Moving can be an exciting but stressful time, especially when it comes to packing. Whether you’re moving to a new city or a new country, packing your belongings can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to pack for a big move:

Purge unnecessary items

Before starting to pack, take the time to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Especially when it comes to what is in your closet. You would be surprised with how much stuff either you haven’t worn in years or doesn’t fit you anymore. If anything this will help you get closer to having a capsule wardrobe. Consider donating, selling, or throwing away items that are no longer useful to you. This will not only help you reduce the amount of stuff you have to pack but also make unpacking at your new place easier and more organized

Pack non-essential items first

Begin by packing items that you won’t need in the immediate future. This includes items such as out-of-season clothing, extra kitchen appliances, or seasonal decorations. By tackling these non-essential items first, you can create more space and focus on packing the essential belongings closer to your moving date. This ensures that you have everything you need until the last minute.

Use clothes to cushion fragile items

Instead of buying excessive amounts of bubble wrap or packing peanuts, utilize your clothing as a protective layer for delicate items. Wrap fragile items such as dishes, glassware, or electronics in soft clothing items like t-shirts, socks, or sweaters. I highly recommend using your socks to pack the insides of your glassware or mugs. This not only saves space but also provides extra padding and reduces the risk of damage during transit. Not only that, but you won’t be spending your money on unneeded packing materials.

Write down what’s in your boxes on the outside

Labeling your boxes with a brief description of their contents can save you a lot of time and effort when unpacking. Or if you or your partner accidentally packs something that is still needed in the immediate future before your move. By clearly writing down what’s inside each box, you’ll be able to easily locate specific items without having to open multiple boxes to find what you’re looking for. Consider using color-coded labels or numbering your boxes to create a systematic packing and unpacking process.

Use towels or blankets to cushion the inside of boxes

To provide additional cushioning and protect your belongings further, place towels, blankets, or even linens at the bottom of boxes before packing them. You can also use it as a way to cushion your box in their entirety – not just on the bottom. Placed properly, the towel or blanket can wrap on the sides of the box as well. These soft materials act as a barrier between your items and the box, absorbing any impact during the moving process and reducing the likelihood of breakage.

Pack books in backpacks

Books can become extremely heavy when packed together in boxes, making them difficult to lift and carry. Instead, distribute your books among backpacks, reusable shopping bags, or other small bags. This makes these heavy items more manageable to transport. And it also maximizes the use of available space in your moving containers.

Use reusable shopping bags

You bought all of those fun reusable shopping bags for a reason. Now is their time to shine! Use your reusable bags to pack books, clothing, shoes, or other non-fragile items. Since these items tend to be pretty clunky, using reusable bags not only gets them out of your way quickly, but it utilizes a small space efficiently.

Don’t overpack boxes

While it might be tempting to fill every inch of a box to minimize the number of trips, overpacking can lead to several issues. Heavy boxes may become difficult to lift, increasing the risk of injury, and the excessive weight could cause the box to break. Aim to keep boxes at a manageable weight and leave some room for padding and cushioning. A helpful way to do that is to pack your boxes with some heavy items then clunky lightweight items. For example, back the bottom of a box with yearbooks, cookbooks, a gaming counsel, or picture frames or books. Then on top of them, pack pillows or jackets. This will help you not to pack a particularly heavy box, but it will help to get some of your space-guzzling items out of the way.

Pack heavy items in smaller boxes

We have talked a lot about heavy items and how to manage them in different ways. But the simplest way is to just get a smaller box to limit yourself. You could do this for things like countertop kitchen appliances or tools. This ensures that the weight is distributed evenly, making the boxes easier to carry and reducing the strain on your back. Remember to reinforce the bottom of these boxes with extra tape to provide additional support.

Pack an “overnight” bag

Prepare a separate bag or suitcase with all the essentials you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. Include items such as toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, important documents, and any medications you may require. This way, you won’t have to dig through numerous boxes to find what you need immediately, allowing you to settle in comfortably while you unpack at your own pace.

Lastly, take pictures of your belongings

This is mostly for if you are keeping your belongings in storage unit of some sort or having a company transport your items. Not only will this be able to help you keep track of what may already be packed in case you need to get something quickly out of the storage quickly. But it will help in the case of an insurance claim. This could happen for a number of reasons. From flooding to the storage unit or lost items during transit.

Moving can be a daunting task. But with these tips, you can make the process more manageable. Remember to take your time and stay organized, and you’ll be settled into your new home in no time!