How to Pack Your Stuff for a Move
Pack your home, pack the moving truck and be on your way
When packing is done correctly, unpacking is a breeze – and you're that much closer to making your new house a home. Read on to learn how to streamline and simplify your packing process.
In This Article
Gather Your Supplies
In addition to cardboard boxes, round up your baskets, laundry bins, hampers and suitcases – these can all be used to transport your belongings. You'll need packing tape, brown paper or plain newsprint, scissors and/or a box cutter, stretch wrap and sandwich bags (these come in handy for holding small pieces after you disassemble large items).
Have a Strategy
Once you begin packing, start with items you're not going to need until you're in your new home. For example, if it's summertime, pack your winter clothing, heavy blankets and seasonal sports gear. Place heavy items in small boxes and use larger boxes for light items, with no box weighing more than 40 or 50 pounds – your back will thank you. Additionally, don't mix items from different rooms in the same box, and before closing each box, label them on the side by contents and what room they'll be going in. When it comes time to unpack, you'll already be halfway there!
Protect Your Furniture and Breakables
If furniture can be taken apart, do so, and put any small pieces in a sandwich bag, taping the bag to the underside of the item. Next, prevent furniture from getting scratched or damaged by wrapping items in protective padding (if you don't have any, you can rent some from moving companies or storage facilities). When it comes to breakables, invest in bubble wrap or pack them in boxes with soft items, such as linens and clothing.
Put Together an Essentials Box
This box should include must-have items that you know you'll need right away – toilet paper; shower curtain and liner; toiletries; portable tool kit; scissors or box cutter; garbage bags; snacks; beverages; pet food and dishes; cleaning supplies; at least one change of clothing and a towel for each family member; and an emergency kit. This should be the last box loaded onto the truck and the first box unloaded.
Pack the Truck
Load the heaviest items first – stove, refrigerator, washing machine and other large appliances – and place them against the wall closest to the cab. Long items should be loaded next (mattresses, sofas, etc) and placed against the sides of the truck to conserve space. After loading items like bed frames, tables and desks, stack the largest and heaviest boxes on top of your appliances and in any open spaces. Add in light boxes next, followed by fragile and awkward-shaped items. Still have things left over? As long as they aren't fragile, stuff them into any open gaps.