Become the Marie Kondo of Packing for a Local Move
When it comes to local moving, packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. You might think moving down the street or to the next neighborhood over is no big deal, but anyone who’s done it knows the chaos a poorly packed box (or an entire kitchen) can cause. Whether you’re doing it all yourself or hiring local movers, having a solid packing strategy saves you time, money, and stress.
Our experienced local movers shared their best tips for making packing as smooth as possible. Here are 10 proven hacks to help you prepare for a stress-free move.
1. Declutter Before You Pack a Single Box
Packing less is the ultimate hack. Before you even touch a roll of tape, walk through each room and get rid of anything you don’t want or need in your new space. Less stuff means fewer boxes, lower cost for movers locally, and a simpler unpacking process. Donate, sell, or recycle what you can.
2. Use What You Already Own for Packing Materials
Before spending big on bubble wrap, take advantage of what you have. Towels, blankets, and even sweaters can protect fragile items. Laundry baskets, suitcases, and bins can be used as makeshift boxes. This not only saves money, but also reduces waste and helps you stay organized. Pro-tip: if you’re using professional movers, make sure all of your boxes are fully closed or covered.
3. Pack Room by Room
Stay focused and avoid overwhelm by packing one room at a time. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a short list of contents. This makes unloading much more efficient — and helps your local movers place everything exactly where it needs to go.
4. Label Smarter, Not Harder
Speaking of labels, color-coded labels or stickers can save time and prevent mix-ups. For example, blue stickers for the kitchen, red for the bedroom, green for the office. Combine this with clear handwriting (or printed labels) that list what’s inside, and you’ll breeze through unpacking later.
5. Pack an “Open First” Box
This tip comes straight from seasoned movers: Pack one box with essentials you’ll need for the first 24 hours. Think phone chargers, a change of clothes, toilet paper, snacks, tools, medicine, and basic toiletries. You don’t want to dig through 12 boxes to find your toothbrush or the Allen wrench that puts your couch together.
6. Don’t Leave Drawers Full
Many people think it’s easier to leave clothes in drawers — but this can add weight and risk damaging your furniture. Remove the contents, pack them in boxes or vacuum-sealed bags, and keep your dressers light and easy to move. If you’re working with local movers, this helps avoid extra handling fees or damage.
7. Take Photos Before You Unplug
Before you disconnect electronics, take a photo of how the cords are plugged in. It makes reconnecting your TV, game console, or home office much faster. You’ll thank yourself when you’re staring at a pile of tangled wires in your new living room. You can further support organized wires by wrapping them with masking tape that you’ve labeled with the item the cord belongs to.
8. Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items
Books, dishes, and small appliances can get heavy fast. Use smaller boxes for these items to prevent overloading. Heavier boxes are harder to carry and more likely to break open or cause injury. On the flip side, large boxes are better for lightweight items like pillows and bedding. Many local movers recommend obtaining more small to medium sized boxes than large boxes when prepping for your move.
9. Ask About Packing Services
If packing just isn’t your thing — or you’re too short on time — most local moving companies offer professional packing services. Whether you want help with just your fragile items or need full-service packing for your entire home, it’s worth asking about options. It may be more affordable than you think, and you’ll get expert packing that keeps your stuff safe in transit.
When comparing local moving company rates, find out whether packing materials and services are included. Some companies bundle everything together, while others charge separately.
10. Understand What Impacts the Cost of Local Movers
Speaking of rates, it’s helpful to know what affects the cost for movers locally:
- Number of movers needed.
- Size and weight of your items.
- How many stairs or elevators are involved.
- Distance between homes (even local moves can vary).
- Whether packing or unpacking is required.
Being organized and ready on moving day can help keep costs down and reduce the amount of time your movers spend loading and unloading.
Bonus: Don’t Pack Boxes on the Floor
Here’s a quick mini-tip that will seriously save your back: Instead of leaving your empty boxes on the floor while you’re packing, elevate them! Place boxes on low tables, couches, beds, or even other already-packed boxes and save yourself the pain of bending down over and over and over again. Your spine will thank you.
Now You’re Ready to Pack like a Pro
Moving is a major event, even if it’s only across town. A little planning goes a long way in making sure things go smoothly. Whether you’re going DIY or working with local movers, using the right strategies will save you time, reduce your stress, and help you feel more at home on day one.
And remember: if the idea of packing makes you break into a cold sweat, you don’t have to do it alone. Packing services are a game-changer, especially for busy households or anyone juggling work, school, and a to-do list a mile long.
Now that you’ve got the packing part covered, you’re one step closer to a move that’s easy, efficient, and actually enjoyable.
