When asked what’s the most stressful event in their life, 45% of Americans said moving. For an idea of how significant this is, 44% responded with divorce/moving!
Relocating can be chaotic and filled with small details that are anxiety-inducing. And if you don’t have a good game plan, things can quickly fall apart.
One thing people stress out about is packing. There are clothes, kitchenware, furniture, etc. that need to be tucked away perfectly. Otherwise, you’ll waste space and time, and these items may get ruined in the move.
If you need help with packing to move, then keep reading. Here are 6 steps you should take.
1. Start ASAP
You might think you have plenty of time, but trust us when we say to start ASAP! Major tasks almost always take longer than expected, and you never know if something unexpected will come up.
For example, you might need to take extra shifts at work. Or maybe you or your family member(s) get sick so you have to either rest or take care of them, or you have a bad mental health day (or week!). It’s also possible that an emergency with your home or car can happen, and you’ll need to spend a considerable amount of time and money to fix these things.
Our point is, life often throws us curveballs. So instead of procrastinating or trying to fit packing into a tight schedule, start as soon as you know you’re moving (if possible).
2. Declutter First
Before you start throwing things into boxes, you should declutter first. There’s a good chance that you don’t need everything you currently own. So why go through the extra trouble of packing those items up and bringing them to your new house, just to not use them still?
You don’t have to declutter every room at once either. You can assign a room per few days or 1 week to sort out what you don’t need anymore.
From there, you can either donate, sell, or trash these things. You might come out with some extra cash and fewer items to pack. It’s a win-win situation!
3. Use a Color Code System
Assign a color to each room and then start color-coding bigger objects (for example, don’t worry about color-coding individual pencils in your drawer!). You should also take this opportunity to determine if you want everything to go in the same room in your new house. If not, then you can use your new color system to indicate a change.
If you’re not using a professional mover, then you can get away with just color-coding the box your belongings are going in. Make sure to mark both the top and side of each box so it’s easier to see, no matter where the box is.
Otherwise, if you’re using pro movers, color code every item and make sure to give them a list with the key. This will make it easier for them to pack things up and unload them.
4. Pack Backwards
When you’re actually packing for a move, don’t throw things in boxes haphazardly. Instead, take a moment to think about which items you use often and which you haven’t touched in a while.
You should then pack backwards, which means you start with the most unused items first. That way, those boxes are at the very back, while the ones in front have the things you’ll most likely need to access.
It might be smart to pack essentials in a separate box. That way, you’re not constantly searching for them before you move.
You should also have an overnight box/bag with items like your pajamas, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other toiletries. That way, when you’re done on the big day, you have everything you need without having to dig around. It’ll save you from a huge headache!
5. Take Advantage of All Empty Spaces
Put your Tetris skills to use and cram everything as full as you can. If you’ve got luggage, fill them with heavier things since you can drag them along.
Stuff socks down your boots so they’re not sitting empty. A bonus is when you go to wear them, you’ll already have a pair of socks waiting!
You can do the same with your kitchenware. Stuff them with socks, clothes, and rags so they’re cushioned on the inside. you can also use these things to provide lining between items like plates.
For everything else, there’s a handy moving checklist you can use.
6. Hire a Professional Mover if Possible
If you want a really stress-free move, then hiring a professional mover can be worth every penny, especially when you consider that they can pack and unpack too. You’ll only need to declutter and label everything, then hand the movers the inventory list.
On the big day, they’ll come pack up everything and load up the truck. You won’t have to do any heavy lifting, plus you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are packed properly. They’ll transport your boxes and furniture safely, then unload and unpack them with a delicate touch too.
If you don’t have the time or energy to pack, and you’ve got valuable things you need to be handled skillfully.
Packing to Move Is Easier With These Steps
Packing to move might be something you’re dreading. But don’t put it off, because it’ll quickly catch up with you if you don’t start early!
With the above steps though, you’ll be able to tackle this monumental task, especially if you hire a professional mover. And before you know it, everything will be squared away without you having to pull out all your hair! These tips will have you looking forward to packing for future moves.
If you need more tips for moving day, then browse the rest of our blog page.
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