang clothing right from the closet and put it into the wardrobe container. Items like shoes and boots can be packed in boxes, but ensure they’re clean and dry. You can also pack clean shoes or pillows at the bottom of the wardrobe containers.
Bedding
Use sheets and towels to fill gaps in boxes, providing cushioning for other packed items. Pack bedspreads and duvets in large boxes or bins.
Bathroom Packing Tips
The bathroom often contains many small items. To prevent leakage and spillage, place similar items together, such as toiletries, medications, and cosmetics. Use small bins or boxes for toiletries.
Towels and Sheets
Fold towels and sheets neatly in a box to keep them fresh and usable after the move.
Final Tips for a Smooth Move
Label Everything
As you pack each box, label it with a general list of contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you a ton of time when unpacking.
Plan Your Unpacking
Think about the order in which you’ll need to unpack. Essentials should be easily accessible, while items you won’t need immediately can be unpacked last.
Contact Premiere Van Lines for more information on packing like a pro, including room-by-room packing tips, and to get a quote on your move.