Considering a move far from your current nest? You’re not alone. The number of folks planning to uproot and start afresh has surged by a whopping 20% in recent times. But remember, deciding to move long distance is just the tip of the iceberg.
While many might think moving is as simple as stuffing belongings into cardboard boxes, which are then shoved into trucks, the reality is far more complicated. This is why relying on packing tips from experts can be the difference between a smooth transition and a broken vase.
This guide for packing, drawing insights from expert movers and packers, dives deep into packing for long distance move. Whether you’re looking for out of state movers or just need advice, we’ve got the insights to ensure everything reaches your new doorstep flawlessly.
15 Expert Packing Tips for a Long Distance Move
When moving house, the devil’s in the details—or should we say, the packing tape? Mastering the art of packing is paramount for ensuring a smooth move.
These 15 packing tips, gathered from expert movers and packers, will ensure that all of your belongings, from cherished heirlooms to your indispensable coffee maker, reach your new abode unscathed.
1. Cut Back on Clutter
Embracing the minimalist mantra can be your best bet when moving. Instead of lugging that broken fan or dysfunctional air fryer, why not lighten your load? Now’s the time to sift through your belongings and decide what’s worth keeping.
Consider donating items in decent condition. Old clothes, books, and unused kitchen gadgets might find a better home elsewhere. Meanwhile, the faulty stuff can hit the bin. Less stuff means fewer boxes, and potentially, a lighter moving bill. Plus, isn’t a fresh start the whole point of relocating?
2. Schedule Packing Time
The notion that time is money never rings truer than during relocation. Begin by assessing your belongings. A studio apartment might require significantly less time than a sprawling three-bedroom house.
Allocate time judiciously. Experts often advise dedicating around five days to pack up a sizable home. This systematic approach eradicates the mad rush and reduces the likelihood of breakage. Plus, it offers mental peace, and who wouldn’t appreciate that amidst the moving chaos?
3. Have a Dedicated Moving Folder
The importance of organization cannot be stressed enough, especially when you’re making a long-distance move. This is where a dedicated moving folder swoops in as your knight in shining armor.
Jot down details, stash away moving contracts, rental papers, and other vital documents in this folder. A cloud folder is great, but you should also have a physical backup. This dual approach ensures you’re covered, even if tech fails you. So when curveballs are thrown your way, instead of panicking, you’ll be flipping through your folder, ready with answers.
4. Stock up on Packing Supplies
Imagine this: You’re on a packing roll, and suddenly, you run out of boxes or, worse, packing tape. Frustrating, right? Don’t let this be you. Being prepared is half the battle won.
Preempt your needs. Visit local stores or ask friends for any spare boxes. The essentials, however, don’t just end at boxes.
Your checklist should include:
- Sturdy boxes (various sizes)
- Quality packing tape
- Bubble wrap for delicate items
- Packing paper or newspapers
- Sharpies for labeling
Being over-prepared beats being under-prepared, especially when the stakes are as high as moving homes.
5. Keep the Essentials on Hand
There’s always a potential for things to go sideways. Delays can happen, plans can falter. In such scenarios, having an essentials bag can be a lifesaver.
This isn’t your usual travel bag. It’s a curated collection of necessities: daily meds, key documents, a change of clothes, perhaps even a snack or two. Think of it as your moving-day survival kit. With this in tow, even if your belongings get delayed by a day or two, you won’t be left high and dry.
6. Label, Label, Label
In the grand tapestry of moving, labeling is a thread that holds everything together. And it’s not just about slapping a “Kitchen” label on a box.
Go the extra mile. Along with the room, note down the box’s key contents. Doing so can save you hours of frantic searching later. Dreaming of a hot cuppa post-move? You’d know exactly which box holds your coffee maker. It’s the little things that make settling in smoother.
7. Use the Right Size Boxes
It sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how often this gets overlooked. Every box size has its purpose.
Books, heavy kitchen items, and tools? They belong in small boxes. These compact containers can handle the weight without falling apart. On the flip side, lighter items like bedding, curtains, and clothes can go in bigger boxes.
A word to the wise: heavy items in big boxes can spell disaster. Not only are they a pain to lift, but the risk of breakage also shoots up.
8. Heavier Items on the Bottom, Lighter on the Top
This isn’t just a packing tip; it’s physics. Layering your items ensures a stable and secure move. Starting with the heaviest items at the bottom and progressively placing lighter items atop creates a balance.
Not adhering to this might result in crushed items or a dangerously wobbly box. Think of it as building a foundation: strong, weighty items at the bottom provide the support, while lighter items sit comfortably atop, risk-free.
9. Use Drawers and Suitcases to Transport Clothing
We all love a good hack, and this is a classic one. Instead of emptying your drawers and suitcases, use them! They’re moving with you, so let them share the burden.
Pack clothes directly into drawers and suitcases. To ensure drawers don’t slide open, consider shrink-wrapping them. But what about those delicate dresses and suits? Enter: wardrobe boxes. These specialized boxes come with a hanging rod, ensuring your fancy clothing remains wrinkle-free.
10. Disassemble Your Furniture
It might seem like a hassle, but this step can save space and reduce the risk of damage. Beds, tables, and certain sofas can be broken down into more manageable parts. Not only does this make loading easier, but it also ensures that items fit more snugly in the moving truck, minimizing jostling.
Remember to keep all screws, bolts, and other assembly items in a labeled bag. Attach it to the corresponding furniture or keep it in your essentials bag.
11. Consider Special Crating for Expensive Art and Valuables
Your grandma’s painting or that limited edition sculpture deserves VIP treatment. Standard packing methods might not provide the protection these items need.
Special crating, though an additional expense, can be the difference between your valuable art making it in one piece or suffering damage. These crates are designed to handle the fragility of artworks, ensuring they’re snug and safe.
12. Pack Your TV the Right Way
For many, the TV is the crown jewel of their living room. When moving your TV, especially high-end sets like OLED or Plasma TVs, make sure to give them special attention.
If you’ve kept the original packaging, it’s an absolute win. These boxes are designed specifically for the TV’s dimensions, ensuring optimal protection. If not, then wooden crates can be a godsend.
You should also consider double-boxing. Slide the wrapped TV into a fitted box, and then place that box into a slightly larger one padded with bubble wrap or foam.
13. Tape Your Boxes Carefully
It’s not just about taping the box shut. It’s about securing it. Using a high-quality tape, ensure the bottom is secured with multiple tape strips. For added safety, tape the edges as well.
This provides additional strength and ensures that the contents, especially heavier ones, remain inside, minimizing spillage or breakage risks.
14. Enlist Moving Help
While going solo might seem brave, it’s not always practical. Be it family, friends, or professional packing services, an extra pair of hands (or several) can significantly streamline the process.
Professionals, especially, come with the added benefit of experience. They’ve been there, packed that. From handling fragile items to knowing just how to secure a box, their expertise can be invaluable.
15. Take Photographs of Electronics Setup
Your home entertainment system or office setup has a myriad of wires, all plugged in specific spots. Remembering what goes where can be a Herculean task.
A simple solution? Snap a photo before dismantling. These visual cues can be a lifesaver when setting up in your new place. Instead of puzzling over wires, you’d have a handy guide right on your phone.
Packing It Up
And there you have it—the lowdown on turning the potential turmoil of packing into a well-orchestrated ballet. With packing tips from experts at your fingertips, even the most daunting moves become manageable. Remember, it’s not just about stuffing things into boxes, but ensuring your belongings arrive safely and efficiently.
By now, you should be feeling more like an expert mover and packer yourself. So, as you set out on your long-distance journey, trust in your preparation and expertise. Because with the right approach, moving isn’t a chore, but a fun adventure waiting to unfold. Safe travels!
