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Packing: one word that can evoke dread in the hearts of many. Even the task of packing for a vacation is frequently pushed until the very last minute in an effort to avoid its challenges. For moves, this process can feel nearly impossible. However, this cloud does have a silver lining! Packing isn’t doomed to forever be terrible. In fact, it can become quite simple with the right knowledge. By employing the proper steps, you can pack like an expert in no time. Ready to pack for your move like a professional? Keep reading for our nine expert steps!
- Create a Game Plan
Every good packing process needs a game plan. Working haphazardly simply won’t get the job done right. Create a plan of attack to understand the best way to go about packing your home. Which rooms should you take care of first? What will need to wait until the end? Which items need special protection to avoid damage? Asking yourself these questions can be a helpful way to guide your decisions and formulate a plan that allows for the best packing outcomes possible.
Ideally, you should start with the rooms that can be packed as much as possible. These are the rooms that contain the least essential items—so probably not your bathroom or kitchen. Understanding what areas of the house can be packed first and determining an order of operations will structure the process more, a helpful step to take.
- Declutter First
You might not realize it at first, but a necessary part of packing is getting rid of things. Prior to even a single item being packed, it’s in your best interest to sort through your items and declutter. Why? Decluttering allows you to determine what’s no longer wanted or needed in your home, allowing you to eliminate items before you go through the trouble of packing (and unpacking!) them.
Sort through your items and decide what can be donated, sold, thrown away, and kept. Try to keep an objective outlook as you go through your belongings, as emotional attachments can often make this process difficult. If you need additional help, reach out to a trusted loved one to assist you through the task.
- Get the Necessary Supplies
Before it’s time to pack, you will need an ample amount of supplies to sufficiently pack and protect your belongings. Having the right supplies is a crucial part of the process, so be sure to assess exactly what you require for your belongings. Here are some of the most common items most people need as they pack for a move:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes
- Resealable plastic bags
- Packing tape
- Permanent markers
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Packing peanuts
- Moving blankets
- Work Room to Room
Moving experts agree — packing one room at a time is the way to go. This strategy is helpful for a few reasons. First, this methodical approach makes it a lot easier to handle the task in chunks, ultimately making the process a lot less stressful. But perhaps even more importantly, working room by room prevents any items from different rooms going in the same box.
Keeping these items separated is an effective way to stay organized and to improve the unpacking process. It will be much easier to find items in their boxes when you arrive at your new home if they are with items from the same room.
- Pack Strategically
Strategy is the name of the game as you pack for a relocation. There are plenty of important elements to remember as you pack to optimize your results. First, be sure to pack your belongings snugly to prevent movement as much as possible while in transit.
Next, pay attention to the weight of the items you’re packing. Anything heavy should be towards the bottom of the box, while lighter items can sit on top. Additionally, don’t overload your boxes. If it starts to get too heavy when the box still has space left in it, fill the empty air with something lightweight and protective such as bubble wrap. This will minimize jostling without adding extra weight.
- Organize and Label
Organize, organize, and organize some more! You can never be too organized as you pack for a relocation. Prioritize a high level of organization by being diligent and thorough when labeling your boxes. Each label should be written in large, bold letters on at least two sides of the box. It should list not only the room it corresponds to, but also details about the items inside.
If you want to know every item in each box, an inventory is the perfect tool for you. Create an inventory by assigning a number to each box. Then, on a spreadsheet or document, you can list exactly what items are in what box number. This is the most comprehensive way to organize your packing.
- Protect Your Items
Protection is a critical part of packing, especially for fragile items. As previously mentioned, take the proper measures to limit movement inside your boxes. In addition, you should use sufficient padding on all of your more sensitive belongings.
Wrap items in bubble wrap or other cushiony materials before placing in the boxes, as this will absorb any shock. Keeping your items protected will reduce the risk of damage in transit, ultimately minimizing any stress when it’s time to unpack.
- Secure Important Documents
For important documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, social security cards, and other necessary papers, be sure to secure them when you pack. These items should either be kept in a safe, private spot that you will remember or kept directly with you as you travel. Keeping track of these documents is incredibly important, so be mindful of how you handle them.
- Keep Essentials With You
On moving day, it’s best to keep an essentials kit with you throughout the entire process. Especially for long-distance moves, this will serve as your go-to, necessary items during the time it takes to arrive at your new home. In addition to items you will need in the interim, it should also contain any basic items you will need for the first day or so in your new location, preventing you from searching through boxes after a long day of moving.
Pack Like The Pros!
Although packing isn’t a process you can just rush through, it also isn’t a process that you need to dread either. All it takes is the right knowledge for you to become a packing expert.
Looking for a team of movers to accompany your pro packing? Trust AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage, the Florida Gulf Coast’s premier moving company! We have provided Sarasota and beyond with high quality services at competitive prices for over 40 years. Our team is here to help you through every step of your move so you can experience a smooth, straightforward relocation.
Request a free quote online today, and find out how AAA Flat Rate can transform your move!
