These Packing Tips Can Help Make Your Next Move Smoother

Packing up to move from one home to another can be tedious, especially when done without the help of professionals. Even if you plan to hire a moving company, you might worry about things getting misplaced or damaged. So, you'll need to stay on top of everything. We’ve prepared a few tips you can use to help make packing up smoother.

10 Packing tips you can use to make moving smoother

Create a checklist: Outline what you must accomplish to help make moving easier. You can include the time and date you wish to move, the rooms you plan to pack up first, the amount and size of boxes needed, and a budget for moving expenses. You can update your moving checklist as you get closer to your move.

Get supplies you need: You will need some items to pack effectively, so remember to include them in your budget. Boxes, tape, permanent markers, a utility knife, a handcart (heavy objects), scissors, newspaper and bubble wrap are essential items to have on your list.

Declutter before packing: Get and label boxes for items you plan to give or throw away. When you declutter before packing, you have a better idea of the things you need to replace. You can also help someone (friend, relative, or charity) by gifting them the items you no longer need but are in excellent condition.

Be strategic: Designate a packing station in the home and pack what you won’t need first. Being strategic with packing can prevent you from searching for things you need in boxes before your move. You can make a list, pack room by room, or collect the items from each room. However, if you collect items from each room, do not mix them with stuff from other rooms, as this could create confusion when you are unpacking. Use colour-coded boxes to identify items and include the room names.

Document the space: If you plan on recreating the look of specific rooms at your new place, you can take photos of your current home layout. Documenting the space can remind you of things you did that provided comfort and accessibility you enjoyed. Remember to pack the items in the same box so you can find them when ready. Also, please take pictures of the back of your TV and items you might need to disassemble to remember how to reassemble them.

Label: Chargers, small tools, and other electrical wires can be easily misplaced when moving. So, please label them in resealable bags before packing to avoid frantically searching for them later. You can designate one box for all your small tools and electronic devices, making them readily accessible when needed.

Prepare an essentials box: While a moving service can help make unpacking more oversized items easier, the process can still be tiring. So, prepare an essentials box with the things you might need soon after your move. You can include matches (lighters), paper towels, toilet paper, water, plates, cups, and plastic utensils.

Pack an overnight bag: Pack a small suitcase or bag with the personal items you might need during your move and shortly after arriving at your new place. Try to include changes in clothes, medications, crucial documents, frequently used devices (tablets, phones, chargers, etc.), and toiletries.

Keep clothes on hangers: If you aren’t sure you will get adequate time off to pack up or unpack, keep clothing on their hangers. Put a garbage bag around several hangers to fit and tie it around the top, with the hook free. Your clothes will be protected and clean from surfaces they may touch in transit. You also eliminate the tediousness of having to rehang clothing.

Empty your refrigerator: Some companies will not move it if it is packed with food. So, eat as much of the food you already have in your house before moving day. You can pack your non-perishable items in boxes the night before or the morning of your move.  

Remember to plan when packing for your move and to research a moving service that best suits your needs. Our Find Yello listings include moving companies, moving services, and hardware stores that have products and services you can use.

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Sources: Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, Constellation, Moving, and Forbes.