BEST TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO MAKE PACKING AND MOVING LESS STRESSFUL

Relocating households takes time and effort, and is undoubtedly stressful. Figuring out where to begin, knowing what to pack and which room to start with can be overwhelming. The most effective way to make the moving process more manageable is to prepare as much as possible in advance. So reading these packing and moving tips can make this process easier on the nerves.

Before packing, make sure you have the correct moving supplies. As you prepare for the big day, the following items can quickly become packing essentials for a move. 

1. Boxes

These are the biggest priority when it comes to packing. Having a variety of sizes for items in your home can make organizing easier.

2. Tape 

Having a strong adhesive to seal boxes, secure bubble wrap around fragile items, and ensure your home goods are put away safely.

3. Utility knife/scissors

Utility knives can cut a variety of things. The ability to make a clean cut to tape and other materials can lessen any frustration when assembling things.

4. Permanent marker

Labeling boxes is important. You don’t want to lose track of what was packed in which box. Use permanent markers to label boxes so you can sort them by room and easily prioritize unpacking.

5. Plastic bags

These can be handy with smaller items such as silverware, and helpful with storing non-perishable food items.

6. Blankets

Blankets can be used for additional padding of mirrors and other breakable items.

7. Bubble wrap and/or newspaper

Using blankets, bubble wrap or newspaper can be helpful when packing kitchen items such as mugs and dishes.

8. Handcart 

Using a handcart can help with lifting heavy items and boxes. Utilizing this will lessen the chance of physical injury from lifting heavy boxes.

Moving Tips, Tricks, and Advice

1. Get rid of everything

A crucial packing tip is making sure you don’t move anything that you no longer need. Lighten your stress and workload by decluttering before you enter the packing stage, which means figuring out what to toss, keep, sell, or donate. Take measurements of your new home and get rid of any furniture that won’t fit or that you know you won’t use.

2. Invest in quality moving boxes

Before you can label your boxes, you need to get some. 

Make sure to have different size boxes, as your most important moving tool having a good mix of smaller boxes and larger boxes will make the packing process a bit easier- using the small boxes for heavier items and large boxes for lighter items. If you have only large boxes, you’ll end up filling free space with bunched-up paper and waste packing material as well as space in the moving truck.

3. Label your moving boxes in detail, on several sides

Details make all the difference, especially if you’re keeping things in storage for a while. No matter how annoying or unnecessary it seems at the time, always make sure to be extremely detailed when labeling moving boxes. 

4. Don’t overpack a moving box

One mistake a lot of people make when moving is trying to cram all of their belongings into a few cardboard boxes they have around the house. Use as many boxes as you need to create easy-to-lift loads. Keep your largest boxes to no more than 50 pounds.

5. Tape your moving boxes well

Use a couple of pieces of tape to close the bottom and top seams, then use one of the movers' techniques―making a couple of wraps all the way around the box's top and bottom edges, where stress is concentrated.

6. Allow yourself plenty of time to pack

It’s usually best to give yourself a little more time than you think to organize and pack. Creating a packing schedule for a move is a great way to make sure you give yourself enough time.

Bottom Line:

Always remember, just like most large undertakings, the only way to get through it is by taking the task and breaking it down into small, manageable pieces. Planning your move, budgeting for it, and packing over time will go a long way toward minimizing the chaos that accompanies such a stressful endeavor.