How To Pack For Moving: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Everyone will have to move at least a few times in their lives. According to data from USA Today, approximately 40 million Americans move at least once every year. Since this is probably your first move in a long time, you may be searching online for moving tips or a moving guide. Billy.com has been offering moving services since 2008 and squeezed all of this knowledge into this moving checklist to ensure your move goes as smooth as possible.

12 Easy Steps for Moving

You may look at all your stuff and wonder where to even begin. This is where a comprehensive list comes in handy. Follow each tip to make the packing process much simpler. Once you know how to pack when moving, you will be far less stressed when the big day actually comes.

1. Get Rid of Everything You No Longer Use

There is no reason to bring clothes or knick-knacks you avoid using. Having too much clutter around your house increases stress, threatens your safety and causes respiratory issues if they collect too much dust. Before you hire moving services or start packing your belongings, you should go through everything and throw away, sell or donate anything that you no longer use or items that do not bring you joy. It will make the move itself a lot easier to handle.

2. Purchase All Essential Supplies

You should first purchase everything you will need for packing before starting. This ensures you do not have to make an emergency trip to the store when you are in the middle of a packing session. You will need moving boxes, bubble wrap, scissors, marking pens, wrapping sheets and heavy-duty packaging tape. This is the first thing to do in learning how to pack for moving.

3. Create a Moving File

You should create a file that details everything important you own. This paperwork should also include information on the moving services you hired, as well as the contact information for your realtor and the new property owner. You can store these papers in an envelope along with some cash to tip your movers. Keep it in your purse or suitcase so that it is easy to find.

4. Pack a Box or Suitcase for Each Family Member

It can take days or even weeks to move in completely. In the meantime, you still need to live comfortably in your new home. That is why each person should fill a box or suitcase with essential belongings. This includes toiletries, clothing for several days and a towel. That way, even if it takes you a while to get settled, you at least have the basics readily accessible.

5. Know Items Professional Moving Service Cannot Transport

It is a good idea to hire moving services to help you out during this time. However, most professional movers will not take certain items because of the threat they pose in transit. You should be prepared to take the following in your own vehicle:

Firearms
Ammunition
Fuel or gasoline
Fire extinguishers
Oxygen
Pesticides
Scuba tanks
Weed killers
Plants
Aerosol cans
Batteries
Fertilizer
Fireworks
Cleaning solvents and chemicals

6. Take Pictures of Complicated Setups

Do you remember how to put together furniture and electronics? Before your moving services arrive, you should take photos of anything that looks tough to set up. For example, you may want to photograph the back of your television set so you know which wires go where.

7. Determine Which Items are "Last On, First Off"

There will be some items you want to immediately unpack in your new home. You should load these items last in the truck so that they are the first you take off. This box will likely include small items you need to continue using until the move date, such as toiletries, Aspirin, first-aid kit, box cutters, work gloves and scissors.

8. Pack One Room Entirely Before Switching

It is tempting to go from one room to the next haphazardly, depending on what you feel like packing in the moment. However, most moving services advise against this. The reason is that it is easy to get burnt out.

It can also make it seem like there is more work than there actually is, so it is best to go one room at a time. You should start with rooms you do not use all that often, such as a guest room. Then you can go to the bathroom and bedroom that you will need to continue using until you leave.

9. Pack Dishes Carefully

You need to carefully pack easily breakable items. You should use extra packing paper in these boxes. It is also a good idea to wrap each dish individually. Stack items vertically instead of horizontally, and pad the bottom and top of each box with a towel or cloth. Lastly, label these boxes as fragile so that your moving services know to be extra cautious.

10. Invest in Wardrobe Boxes

It may seem tough learning how to pack clothes for moving, but it is a lot simpler when you have wardrobe boxes. They typically cost between $10 and $20 each, but they have bars at the top. Because you can leave your clothes on the hanger, the boxes pack very quickly, and your clothes will not become wrinkled during the move. Once you are at your new location it is easy to transfer the hanging clothes back into your new closet. If you have wondered how to pack shoes for moving, we recommend packing your shoes in the bottom of your wardrobe boxes.

11. Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items

The weight of dozens of books adds up quickly. You want to place these and other heavy items in small boxes. That way they are easier to transport. You do not want your moving services tearing apart a box when you just need it inside your new home.

12. Label Where Every Box Needs to Go

Moving day is stressful. You may not be able to delegate effectively, which is why you want the boxes to do the talking. You should label what each box contains and where in the house it needs to go. That way the movers know what to do even if you are unavailable.

Conclusion

Moving to a new house puts a lot on your plate. Simplify the process by hiring professional moving services from Billy.com. Contact us right away with any questions you have. We will provide you with first-class moving services to help you start your new life on the right foot.