How to Avoid Total Chaos When Packing for A Move

The idea of #moving and starting over in a new place can be exciting, at least until reality sets in and you need to pack an entire house for the ride. Unless you have a good plan of action and stick to it, packing and trying to keep track of individual items can be a nightmare. The first thing to do if you want to avoid that kind of stress is find pen and paper then put them to use making a serious list.

 

First on that list should be #boxes. Other than #buying them new the two best choices for clean, sturdy boxes are either asking your local store to save them for you or ask at a hospital. Start packing things early that you don’t use often, and you’ll be glad you did later.

 

Get Organized and Lower Your Stress Levels

You’ll need more than strong boxes of various sizes to get the job done. It pays to spend money on quality packing supplies because they are what keeps your belongings safe during the move. Even if you’re only going a couple of miles it makes sense to spend a little extra time doing the job right. Here’s the rest of what you should have on hand before you get started.

 

•Dark Colored Marking Pens

•Heavy Duty Packaging Tape

•Plenty of Large Self-Stick Labels

•Sharp Scissors

•Packing Peanuts

•Newspapers, Wrapping Sheets, Bubble Wrap. (Or, think about using clothing instead of these supplies and save cash. Instead of bubble wrap to fill in “air space” shove a few shirts in those small empty spots, slide glasses into a sock to keep them from rattling around and breaking, etc.)

•Padding Supplies for Large Items.

 

Note: Before anything is disassembled for packing, especially electronics, always take a clear picture of how everything is connected. Unless you still have the original set-up diagram, remembering where all the wires go might be difficult when it’s time to put it back together.

 

You will need a file to contain all the #paperwork associated with the move so not the least item is lost or misplaced. Keep it in a secure, handy location because the last thing you want to do is have to go looking for it among all those boxes when you need something from it. Any paperwork you may need before you are able to unpack including things like moving co. contract, hotel reservations if needed, tip money for people that will be helping you, etc. should all be in this file.

 

Pack a “Personals” Bag

Every person making the move should have a suitcase ready with at least two changes of clothing and toiletries (including clean towels) long before serious packing begins. Doing this allows you to take your time unpacking at the new place instead of digging into boxed items because you need clean clothes or soap. Once the bags are ready, it’s a good idea to store them someplace away from the action (the trunk of your car or maybe at a neighbors) so they aren’t accidentally loaded up with everything else.

 

Give Yourself Plenty of Room to Work

Find the largest open space available to use as a “work area.” Move furniture aside if you need to because plenty of room to work in as well as keep all those packing supplies handy makes the job go so much faster and easier. As each box is sealed, use the labels to give it a number, indicate which room it belongs in and briefly list the contents. Numbering boxes will help you to know for sure where it goes or if one is missing when it’s time to unpack in your new place.

 

Don’t Be Tempted to Over-Pack

It isn’t always possible to completely fill in a box, that’s when you’ll need the bubble wrap, wadded up newspaper, or clothing to fill in any empty areas so the contents are more stable. Be careful not to over-pack just because you still have room. Remember, you’ll need to be able to lift it or not have to worry about the bottom falling out because it’s too full. Heavier items such as books or cookware should be packed in smaller boxes, so they can be easily lifted.

 

Tame the Madness with Method

One room at a time is a good plan. Small items should go first so they don’t become lost in the shuffle, and don’t forget those labels. The true value of labels, numbered boxes and clear dark ink shows itself when it’s time to unload the truck. Instead of a massive pile of unmarked boxes in one room that must be sorted through, each box can be taken where it belongs for unpacking at your leisure.

 

When large items are taken apart, put all the hardware in a secure bag, label what it came off and make sure that bag plus any others all end up in the same box with the appropriate tools for reassembly. This box is also a good place to pack things like boxes of nails, remote controls, charging cords, etc.

 

Note: To prevent items like jewelry or cords from becoming hopelessly tangled in a move, secure them to a piece of stiff cardboard with stretch wrap before packing.

 

So, You’re Finished Packing, Now What?

There’s no way to know exactly how many boxes you will end up with until everything has been securely packed, padded and protected. By having numbered each box, you’ll be able to tell what size truck to rent for the job, or at least estimate how many trips you’ll have to make in a standard pick-up to get everything moved.

 

There are professional movers more than willing to take on the whole job for you. From #packing, disassembly, loading, hauling, then unloading, and whatever reassembly may be necessary, paying a professional is more than worth it. Consider every expense, from packing materials to gas there is a lot of detail involved that requires cash and expenses can mount quickly. Hiring pros may end up costing less, and you get to skip most of the work.

Done