Heed the advice of our team of packing experts and you’ll be ready for moving day in no time!
Step 5: Pack!
Now that you’ve got all your supplies and know what you need to pack, you’re out of excuses. It’s time to box everything up and get it ready for the movers! Still feeling overwhelmed at the magnitude of the task? Not to worry—we’ll break down the process even further.
Pack your belongings by room.
Packing up your house one room at a time is the easiest way to keep things organized and expedite the unpacking process when you eventually get to your new home. You’ll be able to tackle one section at a time and direct your focus, without getting tripped up thinking about how much is left to do. So, where’s the best place to start?
Storage Areas
These are probably the rooms you want to do the least. The garage, the basement, the attic, etc. They’re usually packed with miscellaneous junk and unorganized odds and ends you hardly use, making them daunting to go through.
But if you’re following Highland’s packing guide step-by-step then you’ve got nothing to worry about, since you’ve already decluttered this space! Because you use these items the least, it’ll be easier to get them out of the way now, so you don’t have to think about them.
Move from least to most used rooms.
Once you’ve taken care of your storage areas, where you go next is going to depend on your lifestyle. Work your way through the rooms you spend the least amount of time in, saving the most important ones for last.
For example, you likely spend the most time in your bedroom and bathroom. These are the spots that house items you’ll be using up until the day of the move—your bed, clothing, shower supplies, etc. It’ll be more convenient for you to leave these until the end of your packing process.
Pack non-essential items first.
To optimize the time and resources you have to pack, there should be a method to your madness. And no, haphazardly throwing items into boxes together just because they fit doesn’t count!
Collect and organize your belongings using the same system with which you’re going through your home—from least to most used. The items you pack first will likely include:
- Items you only use every once in a while
- Books you’re not reading
- Extra linens
- Home décor
- Seasonal items & clothing
- Collector’s items
Put together an “essentials box.”
Before you start packing, you should make a list of which of your belongings you’ll need on moving day and in your first 24 hours at your new place. Keep these items together in an easily accessible “essentials box” that you can set aside on moving day. Trust us, you don’t want to realize the toilet paper is packed deep in the moving truck when you’re sitting in your new bathroom reaching for it!
If you’re moving with kids, let them pack their own essentials box too. They can fill it with snacks, games, and comfort items to help them stay calm and entertained on moving day.
A few things to put in your essentials box:
- Bathroom necessities—toilet paper, toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, one or two towels
- Food supplies & snacks—paper plates, plastic cutlery & napkins for takeout, easy snacks
- Cleaning & unpacking supplies—paper towels, dust rags, all-purpose cleaner, essential tools, scissors, garbage bags, etc.
- Bedroom necessities—new sheets, blankets for the bed
- Entertainment—board games, DVD for your laptop, coloring books for kids, etc.
Packing Tips to Remember
There are a lot of great hacks out there in the age of the Internet to help make your packing process easier. Here are a couple of our favorites to keep in mind:
- Label each box with the room it’s destined for and a list of what’s inside. This will help the movers know where to put them and you keep track of where everything is as you’re unpacking.
- Cover the openings of your toiletries with saran wrap and then twist the top back on tight, for an extra layer of protection.
- Keep your clothes on the hanger when you pack your closet and group them together with garbage bags.
- Leave everything in your dresser drawers. Simply seal them for transport and put them back already filled and organized in your new home.
- Once you finish packing a room, clean it.
- Don’t overfill boxes—they’ll be much more difficult to move.
- Use a Ziploc bag for any hardware removed to take furniture apart. Label each bag with which piece of furniture it assembles.
Isn’t there an easier way to do all this packing?!
Why yes, there is. We’re glad you asked. Many moving companies, such as Highland Worldwide, also offer professional packing services!
Initially, you may be reluctant to pay for something you know you can do yourself. However, when you consider how much time and energy you would spend trying to properly disassemble your furniture, wrap your valuables, and condense your belongings into neatly packed boxes, a team of expert packers starts to seem worthwhile. If you’re unsure, just take a look at the advantages for yourself!
Why you should hire professional packers for your move:
- Accelerate the moving process by leaving the packing to experienced specialists. This leaves you free to focus on the other things you need to do to prepare for your move.
- Professional packers will have expert knowledge of and easy access to all necessary packing supplies.
- Ensure your belongings are packed safely and properly. Professional packers know how much weight a box can handle and how to secure your valuables.
- In case your items are damaged or lost during the packing process, their value will be fully protected and covered by insurance.
- Eliminate the stress of having to pack up your entire house on your own.
All things considered, hiring professionals to pack your belongings pays for itself in efficiency, convenience, and peace of mind.
