Getting ready for an upcoming move? It’s a big deal, no question. And while the thought of relocating can feel overwhelming, there’s a lot you can do to make the moving process easier—and dare we say, even enjoyable. The secret? Good planning.
With a few simple steps and a bit of forethought, you’ll find that organizing, packing, and settling into a new home can be manageable and even smooth. So, let’s get started—here are four tips for packing to move that you can use to help feel more confident and less stressed as your moving day approaches.
Tips for Packing to Move
1) Start planning for the move early
The more time you allow yourself to pack and mull over the various to-do lists, the better. Trust us—the earlier you start, the less likely you’ll find yourself scrambling at midnight or realizing you forgot to update someone on your new address. A simple, eight-week moving plan? A lifesaver. It keeps things on track without overwhelming you.
Start with essential packing supplies: stock up on heavy boxes in all sizes, plenty of packing tape, and some bubble wrap (you’ll thank yourself later). Labeling markers? Definitely.
Save space by filling empty spaces in moving boxes with smaller items, and pack fragile items securely. Need extra storage? Consider a storage unit for non-essentials. For fragile boxes, mark them clearly so they’re handled with care in the moving truck. And keep a few boxes nearby with daily essentials, like your coffee maker, for an easier start in your new place.
2) Prioritize packing items
One of the best packing tips we can provide is, whatever the season, to approach it like a spring cleaning. Before you start packing boxes, sort through all your belongings and paperwork and decide what to keep. Get the kids involved too by having them sort out the toys they no longer play with and the clothes that don’t fit. You can sell belongings at a yard sale or online marketplace, donate the gently used toys to charity and as well as give any unused belongings to family and friends.
3) Approach packing in an organized way
As you dive into the packing process, keep these quick moving tips in mind: pack room by room. Start in a spare bedroom or study and pack all its contents away first. When the room is ready, use it to store packed boxes so they are out of the way and any disorder is very much contained. Keep the contents of each room together and clearly label boxes so they are easily identifiable at the other end.
As you pack boxes, write a list of contents on the top and side of each box. The more detailed the description, the easier it will be to find the important things later.
When it comes to packing clothes, consider getting wardrobe boxes, they make short work of packing hanging clothes.
There is a box for everything, and everything should be in its box. Order the proper supplies and use a liberal amount of packing paper at every opportunity. Your possessions will be safer and easier to store and handle if they are in sturdy, well-padded boxes. Isaac’s is able to provide you with small, medium and large boxes; dish or china boxes; wardrobe boxes; lamp boxes; boxes for legal and letter size files; and picture boxes.
4) Have an un-packing plan as well for after the move.
If you are packing or taking advantage of Isaac’s packing service, you need to keep aside a box of essentials which will keep you going in your last days in the old house through to the first ones in the new house. Everyone will need their own travel bag containing changes of clothes, towels, toiletries, prescription drugs, and a few other personal items.
You will also want to put together a supply box with things you will want to hand when you get to the new house: bed linen, toilet roll, band-aids, a set of flatware for each of you, a few plates and cups, and an all-purpose cooking pot. If you rely on caffeinated beverages you might want to pack the coffeemaker in here at the last minute. You may also need to take a tool kit with you so you can reassemble furniture without having to look through a dozen boxes first. If possible, you will want to take this box with you, or make sure it is one of the first boxes unpacked at the other end.
Make Your Move Easy with Isaac’s Full-Service Solutions
As a full-service moving company, we offer a full range of moving services to meet your needs. Our team of professional movers handles every detail, from packing and loading to transporting your belongings safely. Need help with unique items? Our special moving services cover everything from delicate antiques to bulky furniture. Whatever your moving needs, Isaac’s is committed to making your transition smooth and stress-free.