First Steps to a Fresh Beginning – Packing To Move, Where To Start
Posted in Planning the Move on June 7, 2024
Boxes, bubble wrap, and a bit of bewilderment – when it’s time for packing to move, where to start is often the first puzzle. We get it – relocation can really turn your world upside down. Knowing what to pack first when moving cross-country can remove a lot of confusion from the whole equation and let you kick-start the adventure with confidence. Let’s unpack some simple steps to help you do it like a true pro!
Packing To Move, Where To Start?
When moving across the country, you should first gather essential supplies like sturdy boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap. But before you even start boxing things up, make sure to declutter first. Create an inventory to track your items and tackle room by room, starting with less frequently used areas like guest rooms or seasonal storage. Implement a detailed labeling system on each box, indicating its contents and destination room, which will make unpacking a breeze.
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Setting a Solid Plan in Advance Can Get You Through the Whole Ordeal With Ease
The US Census Bureau reports that the average American will relocate about 11. 7 times throughout their life. However, you don’t need to move almost 12 times in your lifetime to realize that a solid move plan is crucial.
Let’s face it – squeezing the entire process into a single day is a recipe for disaster.
Avoiding a last-minute move by starting well in advance is the first tip on any packing 101 moving guide out there.
Each year, about 27 million Americans relocate
Your packing schedule should not only be realistic but well-structured as well, helping keep your relocation stress levels low.
The Most Important of All Moving Organization Tips – Assessing Your Needs First
Before the packaging materials even come into the picture, take a step back to assess your needs. It’s the best advice any guide to packing for a move can give you. It’s pretty simple – without knowing exactly what this adventure will entail, you won’t know where to start. Here are some key questions to help you gauge your situation:
- How much stuff am I planning to bring?
- Are there any fragile items that need special care?
- Will I need a storage solution for any of my belongings?
- What is my relocation budget for supplies and potential professional help?
- Am I planning to book long-distance moving services?
Set a Realistic Timeline That Starts With the Rooms and Items You Use Less
It’s best to begin this journey in areas of your home that are less frequented. The guest room that’s only used during the holidays? Perfect starting point. The seasonal items tucked away in the attic? They can be boxed up early on without disrupting your daily life. That way, you’re setting yourself up for an efficient move ahead, managing everything without turning your home into a chaotic mess.
Create a plan that tackles the non-essentials first
The First Thing on Your Packing Checklist for Moving – Gathering the Right Supplies
Picture this – you’re all set to pack, and then you realize you’re out of tape. Nightmare, right? To dodge this common relocation mistake, everything comes down to starting with the right packaging materials. Here’s what every mover’s toolkit should include:
- Sturdy boxes of various sizes,
- A few rolls of tape,
- Bubble wrap and packaging paper,
- Stretch plastic wrap,
- Markers or labels for boxes,
- Furniture pads or old blankets,
- Tool kit for disassembly.
Professional Long-Distance Movers Are Masters of the Best Packing Techniques for Moving – They Can Bring Their Own Supplies, Too!
Now, let’s chat about hiring movers. Why sweat the small stuff when you can have experts take the reins? For example, Cross Country Movers come armed with the best packing strategies for moving, all aimed at protecting your valuables
With comprehensive packing services, experienced cross-country movers can take a massive load off your shoulders and even bring all the necessary supplies. From cartons that fit your oddest-shaped lamp to custom crates for your most delicate items, you’ll be all set for your new beginning.
First Things First, It’s Time for Some Decluttering Action
Whether you’re contacting a long-distance moving company or planning on doing the heavy lifting yourself, shedding extra items makes everything so much easier. It’s your chance to say goodbye to the old blender that’s seen better days and the ski pants that haven’t hit the slopes in a decade.
It’s really simple – less to pack equals less to unpack. It slims down relocation expenses, gives your new place a cleaner slate, and hey, you might even have fun while you’re at it. Here’s how to declutter your home:
- Focus on one room at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed with how much stuff you’ve got,
- Follow the golden rule of decluttering, meaning if it hasn’t been used in a year, it’s probably not needed,
- If a clothing item doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn it in seasons, it’s time to let it go,
- Create piles to keep, sell, donate, or throw away,
- Old documents, CDs, and DVDs can often be converted to digital formats to save space.
You Can Make Space All While Making a Difference at the Same Time
Found a sequined jacket from a bygone New Year’s bash during your decluttering spree? Maybe a stack of books you’ve already devoured? It’s time to turn your used-to-loves into someone else’s brand-new-favorites.
It’s a win-win – you get to lighten your load, and your items get a second life supporting worthy causes. Sure, those more valuable items can go on a garage sale to help with your relocation budget, but most of the stuff you want to get rid of? They can make someone else’s day.
Decluttering is the golden ticket to an efficient relocation
Your Ultimate Room-By-Room Moving Packing Guide
The decluttering has significantly reduced what you’re working with. Still, imagine trying to pack your entire house in one go. Overwhelming, right? By breaking down the whole ordeal into manageable chunks, each room gets the attention it deserves, ensuring nothing gets left behind and everything is well organized. Because of that, experts swear by this method.
Plus, whipping up a relocation inventory as you go is like giving your future self a high-five. It keeps track of your belongings, helps prevent losses, and simplifies unpacking by knowing exactly what’s in each box. So, grab your tape and markers – here’s how to tackle each room:
Living Room
Ah, the living room – home to everything from knick-knacks to your favorite lounge spots. Start with your smallest items like books, DVDs, and decorations. Wrap fragile items like vases or picture frames in bubble wrap and secure them in small boxes.
Couch cushions can be used as padding for other items, but remember to cover your furniture with blankets or stretch wrap to protect them during transport. Electronic devices require special care – use original boxes if possible, as well as plenty of anti-static bubble wrap to prevent any transit tragedies.
Tackle the Bedroom
The bedroom is your personal sanctuary, so handle it with care. Begin with your non-essentials like out-of-season clothing and extra linens. Vacuum-seal bags are your saving grace here – they’ll protect your textiles from dirt and moisture, all while saving space.
When dealing with bedding and pillows, use large boxes but don’t overload them – keep them light enough to carry. Disassemble any furniture you can, such as the bed frame, and keep all screws and hardware in a labeled bag. Don’t forget to protect your mattress with a mattress bag to avoid any stains or damage.
Take Care of the Wardrobe
As you approach the decluttered closet, using wardrobe boxes is a great way to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and easy to rehang in your new space. For folded garments, sturdy suitcases are your best friend – they’re easy to transport and offer great protection. You can also use some pieces as additional cushioning for other stuff, just make sure it’s not your absolutely favorite shirt.
Handle the Kitchen
The kitchen is arguably the trickiest room to tackle due to its variety of shapes, sizes, and fragility. Start by packing rarely used items like holiday dishes and vases. Wrap glassware and ceramics individually with packaging paper, and use divided boxes for additional protection.
Seal spices and pantry items in plastic bags to prevent spills, and be sure to cushion any pots and pans to avoid scratches. Appliances should be cleaned, dried, and packed with their accessories in their original boxes when possible.
Step Into the Bathroom
Last but not least, the bathroom. This small space can be deceptive – there are many small items that need careful attention. First, toss expired products and pare down to essentials. Pack toiletries together in waterproof bags or containers to prevent leaks.
Towels can serve as excellent padding for fragile items. Last but not least, don’t pack prescription medications with other bathroom items – keep these accessible for use right up to moving day and easy to find once you arrive at your new home.
A Detailed Labeling System Can Spare You From the Unnecessary Stress
Labeling – it’s not just for office supplies! When it comes to relocating to a new state, a detailed labeling system is your secret weapon against chaos. Here’s how to ace it:
- Assign a color to each room and use colored stickers or markers for quick identification,
- Be as specific as possible, jotting down not just the rooms but the content inside each box,
- Those who’d like to get a bit more creative can even draw symbols to immediately know what’s inside each box,
- Mark boxes containing essential items in a specific way so you can find them instantly,
- Use arrows to indicate which way boxes should be kept, especially if the contents are fragile.
Unpacking in Your New Home Will Be a Breeze
With your boxes neatly labeled and inventoried, settling into your new home will feel more like unpacking after a vacation. Once again, do it room by room, starting with essentials like the bathroom and kitchen. With each box corresponding to its specific place, you won’t find yourself rummaging through multiple boxes for a single spoon or your favorite pajamas. And that’s where you thank your past self for being so organized, setting yourself up for this next chapter with ease.
Now for the fun part - unpacking and settling into your new abode
You Know How to Start Packing for a Move – Let Us Finish the Journey Together
From decluttering your current digs to mastering the art of box labeling, you’re all set to conquer the chaos. Remember, every tape gun you wield and every box you pack brings you a step closer to your exciting new beginning. So, keep this guide handy, throw on some good tunes, and turn the whole ordeal into a celebration of fresh starts.
Ready to make your move as smooth as a jazz tune? Cross Country Movers and our cross-country moving services are here to help orchestrate your perfect relocation symphony. With our expert packers, meticulous planners, and smooth movers, we can ensure your move is nothing short of spectacular. This includes car shipping service, too, ensuring your beloved ride reaches your new home without a scratch. Don’t wait to get moving – contact us today and let’s get rolling to your new home!
