3 Tips for Packing More Efficiently for Your Move

Posted on Jan 11 2019 - 1:55pm by Housecall
#57

moving tips

By Daniel Defendi

Moving can be a stressful experience. While some things can be prepared in the weeks leading up to the move, packing and moving out in a single day can still be a challenge.

Related: 5 Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful

These packing tips can help you avoid common issues and save you time and effort:

Plan Ahead

Before your move, it's important to buy all the boxes, tools and packing material you'll need. Make sure to purchase more than you think you'll use to avoid running out on moving day.

Create a toolbox of things that you'll be using to help you move. This should include sticky tape, plastic bags and anything else you think you might use. This box should be the last one you close and seal once you're ready to leave your old house.

Also, create a clearly labeled box for priority items—small appliances, tableware and medicine—which may be used on move-out day and which will need to be accessed quickly when you reach your new home.

Garbage can be difficult to deal with when leaving. It's best to prepare methods ahead of time to deal with trash, such as organizing enough garbage bags and space allocated to keep it.

Reducing the amount of unnecessary items you have before your move can help to minimize this problem. Perishable items like food should be eaten or disposed of before moving out, and borrowed or rented items returned.

Have a Plan for Move-Out Day

Start by packing the belongings you use least, such as those in storage. Pack room by room while labeling the boxes according to their contents and the room they came from. Keep the boxes in separate groups so they're unpacked together.

You can save space by packing smaller items into containers you already own, such as baskets and suitcases. However, don't fill cupboards and other pieces of furniture as they likely aren't secure and can be damaged.

Delicate items such as art pieces should be wrapped in plastic sheeting, covered with bubble wrap and placed in a closely fitting cardboard box. Wrapping plastic sheets around furniture and other belongings can also protect them from dirt, dust and moisture during the move.

Fragile boxes should be marked and filled with protective packing so that the items can't move within the box. Very delicate or important personal belongings should be taken with you in a personal bag or stored safely in your vehicle.

Pack an individual bag for each family member. Be sure to include essentials such as toiletries, personal items and a change of clothes, which can help keep you organized and comfortable when you spend the first night at your new house.

Stay Safe

Take apart any furniture that can be dismantled to save space and make packing easier. Screws or other equipment from the furniture can be kept in a clear plastic bag and taped to the furniture or kept securely.

Boxes with books in them can get quite heavy. Remember not to over-pack them, and consider filling up remaining space with lighter items like linens.

Packing lighter items in large boxes and heavier items in smaller boxes can help to keep weight consistent. Heavier items should be packed into boxes first. These heavier boxes should also be packed first into your moving truck, closest to the ground.

Gas cylinders should be emptied and have their valves left open. Any flammable liquids such as paint thinners and other chemicals should be used or disposed of before your move, as they can be dangerous to transport.

With the right preparation and some helpful tips, your move-out day will be a stress-free experience. Which tips will you use? Let us know in the comments below!

HeadshotDaniel Defendi is a writer and researcher within the moving industry, and recommends Adlam Transport for more help and advice. You can catch Defendi on LinkedIn to discuss this piece.

57 Comments so far. Feel free to join this conversation.

  1. Alex March 14, 2019 at 2:14 am -

    Thank you for sharing these great tips.

  2. Shannon Donovan March 22, 2019 at 2:09 pm -

    Fantastic tips! Moving is hectic so all hints are helpful!

  3. Selina Dakers March 27, 2019 at 10:13 pm -

    Great blog! Thanks for sharing such relevant information about packing tips moving.

  4. Sam Connors April 16, 2019 at 11:26 pm -

    This is great information. I am always looking for accurate information on ROI to give to my clients when they are deciding between two home improvement projects. This is so helpful. Thanks

  5. Jones Smith May 23, 2019 at 8:51 am -

    Moving is a stressful task. But with packing tips help in making a stress-free and easy move. Thanks for sharing it with us.

  6. Custom Printed Packaging Boxes May 24, 2019 at 8:45 am -

    Your packaging tips for moving are very helpful for me.

  7. Daniel June 19, 2019 at 11:32 am -

    These are some very useful tips for making a move as stress-free as possible. The tip about labeling boxes according to their room locations and contents is especially useful. I know how frustrating it can be to not find a certain item after the move. Awesome content!

  8. Keith Reynolds June 27, 2019 at 3:04 pm -

    Great tips. This helps a lot of people that wanting to move. Thank you for sharing this great tips you have.

  9. Selina Dakers July 2, 2019 at 12:35 am -

    Thank you for sharing your ideas. One of my best suitcase packing tips is for you to simply roll your clothes! Seriously, if you’re not currently rolling your clothes instead of folding them, do it!

  10. Bertrem FIsher July 5, 2019 at 3:36 am -

    Good choice of packaging boxes during movement from one place to another help to keep things safe.

  11. Selina Dakers August 12, 2019 at 11:25 pm -

    Many ways to make packing easier, thank you for sharing.

  12. Mathew T. Barnes August 17, 2019 at 7:55 am -

    Some good and effective packaging and moving tips include:
    Ordering a lot of boxes in various sizes, I would recommend to order fewer big boxes and more small boxes in order to pack your stuff smartly.
    Instead of using newspaper and magazine select special paper packaging, as this prevent ink stains which usually sticks over the objects during long distance moving.
    Do not forget to label your boxes so you must know which objects are present in the box and to which room those items belong to.

  13. Maisie Cooper August 28, 2019 at 12:26 pm -

    Great article these were some really useful tips I wish I had known this when I move to my new home.

  14. Santa Ana Mobile Detailing September 2, 2019 at 10:16 pm -

    Thanks for the tips. We also include spreadsheets when we move which helps a ton. We’ve actually done some side moving for our auto detailing company as well, which is actually funny because our mobile detailing guys have trucks. It’s common for people to be moving when they want their cars detailed and we’ve doubled up on work because of it.

  15. Selina Dakers September 3, 2019 at 1:31 am -

    Thanks for this awesome moving tips!

  16. Sara Moore September 12, 2019 at 11:48 am -

    Nice article about shipping safety techniques. Now I can plan better than previous because this time I have an idea all about it.

  17. Reza Florse October 5, 2019 at 8:38 pm -

    Thanks for the tips. Moving can appear to be stressful but could be rather easy with the right help and tracking!

  18. Mobile Car Cleaning October 11, 2019 at 12:42 am -

    Moving sucks – positive mindsets wins. It shouldn’ be too hard if you just take it with two feet in!

  19. Eric Miller October 24, 2019 at 12:51 am -

    I believe one should always label their boxes. It’s one of the most best ways to keep track of the boxes and provides help to those who move it as well.

  20. Janice Reid October 31, 2019 at 3:40 am -

    Thank you very much for sharing these packing tips. Keep it up

  21. Jason Hartman November 22, 2019 at 7:02 am -

    Fantastic blog. Your links in this are wonderful. I went via all this and I very many thanks for your advice.

  22. Sadie Ake January 9, 2020 at 1:27 am -

    Thank you. Very nice job! Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.

  23. Last Minute Movers January 29, 2020 at 9:23 pm -

    This is great advice for everyone moving!

  24. Archie Pattison February 7, 2020 at 7:13 am -

    Thanks for having this article, it helps a lot. It’s a well-written blog and it is very informative. Keep on blogging, looking forward to see more of your posts!

  25. Amelia Burns February 24, 2020 at 2:06 am -

    This is great advice for everyone moving!

  26. Mason March 2, 2020 at 11:38 pm -

    Thanks for making the move a little easier. Moving is not funnnnnn but on to better things!

  27. Sadie Ake March 10, 2020 at 2:44 am -

    Thank you for your post. Packing up all your belongings is a daunting task, but there are many ways to make packing easier. These seven easy tips will get you ready to pack with a vengeance.

  28. Metal Roofing Companies March 28, 2020 at 6:58 am -

    We’re planning to move out next month! Thanks for the tips!

  29. Movers NYC March 29, 2020 at 2:52 pm -

    Thanks for this informative blog! I’m glad I stopped by!

  30. E Bikes Here March 30, 2020 at 11:01 am -

    Thanks a lot for sharing these essential tips.

  31. Movers Pro Hub March 31, 2020 at 5:26 am -

    That so kind of you to think about the packing and moving tips decided to write to them. Keep inspiring by writing such beautiful blogs. And let me thank you once again for such inspiring work.

  32. Moving Company Los Angeles April 1, 2020 at 6:55 am -

    What a great article. Moving is not that stressful when you’re well-organized. Packing items properly, and separating everything can save you hours in the moving process. I moved to another city three months ago. Choosing the right moving company helped me a lot then.

  33. hawaii moving easy April 7, 2020 at 10:18 pm -

    Thanks for this blog. I learned a lot from this blog. This blog is very helpful to

    those who are planning to move to their new home. Especially to those who are

    first-timer. I hope you post more tips so that we can learn more and we can apply

    it to our plan for a home relocation.

  34. Moving Companies April 14, 2020 at 9:52 am -

    It is very good moving article. Thank you!

  35. Mark April 29, 2020 at 12:06 pm -

    Great article. Very informative.

  36. stamped concrete Saratoga Springs NY May 4, 2020 at 8:25 pm -

    Super informative!

  37. Auckland Wide Removals June 26, 2020 at 12:41 am -

    You should start packing for your move at least 3 weeks prior to your anticipated move date. The actual moving preparation process should start at least 6-8 weeks before your move. You have shared really impressive tips for packing for moving a new place. Do check out this robertsonsremovals.com, it has some great and nice ideas to look for.

  38. Natasha June 28, 2020 at 11:48 am -

    Some very easy and simple steps to include when packing! Great stuff!

  39. William July 1, 2020 at 3:56 pm -

    These are very great ideas! We move quite larger structures so planning ahead is a HUGE important step when it comes to moving a building 😉

  40. luchy forster July 24, 2020 at 1:21 am -

    Some very easy and simple steps to include when packing! Great stuff!

  41. PennySaviour July 30, 2020 at 2:18 am -

    Good Work! Easy and simple steps to consider when packing! I feel it is interesting and detailed.

  42. Plastic Moving Bins August 8, 2020 at 12:55 pm -

    Thank you so much for sharing these tips that can help during the move.

  43. Ashton Morton August 12, 2020 at 8:55 am -

    I really appreciate that you shared this amazing post with us, thanks for sharing and keep up the amazing work.

  44. Timothy Lovegrove August 22, 2020 at 4:57 am -

    Great post indeed, I loved to read it as it provides all the necessary details of what I was searching for. Thanks for great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get these tips from you.

  45. Christchurch Movers September 1, 2020 at 7:28 am -

    It is a wonderful article stating about the packing tips.Content here based on facts right. Anyone searching for same topic may find their shelter here. I am sure many people will come to read this in future. Great blog indeed, will visit again future to read more!!

  46. Hackney Glazier September 24, 2020 at 2:45 am -

    We have moved so many times, didn’t realise these, great tips.

  47. Jim October 8, 2020 at 9:39 am -

    Moving is always a hassle 😉 But it is definitely worth the effort. Recently, I helped to move my friend to a suburb of New York City from downtown. He had his own checklist to make sure he didn’t forget anything, as well as many different tokens that helped a lot, some of which he obviously looked at you 🙂 My friend was madly happy to move, because the proximity of nature and the lack of noise made his life better and calmer. Did anybody have the same experience of a successful move?

  48. Margaret Gill January 11, 2021 at 12:51 am -

    Well explained tips! Packing doesn’t have to take days or weeks as it’s a few hours task. You can do it by putting professional packing tips in place. I would suggest adding a few more tips like declutter belongings and then segregating large and small items into groups. It would help you plan fast, easy, and proficiently. Further, you can hire professional movers and packers to make your move hassle-free.

  49. Stanley Johnson February 9, 2021 at 10:16 am -

    Moving across the country is wildly stressful. Your job, your friends, your address having all these things change at the same time is overwhelming.

  50. Abigail Flecker February 24, 2021 at 7:27 am -

    Thanks for writing this great article for us. I have gained good stuff from this website. Looking forward to your next article. I am happy to share this post to my friends. Keep it up.

  51. Will Frayne February 24, 2021 at 7:38 am -

    Thanks for writing this great article for us. I have gained good stuff from this website. Looking forward to your next article. I am happy to share this post to my friends. Keep it up.

  52. Archie Pattison February 24, 2021 at 8:19 am -

    Nice Blog!! The content you have shared is very elaborative and informative. Thanks a lot for sharing such a great piece of knowledge with us.

  53. Isabel Barunga February 24, 2021 at 8:29 am -

    I really appreciate that you shared this amazing post with us, thanks for sharing and keep up the amazing work.

  54. Sofia Brydon February 24, 2021 at 8:35 am -

    Nice Article…Very interesting to read this article. I have learned some new information. Thanks for sharing.

  55. Simran Puri February 25, 2021 at 6:50 am -

    Really informative article. Coincidentally, our company too works for making relocation easy for the people around the world. It would be really great if we could collaborate to make relocation more hassle-free for people with our great and valuable tips. Looking forward for this content synergy to make shifting and home search and relocation easy for the people.

  56. Homes for Sale South Shore April 6, 2021 at 1:11 pm -

    Great tips on packing up a home for sale! Will pass on to my clients.

  57. Chana Martinez May 18, 2021 at 3:31 am -

    Thank you very much for this post. Regardless of moving locally or long distances, moving was a convoluted and stressful process.