How to Pack for a Move

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start Early

   The secret to a smooth move? Starting early. Procrastination and packing are a recipe for chaos, so as soon as you know you’re moving, begin packing the non-essentials. Think seasonal clothes, extra linens, holiday decorations, and that fondue pot you swore you’d use more often. Packing in manageable chunks not only saves your sanity but also helps you stay on top of the process. Tackling a few boxes each day makes the entire move feel less overwhelming. 

   Keep heavier items in small boxes to prevent overpacking and back pain. Save your bigger boxes for lighter, bulkier items like pillows and blankets. 

2. Stay Organized

   Organization is your best friend when it comes to packing. Avoid the temptation to toss random items into boxes “just to get it done.” Instead, pack room by room to keep everything grouped logically. This approach will save you countless hours of frustration when unpacking in your new home.

   Label every box on multiple sides and include a brief description of its contents. For example, instead of writing “kitchen stuff,” jot down “pots, pans, and utensils.” 

   By staying organized, you’ll reduce stress and set yourself up for a smoother transition into your new space. Create a moving inventory list to keep track of what’s packed and where it’s going. It’s a lifesaver, especially for larger moves!

3. Secure Boxes Properly

   Start by using heavy-duty packing tape. Don’t settle for the cheap stuff that barely sticks—you need tape that can handle the weight of your belongings. Seal the bottom of each box with a strong, uniform tape layer, running it along the seam and extending up the sides for added strength. Use an “H” taping method, where you secure the edges of the flaps as well.

   Avoid interlocking the box flaps without taping them—this is not the time for shortcuts. Properly taped boxes are easier to stack and transport, reducing the risk of a mid-move disaster. For particularly heavy boxes, double-tape the bottom for extra reinforcement. Nobody wants to chase rogue shoes or books across the driveway!

4. Protect Fragile Items

   Packing fragile items requires extra TLC. Wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Plates should be packed vertically (like records), and glassware should be stuffed with crumpled paper to cushion the inside.

   Always pack and unpack fragile items over a soft, padded surface—just in case gravity decides to have its way. Nothing ruins moving day faster than the sound of shattering glass. Label boxes with fragile items clearly and load them on top in the moving truck.

5. Use Packing Paper

   Unlike old newspapers, which might leave smudges of ink behind, clean packing paper keeps your valuables spotless while providing the cushion they need during a bumpy ride. Start by crumpling sheets of packing paper and lining the bottom of your boxes. This creates a padded base to absorb shocks. Wrap each fragile item individually—plates, glassware, and delicate décor all deserve their own little cocoon. For extra protection, add a second layer of paper around particularly delicate or high-value items.

   Once wrapped, arrange your items snugly in the box to prevent shifting during transit. Fill any gaps with additional crumpled packing paper or even soft household items like kitchen towels or socks. Top off the box with another layer of crumpled paper before sealing it shut. Don’t skimp on paper! That extra layer of protection might just save your grandmother’s heirloom vase from turning into a DIY mosaic project.