How to Pack for a Move
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across the country or across the street — it takes a lot of time and energy to pack up. But moving to a new home doesn’t have to disrupt your life. If you follow a few simple steps, you can even make your move (almost) fun!
Here are seven ways to pack for a move so you can get back to living your awesome life.
Look for a Reputable Moving Company
Before you can think about packing, you first need to decide how you’re going to move. Are you a DIY kind of person or would you rather hire a moving company? This will depend on a number of factors, like your budget, your timeline, and how far you’re moving.
If you decide to hire professionals, remember that not all moving companies are created equally. Give yourself enough time to find a reputable moving company so you can trust that your possessions are in good hands. Need some tips? Check out this post on how to pick a moving company.
Schedule a Moving Day
Once you’ve decided on a moving company, it’s time to set a date for the big day. If possible, try to get access to your new place a few days before you have to be out of your old one. This will give you a buffer so you won’t be stressed if you can’t complete your move in one day. It will also help you avoid the need for a storage unit as you move between places. Schedule your move so you have time to clean up your old home and to pick up any last minute items that got left behind.
Make a Packing List
Before you start packing, take inventory of all of your stuff. A packing list will help you stay organized and will ensure you don’t forget anything. It will also help you identify what has a place in your new home and what can be left behind.
Grab a pen and a notebook, and go through your home room by room. Make two lists: one for what you’re taking with you and another for what you’ll throw away. Categorize everything by room to simplify the packing process. Taking the time to plan before diving in will make unpacking in your new home a hundred times easier.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Items
Moving to a new home is the start of the next chapter of your life. Take this opportunity to purge any old, unnecessary stuff. After you determine what you’re taking with you, get rid of everything else. You can have a garage sale, recycle, or donate your stuff to charity. If you need some help, give 1-800-GOT-JUNK? a call. They’ll happily dispose of your items responsibly and donate whenever possible.
Pack Ahead of Schedule
If you’re going to do yourself one favor during your move, it’s this: give yourself plenty of time to pack. Moving is stressful enough — you don’t want to be scrambling last minute, throwing everything in boxes. Start early so you can take your time and pack your things properly.
It’s a fine balance, though. You don’t want to pack too soon and be stuck living out of boxes and suitcases for weeks. Aim to have everything packed up and ready to go a few days before the move, but keep a small suitcase with anything you’ll need until you get to your new home.
Gather Your Supplies and Get Packing!
You’re almost there! You’ve hired a great moving company, you’ve organized your stuff, and you’ve downsized to the essentials. Now it’s time to pack everything up and start your new adventure. To keep your things safe, use the right supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to pack for a move:
- Cardboard boxes or plastic bins
- Packing paper for wrapping fragile items
- Bubble wrap for added protection
- Packing tape
- Permanent marker for labeling bags and boxes
If you choose You Move Me as your moving company, we’ll provide boxes specifically designed for all your unique possessions. Find out more here. Don’t want to pack yourself? We also offer full-service moves where we pack everything for you — you won’t have to lift a finger!
Change Your Address and Cancel Services
As you approach your moving day, there’s one last bit of housekeeping to take care of: changing your address and canceling your services. For an address change, you’ll need to contact the appropriate authorities, such as the DMV, your bank, and your employer. You also need to call your cable, telephone, internet, gas and electricity providers to transfer services to your new address.
There’s no doubt about it: moving is hard work. But by planning ahead, getting organized, and keeping a positive attitude, you’ll be able to turn your new house into “home” in no time.
Ready to get moving? Click here to schedule a free estimate!
