tips for how to pack for a big move

Tips on How to Pack for a Big Move

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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!

How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving

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Packing up and moving to a new home is never easy. There’s a lot to think about and the entire moving process can be very stressful. One of the most stressful parts of the whole experience is packing. It can be even more difficult when you have to pack fragile items. 

The only way to ensure that these items arrive safely is to use special packing techniques. Here are some tips that will help you pack fragile items to your new home safely!

Fragile box

Use Smaller Boxes

Some fragile items can still be pretty heavy. The most effective way is quite simple – use smaller boxes. This will ensure that you don’t overpack your boxes to the point of making them too heavy to carry. The aim is to make sure there is as little movement as possible. If you are having issues you can call in the best interstate removalists to assist you with using the right boxes.

Select Thick Boxes

Not all boxes are created equal! When you pack fragile items, it’s important to remember that you should never use flimsy boxes. Just as you should try to use boxes that are compact and will fit the items securely you need to make sure that the boxes are thick as well. Even with enough tape, the thicker the box, the better the protection. That way, whether you are looking at moving in to a dorm, to a new condo, a home with your partner, or even a 55+ communities, all your possessions will arrive in one piece!

Pack fragile items by securing it with tape

Tape It Up

Even if the box is thick enough and the right size, unless it’s secured, your items won’t survive. The bottom of the box is the most important so don’t be afraid to use extra tape. Be sure to use extra strips going horizontal as well as vertical. This is the best way to ensure that the box is firm and secure no matter how much movement it experiences. As long as you handle with care and have a “This Way Up” sign on the box, you shouldn’t need as much tape on the top.

Cushion the Box Properly

Next, you will need to prevent the item from shifting around inside the box while it’s being moved. Do this by filling the empty spaces around the item. You can do this by using hand towels or regular towels. Not only will it protect your fragile items but it will help you pack more of your belongings. You must secure the bottom of the box with soft padding materials. There is a myriad of materials that you can use. 

Wrapping a fragile item in packing paper

Additionally the more traditional route is to use bubble wrap, styrofoam, peanuts, and bubble wrap. Once you have cushioned the box, place the fragile items inside. Always place the heaviest items at the bottom. If you are packing up mugs or other glassware, stuff the inside of the cup with your socks or paper towels. This also helps to ensure that the items will arrive safely.

Wrap Each Item

Each fragile item should be wrapped. You can wrap them with bubble wrap, hand towels, paper towels, or your clothing. This will ensure that they do not bounce against each other while in the box. This is an extra layer of protection that you always need to make sure that nothing gets broken.

Final Words on How to Pack Fragile Items Safely

Packing fragile items can seem overwhelming and tedious, during the moving process. Using your own items like your towels and clothing to secure the items will help reduce your moving costs. Even if you hire a mover to pack your items for you, being aware of how fragile items should be packed is critical to making sure that your items don’t break.