Mar 3, 2020

Packing for a Move

One of the most tedious aspects of moving is the dreaded packing! And that’s the stage that we are currently in for our move. This being the second time we’ve had to pack up all of our things, I think I finally got it down packed😉. So here’s my moving checklist to make the whole process a lot less stressful and more manageable.

Boxes. If you know that your move is coming up soon, be sure to start saving some bigger boxes or asking friends and family. If you don't have enough, stop by the store and grab some cheap boxes. Just make sure that the boxes you have or pick are in good condition. You'll want to make sure to have a variety of sizes. I saved up my daughter's Costco diaper boxes and bought more from Home Depot.
Bubble wrap. This is so important for especially your fragile items. It'll keep them protected through the whole moving process as it won't let them bounce around leading to scratches, dents, or chips.
Buy or rent a dolly. Not only is carrying boxes a taxing physical activity, but some of your items may be WAY too heavy to carry alone. So to prevent it from happening, rent a dolly if you don't already have one to make the load a lot more physically easy.

Defrost the refrigerator at least 48 hours before the move if you are taking it with you.
Organize the dishes. Packing dishes may be the easiest part of the moving process, but where it gets difficult is finding the appropriate way to carefully wrap them. I started by layering the bottom of the boxes with packing peanuts. Then I bubble wrapped each item in bubble wrap. And refrain from over-packing the boxes. It'll make it much more difficult to move the boxes and you may end up losing your whole set in the process if the box breaks. And once tightly packed, don’t forget to write “FRAGILE” on the box.
Use sectioned boxes for your glassware. I still bubble wrap them for a little added protection. But having the sections also provide a simple, yet secure way to transport them.
Packing small appliances. When packing them, remove any blades or loose components, wrapping them in their own bubble wrap and tape. And then tape both the pieces and cord to the appliance. Finishing it off by wrapping the appliance itself.
Packing dry goods. Make sure to tape the tops of the packages down so that they don’t open up during the move. I also like to place a little extra tape to the bottom so that they don’t move around.
Packing refrigerated goods. If you’re moving far, I suggest not keeping any refrigerated goods. But if you’re not, make sure to pack them up in a cooler with ice to keep them fresh.

Roll up the rug as tightly as possible. Folding it with leave creases that will make it hard to lay flat when you get to your new place. And finish it off by placing it in plastic or using a rope to bound it.
Packing chairs. To give yourself a little more room in the moving truck, take the chairs apart - packing the nails/casters in a ziplock bag and placing the pieces into a box.
Packing the table. Wrap it in a soft texture packing. Such as an old blanket. It’ll keep it from getting any scratches along the way. And place it in an area where it won’t slide around during the move.

Secure the electronics. Use a blanket to cover the screen to protect them. And unscrew them from the bases, placing the screws in a labeled Ziploc bag and taping it to the back of the electronic.
Furniture. Before moving the big heavy furniture, take off the legs. It’ll make it easier to maneuver them. And always make sure to pack them in first into the moving truck.
Keep all the electronic accessories together. Taping the cables and remote controls together and placing them in a labeled bag.
Remove the bulbs from any lamps beforehand. And wrap the bases with bubble wrap if they are fragile.
Pack books, CDs and DVDs in separate boxes. Placing them all into one big box can make it heavy, and easily breakable. So instead plan on smaller boxes for easier carry and less likely for the box to tear.

For clothing, use regular boxes for casual clothes folding them in and wardrobe boxes for formal ones so that you can keep them hanging up.
For jewelry, place all the valuable ones in a small container that you can easily carry for the ride.
Place the mattress in a bed bag. It’ll protect it from any outside elements from damaging it along the move.
Before placing the pillows and blankets in boxes, cover them up. You can use pillow bags or just cover them up in trash bags. It’ll keep out any dust.

Pack up all the toiletries in one, easily accessible box. It’ll most likely be one of the first boxes that you unpack, as it has the toilet paper, showering items, and baic hygiene items. So make sure that it’s the easiest to get to.
Organize the towels, shower curtains, and rugs by folding them up.

Make sure to unplug and disconnect all the appliance components. This includes the dryer vent, washer hose, and any cords. And then place them all in a bag and tape them securely to the back.
Use the laundry hampers as moving utensils. Pack them with some clothes for an easier move.

If you have lawn furniture, place the cushions securely to be protected from any moving particles. You can place them just like the pillows and blankets by putting them into trash bags before placing them into boxes.
For tools, if you haven’t already, invest in a tool chest. To make the items easily transportable. For bigger items, wrap them in towels before placing them in a moving box.

Pack like items together. Start by packing each box with a protective layer of padding. Whether it be newspaper, bubble wrap, or old blankets/towels. Then make an inventory of the items you plan to take based on room. And then put the heaviest items in first.
LABEL EACH BOX BY ROOM AND BY CONTENT. Trust me, this is the biggest life saver. You'll know exactly where everything goes and can place it in the correct spot as soon as you take it off the truck.
Have a box just for essentials. Things such as tools, snacks, drinks, toiletries, first aid-kit, medications, and others around the same guidelines.
Try not to fill the boxes to their max. It'll help keep the boxes within a good weight frame and reduce the likelihood that they may break due to dropping them or tearing during the move.
When packing the moving truck, always start with heaviest and biggest items first. And for added securing measures, tighten them down with fasteners so they don’t slide around. Next, ass in the other bulky items. Then fill the rest with boxes. And for any fragile items, try to pack them into the vehicle.