Not looking forward to packing for moving? We don’t blame you! It’s a process that consists of so much more than just throwing your life into boxes. Downsizing, sorting and organizing all of your possessions is a time-consuming and exhausting task. Unsure about those first steps on how to pack for a move? Wheaton has been in the business for decades, and we know just where to start.
One of the benefits of hiring a full-service mover like Wheaton is that we’ve handled hundreds of local, interstate and cross-country moves over the years. So, when it comes to the easiest, most organized and stress-free ways to pack for a move, we have the answers.
Before You Start Packing
Before you so much as pick up a box, set aside a few days to clear your physical and mental space. Relocating is draining on your body and mental health, so follow these prep tips for moving and packing.
Get Rid of as Much as You Can
Don’t underestimate the power of downsizing and decluttering. With fewer things to move, there are fewer boxes to haul on moving day. Go through all of your belongings, room by room, and do your best to separate everything into what you want to keep, donate or throw away.
Try not to get distracted by old mementos, and don’t move on to the next room until the previous one is complete. Once you’ve cleared out unnecessary items, Marie Kondo-style, you won’t get sidetracked as you start packing. Plus, your mind will feel less overwhelmed without the clutter.
Gather the Right Materials
An often-overlooked aspect of moving is making sure you have all the right packing materials. If you find out you’re missing something, you’ll have to start and stop again every time you need more supplies, which will affect your momentum and concentration. The good news is, Wheaton offers just about every type of moving supply in one place if you need extra help—even for those difficult-to-pack items.
For the average move, you’ll need the following:
- Boxes or bins
- Cushioning material like bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts or old towels
- High-quality packing tape
- Labeling materials, including permanent markers, masking tape and sticker labels
- Optional extra items like a box cutter, toolset and moving straps
Stay Organized
Even the best packing hacks are useless if you’re not organized. A packing checklist or schedule will allow you to divvy up tasks for easy completion. Crossing off small tasks will give you the positive reinforcement to keep moving forward.
As you start filling boxes, go through one room at a time. Packing without direction is the fastest way to get overwhelmed. Working room by room keeps your progress contained, or work by category. Pack clothes, furniture and linens together to make unpacking easier.
How to Pack for a Move
Now that you’ve done the prep, we’ve broken down the rest of your packing plan by item, along with more packing hacks. Wheaton also offers complete packing services if you want to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.
Best Ways to Pack Glass Furniture
When glass or fragile items are involved, cushioning is key. If the glass component, say, on a coffee table, can be removed, wrap it in a generous amount of bubble wrap. If you’re wondering how to pack lamps for moving, the process is similar. Wrap the lamp base in towels or bubble wrap to prevent cracks during transportation.
How to Pack Books for Moving
Books look great in the library, and bookworms tend to buy physical copies without thinking about how to pack them when moving. The good thing is that standard books are sturdy, so there isn’t much risk in stacking them in a cardboard box. Just make sure your book boxes are reinforced with layers of packing tape.
How to Pack Clothes for Moving
Luggage isn’t just for vacation; it also makes handy clothes storage for moving. Pack your closet as you would for a trip, and voila, all your clothes are in one place. You can also wrap trash bags around hanging clothes and cinch them closed for easy transport and rehanging when you move in. Wheaton also offers wardrobe boxes if you’d like to add those to your supply list!
How to Pack Shoes for Moving
To prevent squished shoes, stuff them with your undergarments and socks to retain their shape. Then, strategically place them in your box. Dustbags come in handy for heels and boots, and if your boxes are big enough, you can also stack shoeboxes inside.
More Moving Hacks
Technically, there are no rules when it comes to packing to move, so feel free to get creative with your methods. While specialty items or furniture might need more personalized attention from your Wheaton moving professional, your home has plenty of creative materials to work with. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Use blankets, sheets and other linens to wrap delicate, breakable items.
- Take pictures of the backs of complicated electronic devices, such as your television. Use the photo as an easy wiring guide once you’re hooking up the devices again.
- Store knives inside oven mitts to protect against accidental injury when unpacking.
- Keep jewelry in egg cartons or pill boxes to help prevent tangling during the move.
- Pack a “first night” box with toiletries, an extra set of PJs and a blanket.
- Label everything! Let no box go unlabeled so that you know what’s inside each box.
Let Wheaton Be Your Moving Partner
Moving day creeping up on your calendar? You don’t have to handle the packing or moving alone with Wheaton World Wide Moving as your full-service mover. Contact your local Wheaton agent or click the “Get an Estimate” button at the top of the page for a free estimate. Once you’re packed, all that’s left to do is enjoy your new home. Happy moving!
