May is National Moving Month, and if you’re relocating soon, it’s probably all you can think about. Moving to a
new home can be an exciting adventure, but the actual move is something that inspires dread in most people. Faced with the task of boxing up your whole life, you might be tempted to just stay put. But that’s not an option—your new home is waiting!
Never fear—smart packing tips can help you keep your wits about you and make the move as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, check out these packing pointers to ensure a smooth transition.
Start Early
Packing always takes longer than you think, so give yourself plenty of time to get organized. Begin by decluttering and sorting through your belongings well in advance of your move date. Donate or sell items you no longer need and set aside essentials you'll use right up until moving day (and make sure you save a box or two for those items).
Gather the Gear
Stock up on quality packing supplies to protect your belongings during transit. This includes sturdy boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling. You might even want some specialty boxes for the items that require extra care or an abnormal shape/design. Use wardrobe boxes for clothing to keep garments clean and wrinkle-free, and mattress bags to protect mattresses and box springs from dust and damage.
Pack Up Room by Room
Tackle one room at a time to maintain a sense of order. Start with rooms you use less frequently, such as the attic or guest bedroom, and work your way toward the more heavily used areas like the kitchen and living room.
Label Everything
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make it easier to unpack at your new home and locate specific items when needed. If you’re a master organizer, consider color-coding or numbering boxes.
Pack Strategically
Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top, just like you would a bag of groceries, to prevent damage. Aways try to fill empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap to minimize shifting during transit. When packing fragile items, wrap them individually and cushion them with plenty of padding. Keep important documents, jewelry, and other valuable or sentimental items with you during the move.
Create an Essentials Box
Pack a separate box with things you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep this box nearby for quick access.
Don't Overpack Boxes
While it may be tempting to cram as much as possible into each box to save space, overpacked boxes are more likely to break or collapse. Keep boxes at a manageable weight to make lifting and carrying easier.
Consider Hiring Professionals
If the thought of packing overwhelms you no matter how many tips you have on hand, you might want to enlist the pros. Sometimes an added expense is a reasonable trade-off for your peace of mind.
The Best Moves Start with Nestfully
Way before you pack your first box, you need to find your new home. Lucky for you, there’s a quicker, easier, less-stressful way to do so: the Nestfully mobile app. Free to use and fun to explore, this tool is trusted by real estate pros to help their clients enjoy a better kind of home search.
Download it today and connect with an agent right in the app.
