Pre-Move Preparation: Essential Tips

Start Sourcing Boxes

Don’t wait until the day of your move to get your boxes. It’s important to start finding boxes a few weeks before so that you have everything you need. You can purchase boxes at hardware or local retail stores, but there are also ways to get them for less! You can search online marketplaces or ask friends and family, as well as go to recycling centers or your workplace to ask for boxes that are not going to be used. 

Take Photos of Your Complex Items

This is something that is easy to forget, but will save you so much time and stress when you’re trying to unpack. If you have items that will have to be disassembled before a move, snag a picture before you begin the process! Having a photo will help you to reassemble your valuables after you relocate. If you have movers like the movers at Stewart who are there to help reassemble, you can share the photo with them to aid in the process of reassembly. 

> Learn more about our service: Cross Country Movers | Cross Country Moving Services

Gather and Organize Packing Supplies and Items for Moving

Boxes are not the only thing you should have prepared! You’ll need packing tape, markers, and some sort of packing material, like bubble wrap or paper. 

To prep your items, make sure to empty drawers of breakables, spillables, and items not recommended for inclusion in your shipment, as well as anything that would puncture or damage other items. Blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft, lightweight goods can be left in drawers because they are easy to move. 

Prepare for Your New Home by Cleaning & Decluttering

Make sure to look through all of your items and donate or trash anything you do not need. You can also post unwanted items on online sales platforms to make some extra cash before you move. While getting rid of unwanted items, tidy up things you plan to take so they are in top notch condition when you unpack at your new space. You should mop, vacuum, dust and follow a cleaning procedure to leave your house tidy for the next occupants.

Pre-Packing Tips for Moving - Book Your Moving Day Early

Moving companies can fill up quickly! It is recommended that you book a moving company at least 4-8 weeks ahead of time, and sometimes even farther in advance during peak times, which are summer months and weekends. If you are looking for a reputable moving company, look no further than Stewart Moving and Storage. We offer various moving plans created alongside a moving coordinator to make your move as smooth as possible. 

> Learn more: How to Preparing for Storage: Moving Checklist 

Create a Moving Folder

Stay organized by creating a moving folder to store important documents like your lease, contracts, inventory list, and receipts. This folder will keep everything you need in one place for easy access during the move.

Schedule Utilities for Your New Home

Ensure essential services like electricity, water, gas, and internet are set up in advance. Contact your utility providers to schedule installations or transfers for your new home before moving day.

Measure Everything

Measure your furniture and doorways to ensure everything fits in your new home. This prevents delays on moving days and helps you plan your layout.

Think ahead about Unpacking

When packing your boxes, make it easy to unpack critical areas like the kitchen and bedroom within the first few days. Consider what items will be most important when you arrive at your new home and create a box that you will open first.

Essential Packing Supplies

Packing efficiently requires the right materials. Here are some essential packing supplies to ensure your items are protected and organized during the move:

• Boxes in Various Sizes: Sturdy cardboard boxes come in various sizes and are essential for packing. Small boxes work best for heavy items like books, while larger boxes are perfect for lightweight but bulky items like pillows and blankets. For clothes, use wardrobe boxes to hang them directly, and consider dish boxes with dividers to protect fragile tableware.
• Packing Tape: High-quality packing tape is crucial to securely seal your boxes and ensure their contents stay intact during the move. For ease, invest in a tape dispenser to make the process faster and more efficient.
• Protective Wraps: Bubble wrap and packing paper are vital for protecting fragile items such as glassware, dishes, and electronics. Use bubble wrap for delicate, breakable items and packing paper to fill empty spaces inside boxes and provide cushioning for added protection.
• Padding: Packing peanuts, foam padding, or even crumpled newspaper are great for filling gaps in boxes and preventing items from shifting during the move. Proper padding helps ensure your belongings stay in place and arrive safely.
• Markers and Labels: Permanent markers and labels are essential for keeping track of the contents of each box and its destination room. Clearly labeling your boxes will make unpacking easier and more efficient.
• Box Cutter or Scissors: A sharp box cutter or pair of scissors will be helpful for opening boxes quickly and cutting tape with precision, saving you time during both packing and unpacking.
• Additional Supplies: Depending on your specific needs, consider using furniture pads, moving blankets, and plastic stretch wrap to protect large or valuable items. Dollies or hand trucks are also essential for transporting heavy furniture and boxes with ease.

By having these essential packing supplies on hand, you’ll be well-prepared to move safely and efficiently.

Packing Tips for Moving: Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

If you begin packing and notice more unwanted items, don’t bring them with you! Start a “donation” pile and take that to any donation drop-off before you pack up your moving truck. 

Use Appropriately Sized Boxes

Do not over or underpack any boxes! You should have a variety of boxes that fit items packed from the same room with similar durability. You should limit the box size to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier. Wrap items carefully and provide plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. 

> Learn more: Long-distance Move Hacks 

Label Fragile Boxes for Careful Handling and Use Care when Packing

Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good buffer in a box. After wrapping these carefully, put them in boxes that are not too full and label them clearly “fragile” to make sure movers are aware they need to use caution. 

Packing Tips for Moving: Pack Room by Room

Don’t be too sporadic! Tackle one room at a time. Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans. Keep all parts or pairs of things together. Curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic or cloth bags. If you use a moving company like Stewart, these bags will be provided for you. 

Packing Tips Moving: Prepare a First Night Box

Set yourself up for success! Your first night box should include things like toiletries, medicines, clothing, bedding and snacks. Having a box like this will ensure you have a smooth night in your new home and avoids you having to dig through boxes to find what you need. 

> Learn more: Moving an Aquarium: How to Pack and Move a Fish Tank 

Moving Packing Tips: Avoid Empty Spaces in Boxes

Empty spaces in boxes lead to shifting during transit, which can cause breakages! To avoid awkward spacing, use bubble wrap, newspaper or even bedding and towels to fill in excess space. Making sure the box is tight and stabilized ensures that your items stay safe.

Use Specialty Crates for Expensive Artwork

Timeless art pieces require speciality crating to keep them from getting damaged. The crates you use can be purchased from your moving company and have a customized fit that will protect the artwork from pressure and vibrations caused by moving. 

Be Careful When Packing Kitchen Items

Kitchen items, more than any other room, can be extremely different, fragile, and sometimes sharp! You should wrap each item individually, especially plates and glassware, with newspaper or bubble wrap and pack items that are similar together in clearly labeled boxes. You should place heavy items like pots and pans at the bottom of the box, and lighter items like cutlery at the top. 

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Moving Packing Tips: Carefully Tape Your Moving Boxes

Don’t skimp on packing materials! You should invest in high quality tape to make sure your boxes do not suddenly fall open, leaving your items strewn on the ground. When applying the tape, make sure to carefully line the seams of the box, applying two layers when necessary. Making an H-pattern with the tape on the top and bottom of the box adds extra security. For more safe packing and moving tips, utilize this handy Packing-Box Guide checklist.

Learn How to Pack a TV for Moving

Packing a TV begins with unplugging it and winding electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle or placing them in a labeled plastic bag. If you have the original box and padding, pack the TV in that. If the box is gone, you should purchase a TV moving box and padding to ensure proper packaging and safety. To protect the screen from cracks, wrap it with a blanket or foam piece. For more details on how to safely pack your TV, we offer a step by step TV shipping guide. 

Tips for Packing and Moving: Wrap Large or Valuable Furniture

If you want to protect your bigger furniture pieces, make sure to wrap them with blankets or bubble wrap and use furniture pads. The wrapping reduces the possibility of scratches or dents when moving through doorways and around passages. Also try to remove parts like legs, shelving or handles so that the furniture is lighter and the parts do not get damaged.  Before you move, make sure you are thinking of important safety procedures to keep yourself and your items safe!

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• How to Move a Pool Table 
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Place Heavier Items at the Bottom of Boxes, Lighter Items on Top

When you put the heavy items at the bottom of a box it creates a stable base for whatever you pack on top of it. Lighter items should go on the top so they are safe from being crushed. Maintaining a recommended flow of weight from lighter to heavier maintains balance for the mover, causing there to be less strain needed when lifting boxes. 

How do I make moving and packing easier? Besides, you can learn more about some more moving packing tips below to make your move easier, smoother and less stressful. 

Use Suitcases or Bags for Packing Heavy Items

Pack heavy items like books, tools, or electronics in suitcases or bags. These are designed for weight distribution and make it easier to transport without straining your back.

Keep Essentials with You

Pack a separate bag with important items like toiletries, medications, and documents. Keep it with you to ensure you have everything you need during the move and the first night in your new home.

Transport Frozen Goods Using a Cooler

If you're moving perishable items, use a cooler to keep frozen goods safe during transport. This ensures that your food stays fresh and avoids spills in your boxes.

Post-Move Tips: Getting Settled Efficiently

Once you've moved in, you should focus on settling into your new home. Follow these post-move tips to make the process easier and more efficient.

Set Deadlines for Unpacking

Set a timeline for unpacking each room. Aim to have the essentials unpacked in the first 48 hours, followed by other rooms in a logical sequence.

Deal with Packing Supplies

Recycle or reuse your packing materials like boxes and bubble wrap. If you don't need them, donate or sell the supplies to avoid clutter in your new home.

By following these moving company packing tips, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient move. Start early, declutter, and pack each room with care. For any packing materials or professional assistance, trust Stewart Moving & Storage to make your move hassle-free. Contact us today for moving estimates and let us help you with all your moving needs!

> Learn more about our moving and storage services: 

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