Tips for Packing Like a Pro

Moving into a new home is an exciting time but packing and unpacking may not be what you’re most looking forward to. However, with careful planning and packing, you can save time, money, and a lot of headaches. Check out these packing tips to ensure that your move goes smoothly and that all of your stuff makes it to your new house with you!

Pack Like a Professional

It may be tempting to stack all of your books in that large box…until you go to pick it up. Avoid pulling a muscle and place your heavy items in several small boxes, saving your large boxes for light items such as linens and pillows. As you begin to fill your boxes, you will want to put heavier items on the bottom with lighter items on top. This will create a balanced box when moving, as well as keeping your lighter items from being crushed under the weight. Similarly, the heavier boxes should be loaded onto a truck first, as to not smash any of your delicate pieces. In order to keep things from getting knocked around (i.e. broken), you will want to fill up any empty space in your boxes. You can use clothing, towels or packing paper to ensure that all of the gaps are filled. Towels, linens, and pillows can also be used to keep your fragile items safe. You will want to make sure your breakables are wrapped in several layers of packing paper or bubble wrap, and items such as dishes should be placed on their sides, not facing down. Finally, be sure to reinforce your boxes by adding several pieces of tape on the top and bottom. This is especially important if your box is on the heavier side.

Stay Organized

Think about your future-self as you pack, “What can I do now to make unpacking easier?” The best way to stay organized is to begin with one room and work your way around, labeling each box clearly with its contents and which room it belongs in. Keeping a complete list of the contents on the outside of the box will save you time down the road when you’re digging through ten boxes labeled “KITCHEN” just to find a cereal bowl. Label the tops and sides of your boxes, including any special instructions such as “fragile.” You will want to resist the temptation to start tossing random things in a box and labeling it MISCELLANEOUS. This will make unpacking a much smoother process. Number your boxes and keep a running inventory list to check off as you (or the movers) begin to unload them into your new home. That way, if a box goes missing, you can easily identify which number it is and what all it contained.

Must-Have Packing Supplies

• Sturdy moving boxes (in several shapes and sizes)
• Plenty of packing tape and a tape dispenser
• Packing paper, packing peanuts, and/or bubble wrap
• Scissors or box cutter
• Thick markers
• As many helping hands as you can get!