No matter where you’re moving, packing will probably be the most significant task on your moving checklist. Even if you’re just moving to an apartment around the corner and you’re used to frequent moves, packing will be an unavoidable chore that you’ll have to do right to make your move less stressful.
Packing up all your belongings and fitting them into a truck (or worse, a car) will feel like you’re trying to solve one never-ending puzzle.
Except, it doesn’t have to be like that. If you’re doing a DIY move, here are a few tips that will help you pack like a pro!
Get Your Stuff Ready
Packing at the very last minute is super stressful. That’s why you must start on time. In fact, it’s never too early to start packing and preparing your stuff for the move.
Create a Packing Calendar
One of the best things you can do to make things easier on yourself is to pre-plan your entire move. That includes mapping out all tasks, breaking them into smaller, achievable daily goals, and sticking to the schedule.
Considering that many people think that moving is more stressful than divorce, helping yourself stay on track is vital for your mental well being.
Do a Closet (And Apartment) Purge
Some people think they can just chuck their things into boxes, load the boxes into a truck, and call it a day. Although that is an option, it’s unnecessarily taxing and potentially expensive.
You might be thinking that you’re only going to the neighborhood next to your current New York City residence. You are going to hire the best moving company to just move all of your stuff from one apartment to another. Well, good luck, because you’ll end up with more than a truckload of boxes that were packed with no rhyme or reason and a mess on your hands once you get to your new place.
That’s why it’s a good idea to pack smartly and only pack what you need.
Before you start packing, purge your entire apartment of all those things you collected over the years but don’t need. Do the same with your closet. If you haven’t worn something in more than a year or two, donate it or try to sell it.
Categorize Everything
While you’re purging your place, it’s a good idea to go over everything you own and group everything into different categories. That will help you create a packing schedule.
Make Some Space
Before you put a single thing into your very first moving box and officially start packing, create space in your apartment for all the moving boxes. Otherwise, you’ll spend days (if not weeks) tripping over packing supplies and half-packed boxes.
Get Packing Supplies
While we’re on the subject of boxes, it’s important to note that your pre-packing program should include getting packing supplies.
Now, we’re not just talking boxes here. You’ll also need:
- masking and packing tape
- scissors and knives
- packing paper, tissue paper, and bubble wrap
- permanent markers and stickers for color-coding
- moving boxes of different sizes (or regular boxes that are lightly worn out, which you can get from stores)
Pack In a Smart Way
Once you get all your packing supplies, you can finally start putting your things in them. It’s a smart move to start with the things you never or rarely use. Decorative items and out-of-season clothing should go into the boxes first. On the other hand, the things that you use every day should be packed last.
It’s also a good idea to pack a bag of essentials that you’ll use once you get to your new place.
Don’t Waste Space
You have to consider the logistics here. Even if you hauled two hundred boxes to your apartment and think you have all the space in the world for your stuff, you have to consider how you’ll transport them to your new place.
So, think about how many boxes can fit into your truck (or the moving company’s truck) and how much room there will be left after you pack your furniture.
Once you do that, consider how to maximize the space you have available. You can pack some furniture items (like dressers) with your things still inside. Just don’t forget to secure the drawers with tape and bubble wrap.
Furthermore, you can also use things like pots and pans to pack your smaller items. Plates, cutlery, smaller pans, or even decorative items from around the house can fit into your pans. That way, you’ll utilize the space and secure tiny items from getting damaged or lost during transit.
Other Helpful Tips
- Keep your clothes on the hangers and secure them with clothing bags before bundling them and placing them in boxes.
- Separately pack a few full outfits for those first few days. That way, you won’t have to rummage through different boxes to get everything you need.
- Don’t forget to set aside all toiletries you’ll need for the day of the move and the first few days after.
- Color-code your boxes and clearly label them. That will make unboxing a lot easier.
- Always secure things that might spill, especially if you’re packing them in boxes with valuable stuff.
- Take pictures to remember where your things were originally. That will help you when decorating your new place. It’s crucial to take photos of your electronics (while they are plugged in), so you don’t have to call in technical support to get them plugged back in when you’re at your new place.
Finally: Pack Room By Room
If packing for a move seems like too daunting of a task (even when you break it down into smaller, more achievable goals), consider packing room by room. That will give you a sense of achievement. Not to mention, you’ll be able to clearly track your progress, and you’ll be more motivated to finish everything on time.
Moving is never easy, but with good organizational skills and a few tips from us, you’ll be packed and ready to go in no time!
