Packing Tips – A Checklist for before You Planning to Move

Packing for a move can be a daunting task, but with some tips and tricks, it can become easier and less stressful. To help you out, we’ve compiled a checklist of 20 packing tips that you can use before your move.

1. Start Early: Begin packing at least 4 to 6 weeks before your move date.
2. Make an Inventory: Make a list of all your items and mark them off as you pack.
3. Get Rid of Unwanted Items: Sell, donate, or discard any items that you no longer need.
4. Get Quality Packing Supplies: Purchase good quality packing supplies like boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
5. Label All Boxes: Label each box clearly with its contents, room, and destination.
6. Pack Heavy Items First: Pack heavy items like books and appliances in small boxes.
7. Use Bubble Wrap for Fragile Items: Wrap fragile items like dishes and glasses in bubble wrap.
8. Pack Clothes in Garbage Bags: Keep your clothes on hangers and pack them in garbage bags to save space.
9. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items: Pack heavy items in your suitcases to save on boxes.
10. Use Towels for Padding: Use towels and linens to wrap and pad delicate items.
11. Pack Room by Room: Pack one room at a time and label each box with the room name.
12. Pack Electronics Carefully: Use original boxes or packing materials for electronics.
13. Secure Lids with Packing Tape: Use packing tape to secure box lids and prevent items from falling out.
14. Pack Boxes Firmly: Pack boxes tightly to prevent items from shifting during transport.
15. Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items: Use small boxes for heavy items like books, so they are easier to carry.
16. Don’t Overpack Boxes: Avoid overpacking boxes as they might break and damage your items.
17. Label Fragile Boxes Clearly: Label boxes containing fragile items with “Fragile” in bold letters.
18. Keep Important Items Separate: Pack important documents and valuables in a separate box or bag that you keep with you during the move.
19. Pack an Essentials Box: Pack an essentials box with items like toiletries, clothes, and medications that you’ll need on the first day in your new home.
20. Hire Professionals: Consider hiring professional packers to help you with the packing process, especially if you have a large number of items or fragile items.
21. Keep Cords and Cables Organized: Use twist ties or zip ties to keep cords and cables organized and prevent them from getting tangled.
22. Use Blankets for Large Items: Use blankets to protect large items like furniture and appliances during transport.
23. Pack Cleaning Supplies Separately: Pack cleaning supplies separately from other items to prevent spills and leaks.
24. Use Plastic Wrap for Drawers: Use plastic wrap to cover and secure the contents of drawers, so they don’t shift during transport.
25. Pack Seasonal Items First: Pack seasonal items like holiday decorations and winter clothes first, as you won’t need them until later.
26. Use Sturdy Boxes: Use sturdy boxes that can withstand the weight and pressure of other boxes during transport.
27. Consider Climate Control: If you’re moving long distance, consider using a climate-controlled truck or storage unit to protect delicate items.
28. Keep Hardware Organized: Use plastic bags or small containers to keep hardware like screws and bolts organized and labeled for easy reassembly.
29. Use Small Boxes for Fragile Items: Use small boxes for fragile items like picture frames and delicate decor, and fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap.
30. Pack a First-Aid Kit: Pack a first-aid kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic, and pain relievers in case of accidents or injuries during the move.
31. Use Ziploc Bags: Use Ziploc bags to pack small items like jewelry, screws, and other small parts. Label each bag with its contents and keep them all in a larger container.
32. Wrap Furniture with Plastic Wrap: Wrap furniture with plastic wrap to protect it from scratches and dirt during transport.
33. Pack Lamps in Their Shades: Pack lamps in their shades to save space and protect them from damage.
34. Pack Fragile Items Last: Pack fragile items last so they are on top and easily accessible when unloading.
35. Use Wardrobe Boxes: Use wardrobe boxes to pack clothes on hangers, keeping them wrinkle-free and easy to unpack.
36. Pack Heavy Items on Bottom: Pack heavy items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top to prevent damage.
37. Don’t Overfill Boxes: Avoid overfilling boxes, especially with heavy items, as they may become too heavy to lift.
38. Mark Boxes with Fragile Items: Mark boxes containing fragile items with arrows pointing up to indicate which side should be kept up during transport.
39. Use Packing Tape for Closure: Use packing tape to secure boxes, rather than duct tape, as it provides better closure.
40. Pack Electronic Cords Separately: Pack electronic cords separately in labeled bags to prevent tangling and confusion.
41. Use Paper to Wrap Plates: Use packing paper to wrap each plate individually, and then stack them vertically in a box with plenty of padding between them.
42. Label Boxes Clearly: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in, to make unpacking easier and more organized.
43. Use Bubble Wrap for Delicate Items: Use bubble wrap to protect delicate items like glassware, picture frames, and electronics.
44. Pack a “Survival” Box: Pack a box with essential items you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, snacks, and a change of clothes.
45. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items: Use suitcases with wheels to pack heavy items like books, so they’re easier to transport.
46. Pack Books Vertically: Pack books vertically in boxes to prevent damage to their spines.
47. Pack Rugs Flat: Roll up and pack rugs flat, rather than on end, to prevent damage to the backing.
48. Don’t Pack Hazardous Materials: Don’t pack hazardous materials like flammable liquids or corrosive chemicals, as they pose a safety risk during transport.
49. Take Photos of Electronics: Take photos of the wiring and connections of electronics before you disconnect them, to make it easier to reconnect them at your new home.
50. Use Linens for Padding: Use linens like towels and blankets for padding fragile items and filling empty spaces in boxes.

Moving Tips – A Checklist for Before and After You’ve Moved

These additional packing tips can help you make sure your belongings arrive safely and in good condition. Don’t forget to take your time and label everything clearly to make unpacking easier. Good luck with your move!