16 Life-Hacks on How to Pack Your Belongings Efficiently

Moving is one of those experiences that almost everyone has to go through. It's not always nice, and it's never really enjoyable, but it almost always has a positive result. When it comes to relocating, success hinges on avoiding common mistakes and planning ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition.

While relocating isn't simple for anyone, there are some things you can do to speed up the process, lessen the amount of work, and make it go a little more smoothly than it could otherwise.

If you require moving or storage services, get in touch with Three Movers who will handle all the heavy lifting for you. For now, take a look at these tips on how to pack your belongings efficiently.

Stage 1

Get Moving Supplies

Before packing your belongings, you need to get the following moving supplies:

1. Boxes: There are a plethora of choices for locating low-cost or no-cost moving boxes. To find moving boxes, use websites such as NextDoor or Craigslist, or ask your friends and relatives. Collect a range of sizes and inspect the packing boxes for damage.

• Bubble wrap: It is used to protect your belongings when you’re moving to a new location. You can easily wrap your furniture with bubble wrap to ensure safety. And, best of all, you can get it at no cost on Facebook Marketplace or for a low price at office supply or department stores.

• Dolly: Carrying boxes between places can, without a doubt, become exhausting and result in damage due to drops. Therefore, rent a dolly from a moving company to avoid such situations. Moreover, it makes moving considerably easier.

You can also consider getting:

• Padding supplies
• Wrapping sheets
• Newspapers, blank newsprint paper
• Scissors
• Packaging tape
• Labeling stickers
• Marking pens

Create a Moving Folder

Make a "moving file" containing all of the crucial documents you'll need during the move. Begin gathering new addresses, rental or purchase agreements, moving contracts, and other information in a single folder. Consequently, you'll have the answer (along with evidence of agreements, payments, and more) on hand if any questions arise during the planning process or the move itself.

Sort Your Items and Declutter Before Packing

Sort your possessions into three categories: sell, donate, or trash. If possible, begin sorting through your possessions at least two or three weeks before your move. Starting with large items you don't want to move, such as heavy furniture, and anything containing hazardous chemicals. To get rid of items like these, contact a dumpster rental company or a haul-away service.

Anything in good condition can be sold at a garage sale or online. Donate items that aren't selling but are still in good condition, and throw away anything that isn't.

Create a No-Park Zone

There will be some stuff in the moving truck that you do not want to be packed or loaded. Consider items with higher sentimental worth, such as family photos, jewelry, or financial records.

Furthermore, professional movers will not transport any items that are considered hazardous or perishable. Hence, you should set aside a space (such as a closet) for items you'll want to bring with you. Ensure that everyone helping you move, whether friends or professional movers, is aware that they should not pack or load anything in that area.

Know What Items Are Prohibited by Movers

If you hire a professional moving company to load or transport your belongings, there are some things that they won't be able to move to your new place. Hence, you should ask your moving manager for a list of these items.

Stage 2

Create a Spacious Parking Station

You'll need a large, open place where you can drag and dump all of your belongings to speed up the packing process. Here you'll keep your boxes, packing materials, pens, tape, and labels.

Along with the room name and contents, assign a number to each box as you pack and seal it. If you have a certain number of boxes, you'll be able to determine when one is missing, as well as tell the movers how many boxes you have.

Know What Items to Pack First

You should know what to pack first before moving. Begin with the sections of your home that are used the least (think guest rooms and storage) and work your way up to the areas that are used the most, such as the living room, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Start Packing

Wrap each item separately with enough wrapping sheets or bubble wrap to protect it. To avoid damage, carefully place each item inside a moving box. Inside the boxes, light possessions should be placed on the top and heavier ones should be placed on the bottom. Reduce the number of boxes you'll need by packing as many items as possible into each one.

Books, toys, and other heavy objects should be packed in tiny boxes. Keep in mind, however, that you should not over pack any box.

Pack objects that are fragile or breakable with extra caution. Wrap such items in multiple layers of bubble wrap if necessary. To avoid leaks, wrap saran wrap around the bottles and caps. Cotton can also be used to protect delicate cosmetics.

Pack Essentials in a Separate Box

Consider the items you'll need in the first week or so after you relocate to your new home and pack those items separately in their own boxes. Items like towels, toilet paper, hand soap, snacks, sheets, and other similar stuff should all be readily available. You don't want to be searching through boxes looking for something you need right away before you've unpacked.

Ask Your Mover About Special Crating for Decorative Items

To keep your artwork safe during a move, learn how to pack it properly. A regular paper should never be used to wrap oil paintings since it will stick to them. Make an X using masking tape over the glass when packing pictures to strengthen and hold it together. The pictures should then be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in a frame box, with a piece of cardboard between each framed item for protection.

Complete One Room Before Moving to Another

Some items are more difficult to pack than others (for example, jewelry and family photos). It's tempting to put those things off till later. Refrain from succumbing to the temptation and press on. By completely packing one room before moving on, you'll avoid leaving only the most difficult tasks to the last minute. It will be easy to track your progress and estimate how much packing you still have to do.

Pack the Kitchen Supplies with Utmost Care

There are many various types of items that go into kitchen packing. Wrap packing paper around each dish and then bundle five or six together with more paper. Dishes should always be packed on their sides, never flat. Also, use a lot of crumpled-up paper for padding above and below. Cups and bowls can be stacked with paper between them and wrapped three or four times in a bundle. Thereafter, put everything in dish-barrel boxes.

Consider Renting a Moving Pod or a Portable Storage Container

Packing and loading may be made more stress-free and flexible using portable storage units. A container is delivered to your location, and you may either load it yourself or employ professional movers to do so. Consequently, it can be transported to your new house when you're ready to move.

Stop Grocery Shopping a Week or Two Before Your Move

Stop buying groceries a week or two before your move date to avoid the guilt of wasting away perfectly good food. To make the most of the food you have left, try to prepare meals at home. Remember that perishable foods are not transported by moving companies. If you don't have enough time to finish everything, invite a friend or two over to see if they need any half-finished spices or pasta boxes. Throw away anything you can't get rid of and don't look back.

Prioritize unpacking by labeling boxes.

When making your packing inventory, number the boxes in order of importance for unpacking. You may put a "1" on the most crucial boxes that include stuff you'll need in the first few days (like your sheets), a "2" on boxes you'll need within the first week (like kitchen supplies), and a "3" on boxes that don't need to be unpacked on any particular schedule. To distinguish priority, you may use blue, red, and yellow stickers.

Hire a Moving Company to Pack Your Belongings Instead

Although hiring a professional moving company will cost you money, it is the ideal way to avoid any problems when packing for your move. The majority of moving firms offer a full-service package that includes packing. Professional movers have the advantage of being able to complete the job swiftly and efficiently.

Bottom Line

Moving hacks are all about making your life a little bit simpler. If you follow the steps outlined above, you'll find that your move isn't quite as bad as you anticipated. If you decide you don't want to pack for a move, kindly contact us. At Three Movers, we offer different moving services that include packing. We will help you pack your belongings with the proper care required.