Moving, even if it’s just a hop, skip, and jump across town, feels totally stressful. But whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, a little planning goes a long way and can make the whole process so much smoother.
Knowing how to pack efficiently and use your space wisely will make the whole process easier for everyone involved, including the movers. Here are ten helpful tips to help you stay organized and make the most of your space during your local move.
1. Team up With Professionals
One of the best things you can do is hire a good local moving company. It’s not just about saving time (though that’s a huge plus). Professional movers are experts at this stuff.
- They know all the tricks for packing efficiently and making the most of the truck space.
- They’re trained to handle your belongings carefully, so you can relax knowing everything is in good hands.
- And, they can often provide packing supplies and even packing services.
It’ll give you so much peace of mind during the whole crazy process.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Before you even think about boxing things up, take the time to declutter. Be ruthless! Create four piles: “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash/Recycle.”
- Keep: Ask yourself some honest questions. Do you actually use this item? Have you used it in the past year? Does it bring you joy? If the answer is no to most of these, it probably belongs in one of the other piles.
- Donate: Think about local charities or organizations that could benefit from your gently used items.
- Sell: This can be a good way to earn a little extra cash, but be realistic about pricing and the effort involved.
- Trash/Recycle: – Be honest. Some things are just beyond saving. The less stuff you have to move, the less you have to pack, unpack, and find a place in your new home. It’ll save you time, money (you might need a smaller truck!), and a whole lot of stress.
3. Use Uniform Box Sizes
Try to use boxes that are all the same size if you can. It makes stacking so much easier and keeps everything more stable in the truck, which means you can really use all the vertical space.
Medium-sized boxes are usually the sweet spot. They’re big enough to hold a good amount of stuff but not so heavy that you can’t lift them.
4. Roll, Don’t Fold
When it comes to clothes and linens, ditch the traditional folding method and try rolling instead. It sounds weird, but it actually saves a ton of space.
Folded clothes create bulky, square shapes that don’t always fit neatly together. Rolling clothes, on the other hand, create more compact, cylindrical shapes that nestle together much more efficiently.
Rolling also helps minimize wrinkles, so unpacking will be a breeze. You won’t have to spend days ironing everything! To roll your clothes, lay them flat, fold the sleeves in (if applicable), and then roll them tightly from the bottom up.
5. Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items
Use vacuum-seal bags for bulky items like comforters, pillows, and seasonal clothing. This drastically reduces their size and makes them easier to pack into tight spaces.
6. Utilize All Available Space
Think of your items like puzzle pieces. Fill every nook and cranny—put small items inside pots, shoes, and even drawers. Just remember to secure everything so nothing shifts during the move.
7. Disassemble Large Furniture
Whenever possible, take apart large furniture pieces. Remove table legs, disassemble bed frames, and take shelves out of bookcases. This makes items easier to transport and helps you fit more of your stuff into the moving truck.
8. Label Everything Clearly
Label boxes not just with their contents but also with the room they belong to. This will save time when unloading and help you avoid unnecessary rearranging later.
9. Pack a First-Day Essentials Box
Pack a dedicated box with all the must-have items you’ll need as soon as you arrive—think toiletries, a fresh change of clothes, basic kitchenware, and important documents.
Having these essentials at your fingertips will save you from digging through packed boxes and help keep your move organized and stress-free.
10. Use Plastic Bins for Heavy Items
For really heavy things, like books, you can use plastic bins instead of cardboard. They’re much sturdier, stack better without collapsing, and are way less likely to rip or break when you’re lugging them around. Trust me, your back will thank you!
Your Roadmap to a Smooth, Stress-Free Move
If you use these ten tips, you’ll be amazed at how much smoother your move will go. With a little planning and maybe some help from friends and the best moving company in your area, you’ll be all settled into your new place before you even know it!