If you’ve moved once, the chances are pretty good that you’re hesitant about doing it again. That’s because the entire ordeal usually feels pretty overwhelming. From start to finish, those moving are typically stressed out. However, things don’t necessarily have to go that way. Instead, you can use these ten best packing tips for moving to ensure everything goes swimmingly the next time around. Then, if you ever have to move again, hopefully, it won’t feel like the end of the world.
1. Pack Your Belongings Yourself to Save Money
Moving can get expensive, to say the very least. Just think about all of the things you have to buy or spend money on. For example, you’ll need boxes, tape, and other packaging supplies. Not to mention, there will be a cost for professional Long Distance movers if you choose to use them, and if not, you could still have to pay to rent a truck. Of course, there are packing companies, but if your primary goal is to save some cash, why not pack everything up yourself?
2. Get Multiple Car Shipping Quotes
Will you be hiring a shipper to relocate your vehicle from point A to point B? If that’s the case, make sure you get multiple quotes. That will help you get a cheap car shipping deal and ensure you don’t overpay.
3. Give to Charity or Hold a Garage Sale
Nobody says you have to take all of your stuff with you to your new house. Therefore, if you no longer want or need items, consider giving them away to a charity. Then, hopefully, someone else will get some use out of them. Or, if you would rather throw some cash in your pocket, you could always hold a garage sale. Then, when you’re done, packing should be a little easier. This will also reduce your moving expenses, especially if you are moving long distance.
4. Avoid Packing Items That Can’t Be Shipped
Professional shippers are forbidden from transporting particular items. Also, each shipping
company usually has its own list of goods it won’t move. So, discuss this matter with your shipper to ensure no misunderstandings arise that cause delays. Belongings that are normally considered forbidden for transport include:
- Flammable, corrosive, and explosive items
- Pets
- Irreplaceable belongings
- Perishables like plants and foods
5. Donate Pantry Foods to a Food Bank
If the shipper won’t transport your pantry foods a long distance, and you don’t want to move them yourself, either, what should you do with them? You could always throw a party and feed everyone in the neighborhood. However, you’ll already have a bunch going on with the move, so giving the food away to a local food bank could be the better solution. Once you’re finished, you won’t have to worry about packing anything up that might spoil or spill.
6. Keep Important Paperwork on Hand
You will need to have different documents readily available at various points during your move. Hence, create a file to keep things like hotel reservations, cash, and moving truck receipts easily accessible. That will prevent you from tearing into packed boxes later on to find important documents.
7. Obtain Free Boxes
Sure, running out and buying boxes for your move is an option. However, if you have mountains of belongings to pack up, that could get expensive in a hurry. Thus, if you wish to keep this expense at bay, ask local businesses like grocery stores if they have any free boxes. You may also want to ask friends and neighbors for spare boxes they have from deliveries. In addition, take advantage of containers you already have at home, such as clothes hampers, baskets, and suitcases. Then, you won’t need a ton of free boxes.
8. Pack Things by Room or Category
What’s worse than packing? Unpacking. As such, some people tend to take forever doing it. But if you don’t want to still be unpacking six months to a year later, take the time to pack your belongings up by room or category. This tactic should make unpacking a cinch.
9. Don’t Forget the Labels
Additionally, you should make it a point to label all of your boxes. That will prevent you from having to open every single unit to see what’s inside before taking it to a particular room in the house. So, use labeling from the get-go when packing, and you’ll thank yourself later.
10. Use Small Boxes for Large Items
This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but always pack large items in small boxes. The small containers are sturdier than large ones. Hence, none of the heavy goods will fall through the bottom with any luck.
Moving can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s because you can use these and other tips to make everything go like clockwork. The entire process will be as simple as one, two, and three.
