Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/deX-KChuboY

Moving to a new home is stressful, whether across town or across the country. Besides the stress of purchasing or renting a new house, you also have the work of sorting and packing up all your things. Longer distance moves are even more difficult and require extra planning. Keeping a few tips in mind will help you get the process started and moving smoothly.

Start Packing Early

When you know you’re getting ready to move, you can simplify things by packing early. Many things can be packed up weeks or months before the actual move. Some things you might want to pack early include pictures, books, storage and holiday items, decorations, hobby supplies, and off-season clothes. Getting those things out of the way will give you more time and space for last-minute packing. 

Gather Your Supplies

Gather everything you need to pack and keep it in one place. Having a packing basket with all your materials will save time and frustration. There’s nothing more frustrating than constantly hunting for the packing tape! Load your basket with markers, tape, labels, scissors, and anything else you use while packing.

Use Stackable Boxes

Whether you are loading a rental truck for a cross-country move or just using a friend’s pickup to drive across town, loading and organizing is a lot easier if your boxes are the same size. Get a lot of boxes in one or two sizes and you’ll be able to easily load them into a truck or trailer, and easily stack them in your new home when you arrive. Be careful not to overload your boxes and put heavy items in smaller boxes so they aren’t too heavy.

Organize Your Things

While this seems obvious, it’s still worth mentioning. When you're packing, try to organize things so that like items are together. If you pack your shoes, a couple of towels, and the kitchen knives all together, you’re going to have a hard time finding anything later. If you pack one room at a time this will mostly take care of itself, but some things, like photographs or decorations, are located all over the house and are more likely to get misplaced.

Pack With Materials You Already Have

When you are packing fragile items, consider what packing materials you already have. Things like sheets, blankets, and towels are great for protecting your breakable items. When packing your glassware, use hand towels for protection. Wrap sheets or blankets around your large pictures. Use clothing to wrap fragile décor. By using items you have to pack anyway, you're saving money and space.

Declutter While Packing

Don’t waste time packing things you no longer want! Moving is a great time to declutter, since you’re already sorting everything you own. It makes no sense to pack, load, transport, and unload things you don’t really want or need. While packing, consider each item and whether you need it, will use it, or have room for it in your new house. Keep a donation box nearby while sorting.

Start by Cleaning

Before you get started packing a room, try to clean up all the clutter. Organize anything that has gotten into disarray, such as kitchen drawers and your clothes closet. Clean under furniture and behind dressers so everything is in its place. Spending a few minutes straightening will save a lot of frustration later when you are trying to pack. Nothing is more annoying than thinking you are finished with a room and finding out you missed things because they were in the wrong spot.

Moving Large Items

Loading and transporting large, heavy items like furniture can be frustrating and difficult. Not only is is potentially dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment, it’s easy to break something if you aren’t careful. One option is to hire some men or gather a few friends to help load and transport the heavy items. If that doesn’t work, most towns have trucks or delivery crews available for short trips. For longer moves, consider shipping furniture with a professional company.

Use Detailed Labels

when you are labeling a box, try to be detailed. Instead of just writing “kitchen,” be more specific. List the kinds of items you’re including, such as “pots and lids, potholders, large spoons.” Try to think of the items you’ll be looking for later and label those items specifically. Toilet paper, towels, and the can opener are things you might need as soon as you arrive. When it’s time to unpack, you’ll appreciate having detailed labels.

Set Aside Things You'll Need First

What things will you need when you arrive at your new home? Pack those items together in special boxes and keep them separate. Load them where you can easily access them. Since the things you will need first are usually the things you use most, like eating utensils, cooking items, and personal items, they are easy to keep out until the last minute.