Mastering the Art of Moving

Effective Packing Tips for a Calm Move

The spring housing market is just around the corner, and if you have a move coming up, it’s time to start thinking about packing. Often viewed as a tedious task, packing is something many people rush through.

However, how you pack truly matters. Taking the time to pack your items systematically and carefully will make a world of difference when you arrive at your new home. Here are some tips and tricks to lighten the weight of packing and ensure an easier move.

Sort: Organize Your Items

Start by sorting your items. Gather all similar items and pack them together. This will make it easier to organize them into the correct spaces when you unpack. For example, keep all kitchen utensils together and group similar clothing items. This step will have you thanking yourself on unpack day

Edit: Assess What You Own

Once your items are sorted, it’s the perfect opportunity to assess what you have.

Ask yourself:

• Are there items you have too many of?

• Are there broken items?

• Is there anything you’ve held onto for too long and it’s time to let it go?

Immediately bag up these items and take them to a donation center on your next trip out. Purging unnecessary items will save you time and effort both during the move and when organizing your new home.

Prepare: Gather Supplies

Moving can be stressful in the best circumstances, so don’t create more stress by having improper packing materials. Here are some things we recommend for a stress free move:

• Tape: Use brown, tearable tape instead of tape guns, which jam all the time! Trust us!

• Boxes: Collect boxes in various sizes—small, medium, large, and a few extra large. Reusing a friend’s moving boxes can save money, but ensure they are durable and undamaged. Do not use anything too small or an odd shape. When loading your move truck, it will be important for boxes to be standard sizes to allow stacking to be efficient.

• Packing Paper: You’ll need plenty of packing paper to protect items and ensure boxes are tightly packed. Packing paper is the best way to protect.

• Bubble Wrap: Crucial for odd-shaped or fragile items.

• Markers and Fragile Stickers: Use a large Sharpie for labeling, and purchase fragile stickers for boxes needing extra care.

• Ziploc Bags: Useful for organizing small, loose items to prevent them from getting lost or jumbled.

Pack: Items with Purpose and Order

Start with one room at a time. Focus on that space and do not wander off to the next until each area is complete. Here are some ideas to help each box and space be packed with purpose:

Pack Memories and Overflow Items Differently

After consolidating your items, you may find you have a category for memories or seasonal items, like summer toys in the garage. Instead of using a standard box, opt for a heavy-duty storage bin. Label the bin clearly, and it will be ready for movers. Once you arrive at your new home, you can simply place it in your storage room or garage without unpacking.

Boxes

Assemble each box securely, and always line the bottom with packing paper to cushion items.

• Small Boxes: Ideal for heavy items or small categories. Think items like books, fragile items, cast iron, or spaces like your nightstand or jewelry.

• Medium Boxes: Great for kitchen appliances and toys. Be sure to not pack TOO heavy!

• Large Boxes: Suited for lighter, bulkier items like clothes, toys, linens or pillows.

• X-Large: large items from garage or storage spaces; oversized décor.

  
  

Wrapping and Taping

It is best to place several pieces of packing paper crinkled at the bottom of the box, especially if items can shift or are fragile. The same can be done for the top. For fragile items, use multiple pieces of packing paper to wrap them, allowing air space for cushioning. Then gently place items in the box with packing paper around them to ensure a snug fit. Ensure the box is level (does not cave in or bulge on top) when closed and tape it securely.

Labeling

Use your marker to clearly write the contents on each box. This will help you to unpack the right boxes first. It can be helpful to list each item as you pack the box. Then, don’t forget to include a “space label” to indicate where movers should place the box in your new home. Write the name of the space in LARGE writing. This will prevent the need to move boxes again once the movers leave. Trust us, if they do not have clear instructions, your boxes will be scattered.

Move: Ready for Transportation

Now that your items are packed, you’re ready for the move! Congrats! You’ve sorted and edited your belongings, ensuring you’re only taking what you need and love. You have packed your boxes correctly to minimize anything getting lost or broken. And everything is organized and ready to be unpacked efficiently once you arrive at your new home.

Remember, moving can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a much calmer experience. If you need packing + purging assistance, we would love to help bring CALM to your move. Reach out for a free in-home consult.

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