Best Moving and Packing Tips

Here at JudyMac, we know that moving to a new home can be exciting and stressful. While there's a lot to look forward to, there's also the process of packing and moving to consider. Figuring out where to begin, knowing what to pack, and deciding which room to start with can be overwhelming. One thing we've learned from our experience witnessing a ton of moves – start with a week-by-week packing checklist! It'll help you stay organized and alleviate the stress associated with moving.

Want some more tips? Read on to learn more about the best packing and moving tips!

Getting Started: Essential Moving Supplies

Before you begin packing, double-check to be sure you have the right moving supplies. Here are some of the items you will need:

• Boxes: The priority when it comes to packing. Having a variety of sizes for items in your home can make organizing easier.

• Tape: You'll want a strong adhesive to seal boxes, secure bubble wrap around fragile items, and ensure your home goods are nice and safe for the move.

• Utility knife/scissors: You will need to cut a variety of things, and a clean cut can lessen any frustration when assembling things.

• Permanent marker: You don't want to lose track of what was packed in which box. Use permanent markers to label boxes so you can sort them by room and easily prioritize unpacking.

• Plastic bags: These can be handy with smaller items such as silverware and helpful with storing non-perishable food items.

• Blankets: Blankets are great for additional padding of mirrors and other breakable items.

• Bubble wrap and/or newspaper: These can be helpful when packing kitchen items such as mugs and dishes.

• Handcart: Using a handcart can help with lifting heavy items and boxes. Utilizing this will lessen the chance of physical injury from lifting heavy boxes.

General Moving and Packing Tips

Organization and planning are essential when you pack for a move. Consider creating a schedule for your move and organize items by room, common function, or use. Here are a few tips for applying to the entirety of your move:

• Start with items you won't need right away: Begin by packing items you don't often use so you don't find yourself living out of boxes and repacking.

• Pack similar items together: Stay organized by packing similar items together based on room or use.

• Keep essentials packed separately for quick access: Packing things such as first aid or flashlights in the same box could eliminate frustration.

• Label each box by its contents and room: Labeling boxes with contents and room will simplify unpacking. Unload boxes directly into the correct rooms.

• Color-code boxes by each room: Having a color system for each room can ensure organization when it comes to packing.

• Allow yourself plenty of time to pack: Give yourself more time than you think to organize and pack. Creating a packing schedule for a move is a great way to ensure you give yourself enough time.

• Load furniture, appliances, and larger items first: This leaves more room for the smaller items towards the door to the truck, making it easier to unload.

Room-by-Room Checklist for Moving

Moving can feel overwhelming, but having a room-by-room checklist can make it easier. Here are some room-specific tips to help you get started:

Packing a Home Office

• Your home office can include a lot of important items and documents. How you choose to pack your electronics, paperwork, and other stationery is essential. Here are some tips:

• Avoid packing boxes too heavily.

• Consider color-coding wires for electronics when disassembling them.

• Keep all critical documents in a secure box close to you.

• Take a photo of any electronics before you disassemble them, so you can properly put them back together once you've moved.

Packing Outdoor Furniture and Garage Items

• Don't forget about the items outside of your home! Here's how to properly pack outdoor furniture and items from your garage:

• Remove charcoal, burnt wood, or propane tanks from grills, fire pits, and heaters before moving.

• Clean furniture and break it down to allow for easy moving.

• Keep your toolbox or tools you may need for moving aside and pack those last.

• Cover any sharp tools with cardboard, towels, or their original carrying case for safety.

• Recycle light bulbs that you no longer use.

Packing a Kitchen or Pantry

• The kitchen is the heart of the home, so make sure you pack it with care. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth move:

• Donate as many food items as you can and dispose of any open packages to avoid spills or messes.

• Make sure all kitchen appliances are emptied and clean before packing. Wrap cords in a plastic bag and place them inside the appliance.

• Pack appliances in their original boxes if you have them.

• Label all breakable items with "FRAGILE" and use bubble wrap to stack smaller dishes and prevent them from breaking during the trip.

Packing a Dining Room

• Your dining room likely has many breakable items that require extra attention during packing. Here's how to pack them safely:

• Utilize kitchen towels, newspaper, cardboard pieces, or linens to line boxes and serve as bumpers for plates and china.

• Roll up rugs and secure them with plastic ties or rope.

Packing a Living or Family Room

• From electronics to family photos, the living or family room can have a lot of items to pack. Follow these tips to make sure everything arrives safely:

• Remove light bulbs and shades from lamps and chandeliers and wrap each separately.

• Keep any irreplaceable photos or videos with you during the move.

• Use blankets and towels to wrap mirrors and paintings. For mirrors or large framed pictures, place an 'X' made of masking tape over the glass to minimize spilled glass in the case of a break.

• If you have the original packing/boxes, use those to repack any electronics, such as televisions.

Packing a Bedroom

• Your bedroom is full of items that need to be packed, but with these tips, it doesn't have to be a daunting task:

• Leave hanging clothes on hangers and place them directly in boxes or moving containers.

• Keep valuable possessions such as jewelry in a secure case or box and with you during the move.

• Thread thin necklaces through drinking straws or toilet paper rolls to keep them from getting tangled and use buttons to keep your earrings together.

• Place loose items in luggage or suitcases for quick packing.

• Protect mattresses and furniture with old sheets and blankets for the move.

• Put all bedding and pillows in trash bags to keep

One Last Tip – Give Us a Call!

Thanks so much for taking the time to learn more about how you can move and pack quickly and easily without all the hassle! Want another way to save time? Call JudyMac for all your real estate needs! We're Memphis' Premier Luxury Home Agent & Crye-Leike’s #1 Team company wide (and we have the reviews to prove it). Helping Memphians get into the new home of their dreams, sell their present home, or any other of your real estate needs is our passion! We love what we do, and we know you will too. Remember, Hustle & Heart Set Us Apart! Call today!