How to Pack Efficiently for a Move: The Ultimate Guide

By Tania Lasenburg | August 5, 2020

Are you trying to figure out how to pack efficiently for a move? If yes, you should check out our guide by clicking right here.

Did you know the average person in the United States of America moves 11.7 times in their life? All of these moves means a lot of packing. If you are planning to relocate soon, you should know how to pack efficiently for a move. 

When packing for a move, one of the most important things is to have a plan. Before you start taping boxes or buying rolls of bubble wrap, it’s time to make a plan. 

Keep read to learn how to make your move easy and stress-free. 

Create a Notebook Dedicated to This Move 

Dedicating a notebook specifically for your move is not only an efficient organization method but will help you keep track of your items. It’s easy for your things, especially small things like knick-knacks, to get lost during the moving process. In your notebook, make sections for different rooms and write down everything that is being packed.  You can even number your boxes and your lists to keep everything aligned.If you are working with a moving company, this can also help guide them.

Along with a notebook, it is smart to keep a file folder with all of your important documents. Don’t pack this in a box. It is better and safer to keep this folder with you and put it in a secure place as soon as you can.

Gather All Your Moving Supplies 

It is easy to underestimate exactly how many moving supplies you will need before you start packing. In order to start packing efficiently, you should have the following supplies:

• Packing tape 
• Boxes of various sizes 
• Padding materials (bubble wrap, newspaper, wrapping sheets, old towels, etc.)
• Scissors and/or a box-cutter 
• Label tape or stickers 
• Heavy-duty markers 
• Mattress bags 
• Moving blankets and/or furniture pads
• Plastic wrap 
• Handtrucks and/or dollies 

You can pick up used boxes for free from liquor stores or other big box stores. You may also be able to get free out-of-date newspapers from your local library to wrap fragile items. If you’re unsure of the supplies you need, you can always consult an expert for moving help. 

Start With the Kitchen 

Small, non-consequential items such as decorations, pictures, knick-knacks, and such can be packed weeks before your move. However, when you start packing bigger items and entire rooms, start with the kitchen. 

You can pack up your kitchen a few days out from your move. You don’t need too many items in your kitchen for your last few days. You can pack up most of your dishes, glasses, cutlery, pots, pans, and appliances you don’t use every day. 

You can get by with a few plates, a handful of cooking supplies, cups, and such. Disposable tableware is always an option.

Do not go grocery shopping for perishable items before your move. Try to use as many frozen and cold items in your fridge as possible so you don’t have to worry about them spoiling. If you still have a fridge full of perishable food on moving day, pack it up in a cooler.   You may want to plan to order food or go out to eat the night before and after your move so you don’t have to worry about cooking. 

Take Photos of Your Old and New Home 

Having photos of your new home will give you a better idea of what items should realistically be moved over or donated due to space reasons. Having the measurements of your furniture and the dimensions of the rooms of your new home is a plus.

You likely have a distinct interior design style in your living room and bedroom. Photos can help you replicate your previous arrangements without the hassle of figuring out the best place to hang out your mirror.  Take pictures of appliances with complicated set-ups, such as the back of your TV, computer and router/modem, and such. These will help you recreate the set-up later. 

Pack Overnight Bags 

When you finally get everything moved into your new home, the last thing you want to do is unpack everything. You should pack backpacks or suitcases with at least one night and day’s worth of clothes and toiletries. If you or anyone else in your family takes medication, it’s a good idea to bring the entire supply in a backpack rather than bringing along a day’s worth. 

If you have small children, have them pack their favorite stuffed animals, toys, books, snacks, and additional clothes. Moving is stressful for children so make sure they bring comfort items. 

Purge Seldom Used Items 

Now is the best time to evaluate the things that you own and ask yourself if you really need them anymore. When you start the packing process, keep a large box, or multiple boxes, aside for small appliances, clothes, accessories, books, old magazines, decorations, toys, and linens that you haven’t used in the past year. You can try to sell or donate these belongings or recycle and throw away old items. 

Large, bulky pieces of furniture that are difficult to disassemble and put back together or that won’t fit in your new home should also be donated. This will cut down on moving times, costs, and stress. 

Now You Know How to Pack Efficiently for a Move

Now that you know how to pack efficiently for a move, it’s time to gather your supplies and start planning. 

Remember, it is important to keep a notebook, take pictures of your old and new home, pack overnight bags, and get rid of unused items. 

You are not alone in this. You can get help from expert movers who can help you pack and transport your belongings safely and efficiently. 

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