Packing Tips to Boost a Smooth Move

9 Packing Tips to Boost Your Odds of a Smooth Move

By Jonas Bordo, CEO and co-founder of Dwellsy

Its true that packing for a move usually isnt a complex process, but if you want your move to go as smoothly as possible (and your belongings to survive intact), theres a little more to packing than simply loading your stuff into boxes and hoping for the best. Here are some packing best practices:

1. Declutter. Do this well before the big day! If you have any belongings you dont need or want anymore, nows the time to set them aside, donate them or dispose of them. This isnt a task youll want to deal with when you re in the throes of moving.

2. Assemble your packing materials. You also dont want to realize youve run out of boxes or tape midway through packing up your kitchen. In addition to boxes, make sure you have packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, newspapers or other materials handy.

3. Pack one room at a time. Not only is this more time efficient, but it will also make the process of unpacking much easier.

4. Allow enough time for disassembly. Remember that youll have to unhook electrical appliances, take nails out of the walls and remove lightbulbs from lamps. You may also need to disassemble large pieces of furniture, like your bed frame or bookshelves.

5. Consider leaving clothing in drawers and on hangers. If your dresser drawers are full of non-breakable clothing, why not leave these items where they are? Secure the drawers in place with tape or straps so that they dont slide open or fall out in transit. You can also leave clothing on hangers.

6. Label everything. Playing the whats in which box game is not how you want to spend your first few days in your new home. Label each box in detail as you pack it. For example, dont just write Kitchen. Write Kitchen: toaster, tea kettle, spatulas, immersion blender and oven mitts.

7. Save the essentials until last. These are items youll want to use while moving out and moving in, as well as belongings you dont want to take any chances with.

8. Make sure to rent the right size truck. Its easy to underestimate how much space your belongings will take up, so if youre renting a truck or trailer, err on the side of too big. This is especially important if youre moving a long distance.

9. And dont forget to include appropriate equipment. Plan to use moving blankets or furniture pads to protect non-boxed items and straps to secure large items so they wont shift in transit. Dont forget items like hand trucks, dollies and ramps.