Moving Day 101: How to be best prepared
Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. While the prospect of a new space is thrilling, the packing process can feel like a massive undertaking. Fortunately, by preparing ahead of time and knowing the right strategies for packing, you can make the entire moving experience smoother and more efficient. If you're working with a moving company, these tips will help ensure a hassle-free process and that your belongings make it to your new place safe and sound.
1. Start Early
The key to a stress-free move is giving yourself ample time to prepare. Ideally, you should start packing at least a few weeks before your move. Start with items you don’t use every day—seasonal clothes, decor, or books. The earlier you start, the more manageable the task will be.
Pro Tip:
If possible, aim to pack at least a room or two per week leading up to the big day. This way, you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll avoid last-minute chaos.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is a perfect opportunity to declutter. Go through each room and evaluate what you really need to bring with you. If you haven’t used something in the past year, you might want to consider donating, selling, or discarding it.
Pro Tip:
Separate items into three piles: "Keep," "Donate/Sell," and "Throw Away." This will reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack, which means less stress on moving day.
3. Gather Packing Supplies
Before you start, gather all the necessary packing materials. You don’t want to be scrambling for boxes or tape when you're in the middle of packing. Some essential packing supplies include:
Sturdy boxes (various sizes for different items)
Bubble wrap or packing paper (to protect fragile items)
Packing tape (good-quality tape is a must)
Markers (for labeling boxes)
Stretch wrap or plastic wrap (ideal for wrapping furniture)
You can often get free boxes from local stores, but make sure they’re in good condition and sturdy enough for the weight of your items.
4. Pack Room by Room
Packing room by room helps you stay organized and ensures that you won’t mix up items. Begin with the least-used rooms—like guest rooms or storage spaces—and work your way toward your everyday living spaces.
Pro Tip:
Label each box with the room it’s from and a brief description of its contents. For example, “Kitchen – Glasses” or “Bedroom – Books.” This will make unpacking much easier!
5. Pack Fragile Items Carefully
When packing fragile items like dishes, glassware, and artwork, take extra care to protect them. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or old towels to cushion delicate objects. For glass items, try to use a "dish pack" box, which is specially designed to keep fragile items secure during transit.
Pro Tip:
If you're packing dishes, stack them vertically (like records) instead of horizontally, as this provides better protection against impact.
6. Maximize Your Boxes (But Don’t Overpack)
While you want to make the most out of each box, it’s important not to overpack. Overloaded boxes can break and cause damage to your items. Use a mix of large, medium, and small boxes to ensure weight is distributed evenly. Fill any empty space with packing material to prevent shifting during transit.
Pro Tip:
Heavy items (like books or kitchenware) should go in smaller boxes, while lighter, bulkier items (like linens or clothing) should go in larger boxes.
7. Disassemble Furniture Beforehand
If you're taking large furniture like bed frames, desks, or bookshelves, disassemble them in advance. This will make loading the moving truck easier and ensure your items fit more efficiently.
Pro Tip:
Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled plastic bags and tape them to the corresponding piece of furniture. This way, you won't lose any parts and can reassemble everything without trouble.
8. Label Boxes Clearly
Clear labeling is crucial for making unpacking easier and helping your movers know exactly where each box should go. Write on the top and at least one side of each box so that it's easy to identify when stacked.
Pro Tip:
Use color-coded labels for each room (e.g., blue for kitchen, green for bedroom) or make a list with item descriptions on each box. This will help movers know exactly where to place things in your new home.
9. Pack an Essentials Box
The day of the move can be chaotic, and you’ll want easy access to essential items. Pack a separate box or bag with the following:
Important documents (IDs, medical records, lease agreements)
Toiletries and personal items (toothbrush, shampoo, etc.)
Medications and a first-aid kit
Snacks and drinks
A change of clothes
Phone chargers and electronics
Having these things easily accessible will save you from scrambling on moving day.
10. Communicate with Your Moving Company
Make sure your moving company knows about any special items, large furniture, or challenging logistics beforehand. Whether it’s a staircase, narrow hallway, or fragile art pieces, keeping your movers informed will help them prepare and avoid delays.
Pro Tip:
If you have valuable or fragile items, consider asking the moving company about extra insurance coverage for peace of mind.
11. Be Present on Moving Day
On moving day, try to be there to oversee the process. Answer any questions your movers might have about where items should go, and double-check that everything has been packed and loaded before you leave your old home. It's also a good idea to take inventory of your items as they’re loaded into the truck to ensure nothing gets left behind.
