5 Important Steps to Pack for an Organized Move

Moving is always an important time in your life, but it can also cause a lot of stress. Here are 5 tips to make moving day go a lot smoother.

Choose the right box

Carefully choose the right size of box when packing. The wrong size of box can create too much space inside the box and no matter how carefully you pack and protect those precious memories you will not want things rattling around.

Too much space can also lead to a heavier box on top crushing the contents of the box below. And don’t forget to seal the boxes properly. Use shipping tape instead of folding the flaps so the contents do not fall out when the box is lifted.

Label

For an organized move it’s important that you label all boxes so you know which room they go into upon arrival to the new home and so that you know what is inside the box.

Too much time will be spent going through boxes at the other end if they are not labelled, so make sure you have a permanent marker handy.  Once they are in the room you can now unpack in the order that you choose and save time going through a lot of boxes looking for items.

Like with Like

Now that you are labeling the boxes do not pack items from two separate rooms into one box. With the boxes labelled and in the room they are supposed to be unpacked in there will be no time wasted running from room to room putting away items belonging in the kitchen that you found in the master bedroom box.

Protective wrap

Make sure your dishes and other breakables are packed well. Sounds obvious but there is a lot of movement on the trucks and when being picked up and put down. Dishes should be stacked in piles of like dishes – large plates on top of large plates – with a couple of sheets of protective paper, newspaper or bubble wrap between each plate.

After packing 4 to 6 dishes wrap them together with more paper and start again. When packing cups or mugs those boxes at liquor stores make for great packing. You may not want to go to the expense of purchasing packing supplies but for your dishes and other breakables you may want to make an exception.

Emergency and “Open Me First”

Just like traveling on vacation you may want an “emergency” pack prepared especially if you are moving a long distance or don’t expect to unpack the same day.

Something with a change of clothes, a facecloth and towel and a toothbrush for each member of the family, toilet paper, paper towel, prescription medications and toiletries.

Again, this is all about saving time and avoiding stress at the other end after a long day.

It’s also a good idea to have a “Open Me First” box containing items such as bed sheets and some basic non-perishable food snacks supplies so you can make it through the first day and night.

Door stops, a steep stool, garbage bags, box cutters, scissors, plastic utensils and cups and cleaning products are other important items to have for a “Open Me First” box.  And don’t forget your pets……a pet food dish, a serving of food and their bedding will be important for the first night.

Moving can be a very stressful time in your life. Following these simple tips can avoid a lot of that stress.

Good luck on your move! And remember, if you need packing or unpacking and settling in assistance so that your move is stress free, organized and a great experience, we are only a phone call away or email at info@clutterbgone.ca.