5 Tips for Packing Like a Pro

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Over the last two years, we’ve experienced one of the best housing markets in years which means a lot of people are moving. One of the most dreaded tasks of moving is packing. No matter how big or small your current home is, packing up all of your stuff takes time and can be an overwhelming experience. To make sure the process is as smooth as possible, we always recommend our clients get organized first, then dive into the packing process.

If you’ve already organized, great! Here are some of our best tips to help make packing easier than ever.

Stock Up on Packing Supplies

You always end up needing more packing supplies than you expect you’ll need, so make sure to stock up! Sturdy boxes are a must but you also want to make sure you have the miscellaneous packing supplies, including:

  • Bubble wrap

  • Packing tape

  • Markers

  • Box cutters/scissors

  • Packing paper

Depending on whether you’re hiring movers or going the DIY route, you’ll also need to get moving blankets (or utilize old ones you already have!) to keep delicate items and furniture protected during the move.

Determining How Many Boxes You’ll Need

Remember when we said you’ll need more packing supplies than you’re expecting? You also don’t want to over-buy packing supplies and be stuck with it, so we’ve created an easy way to determine a rough estimate of how many boxes you’ll end up needing.

To start, add up the number of rooms in your home that you’ll be packing up (don’t forget the attic, garage, and basement!).

  • The average living room and dining room will need 4-5 boxes each

  • The average bedroom will need 5 boxes

  • The average bathroom will need 3-4 boxes

Mark Priority Boxes

Once you’ve moved, the unpacking process will take time. To help avoid digging through every box looking for the items you need for day-to-day living the first few days you’ve moved into your new place, make sure to pack these separately and mark them.

Some items that will be a priority include:

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Paper towels & toilet paper

  • Soap

  • Bathroom essentials (shampoo/conditioner, body wash, etc.)

  • Clothing

The Key to Packing Your Boxes

When you’re packing up your moving boxes, you’ll want to pack heavy items at the bottom, medium-weight items in the middle, and light-weight items on the top. Make sure to pack each item carefully (especially if it’s breakable) and cushion each layer so items don’t rattle around.

Try your best not to leave any empty space at the top. If you stacking boxes and there’s empty space in them, they can sag and break which can damage the items inside and make moving the boxes more difficult. If you do have space left, fill it with packing peanuts or other packing material.

And don’t forget to label your boxes! This will make unpacking much easier.

Stack Your Moving Truck with Care

If you’re moving yourself, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly packing your moving truck so that you can take advantage of every inch of space in the truck.

  • Always disassemble furniture, remove shelves, and face large appliances opposite one another. This will help keep weight distributed evenly and will give you more space.

  • Pack electronics and other fragile items on the shelf in the back of the truck near the cab so they don’t get squished.

  • Pack large furniture first, followed by small furnishings and heavy boxes, light items and clothing, and priority boxes.

  • If you have space in between boxes and items, utilize pillows and blankets to keep everything from shifting around.

  • If you leave drawers in furniture, make sure you face them against the walls of the truck so they don’t open in transit.

If the thought of moving your own belongings and packing up a truck seems too much, hire a moving service!

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