Moving can be a daunting task, and packing is often the most overwhelming part. However, with a little planning and organization, packing for a move can be a stress-free experience. In this guide, we will cover the ultimate do’s and don’ts of packing for a move.

DO: Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is key to a successful move. Start by creating a timeline of when you need to start packing when you need to book movers, and when you need to have everything ready to go. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to pack so that you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.

DO: Declutter

Moving is the perfect time to declutter and get rid of things you no longer need. Go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, what you want to donate, and what you want to throw away. This will not only make packing easier, but it will also make your new home feel more organized and clutter-free.

DO: Pack Room by Room

Packing room by room will help you stay organized and make unpacking easier. Start with the rooms you use the least and work your way toward the rooms you use the most. Label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents.

DO: Use High-Quality Packing Supplies

Invest in high-quality packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. This will ensure that your belongings are protected during the move. If you’re on a budget, consider asking local businesses for free boxes or checking online marketplaces for used boxes.

DO: Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes

When packing heavy items, such as books or dishes, use smaller boxes. This will make them easier to carry and reduce the risk of the box breaking or tearing during the move.

DO: Pack Fragile Items Carefully

Fragile items such as dishes, glasses, and electronics should be packed with extra care. Wrap each item in bubble wrap or packing paper and pack them tightly together in a box. Label the box as fragile and mark it as “this side up” to ensure it is handled with care during the move.

DO: Keep Important Documents with You

Keep important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies with you during the move. This will ensure that they don’t get lost or damaged during the move.

DO: Pack a First-Night Box

Pack a first-night box with essentials such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and bedding. This will ensure that you have everything you need for your first night in your new home without having to unpack everything.

DON’T: Procrastinate

Procrastinating when it comes to packing is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when moving. Start packing as soon as you know you’re going to be moving, even if it’s just a few boxes a day. This will make the process less overwhelming and ensure that you have everything packed and ready to go on a moving day.

DON’T: Overpack Boxes

Overpacking boxes can make them too heavy to carry and increase the risk of the box breaking or tearing during the move. Stick to a weight limit of 50 pounds per box and use multiple boxes if necessary.

DON’T: Pack Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials such as gasoline, propane tanks, and chemicals are not allowed to be transported by moving companies. Check with your moving company to see what items they do not allow to be transported and dispose of them properly before moving day.

DON’T: Forget to Label Boxes

Labeling boxes with the room they belong in and a brief description of their contents will make unpacking much easier. Be sure to label each box clearly and use a permanent marker or label maker.

DON’T: Pack Food or Perishable Items

Food and perishable items such as fresh produce or frozen foods should not be packed for a move. Not only can these items spoil during the move, but they can also attract pests and rodents to your belongings. It’s best to consume or donate these items before your move or make arrangements to transport them separately if possible.

DON’T: Forget to Pack an Essentials Box

In addition to a first-night box, it’s important to pack an essentials box that contains items you’ll need in the first few days of your move. This could include basic kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, and tools. This box should be easily accessible and clearly labeled.

DON’T: Pack Items You’ll Need Right Away

Pack items you’ll need right away in a separate box or suitcase. This could include clothes, toiletries, and important documents. Keep this box with you during the move so that you have easy access to these items when you arrive at your new home.

DON’T: Pack Valuables or Sentimental Items

Valuables such as jewelry, cash, and important documents should be kept with you during the move. Additionally, sentimental items such as family heirlooms and photos should also be kept with you or transported separately to ensure their safety.

DON’T: Pack Without Insurance

Accidents can happen during a move, and it’s important to have insurance to protect your belongings. Check with your moving company to see what type of insurance they offer, or consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.

In conclusion, packing for a move can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and organization, it can be a stress-free experience. Remember to plan ahead, declutter, pack room by room, use high-quality packing supplies, and pack heavy and fragile items with extra care. Don’t procrastinate, overpack boxes, pack hazardous materials, forget to label boxes, pack food or perishable items, forget to pack an essentials box, pack items you’ll need right away, or pack valuables or sentimental items without insurance. Follow these do’s and don’ts, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful move.