Blog November 29, 2022

The Best Way to Pack for a Move

Posted in Moving 101
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

Are you in the process of planning a move? If so, you’re likely trying to decide how to best pack your belongings. Of course, the best way to pack for a move depends on your specific needs and situation. That said, there are a few tips that can help make the packing process go as smoothly as possible. Keep reading for some advice on how to pack for a move like a pro!

How to Prep for the Packing Process When Moving Interstate?

We all know that entirely stress-free relocation is next to impossible. Fortunately, there are many provenly efficient relocation tips available to make the entire process smoother. This is probably because almost everyone ends up relocating to a new state at some point. You can ensure that everything is going according to the plan by using a moving-to-another-state checklist. Besides that, another helpful long-distance relocation tip is to make a commitment to maintaining a positive outlook despite all the upcoming changes.

Some advice focuses on the best ways to pack a relocation truck, while others provide reminders to cancel various services, transfer utilities, or make plans for things to be ready at the new home. Still, other tips focus on certain specific situations, such as how to move with pets or what to do when the hired movers are running late. However, the most crucial advice might be this – stay calm and try to keep the anxiety about the move under control. Take it slow, and you’ll see that this will help you avoid common mistakes when relocating – you’ve got this!

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During a move, many things can go wrong. There is no one-size-fits-all guide for an efficient relocation with suggestions for every single situation that could arise during the relocation process because there are so many components and small details that you can’t predict. Although various people will have different concerns, such as how to wrap glassware or how to move wooden furniture safely, in most situations, the advice and techniques in this text will be helpful. Prepare for a better, quicker, simpler move by reading on – we’ve got all the relocation hacks you need.

A to-do list for moving state to state on the white surface
Write a checklist to keep track of all the relocation-related tasks

First Up, You Need to Declutter Your Entire Home

Before you can start organizing the packing process and planning for the big relocation day, there’s one very important task you need to take care of first – decluttering your home. Getting rid of all the stuff you don’t need before packing is a relocation essential for two reasons. First, it will make packing much easier, and second, it will save you money on relocation costs. The less stuff you have, the less there is to pack and move!

So how do you declutter your home before leaving for another state? Start with one room at a time. Trying to declutter your entire house all at once is overwhelming and will likely lead to frustration. Instead, focus on decluttering one room at a time. Once you’ve completed one room, move on to the next. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the process goes when you approach it this way.

It can be tough to get rid of things, especially if they have sentimental value. But maybe you’re going to a smaller home, and you won’t have the same amount of space as you do now. That means you won’t be able to keep everything – no matter how much you want to. So be honest with yourself about what you really need and what you can live without. Once you’ve started decluttering your home, it’s important not to procrastinate. The longer you wait to get rid of things, the harder it will be. So set a goal for yourself and stick to it!

Be Sure to Set Aside Items You Wish to Donate

As you’re going through your things, sort them into three piles: things to keep, things to throw away, and things to donate, of course. Plan a pickup in advance if you’ll be giving large goods like furniture to ensure that an organization will pick them up. Look through the list of nonprofit organizations that pick up donations so you won’t have to stress about how you’re going to get everything there.

Coffee mug and a napkin that's been written on
Decluttering is an essential step before packing - it will make the process easier

Make a Moving Folder to Keep Track of All the Relocation-Related Tasks

If you’re like most people, the thought of relocating to a new state is both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many things to think about and keep track of – it’s easy to feel like you’re swimming in a sea of information with no idea where to start. That’s why we suggest creating a moving binder. This way, you can have all of your relocation-related paperwork and tasks in one central location. Not only will this make your move more organized and less stressful, but it will also help you stay on top of everything that needs to be done.

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First, choose an accordion file or binder with pockets. This will be your catch-all for all things related to your move. Next, label the outside of the folder with the following categories:

  • To do,
  • In progress,
  • Completed,
  • Important documents.

Now comes the fun part – populating your folder! For starters, here are some important documents you may want to include:

  • Birth certificate,
  • Social security card,
  • Medical records,
  • Veterinary records (if applicable),
  • Home/renter’s insurance documentation,
  • Financial documents,
  • School transcripts (if applicable),
  • Employment records
  • Moving expenses documentation.

Keep Track of Your Spending – Set a Moving Budget

From hiring a moving company to renting a storage unit, it’s easy to let your spending get out of control. That’s why it’s so important to set a moving budget and keep track of your expenses throughout the process. By following this simple tip, you can ensure that your move is as cost-effective as possible.

One of the best ways to keep track of your spending during a move is to create a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app. This will allow you to see all of your expenses in one place and make adjustments as needed. Be sure to include everything from the cost of packing materials to the price of your moving company in your budget. Don’t forget about smaller items like eating out and gas for your car.

Piggy bank wrapped in bubble wrap
Having a defined relocation budget can help you keep the spending under control

Gather the Necessary Packing Supplies

One way to help ease the stress of the move is to be as prepared as possible. That includes making sure you have all the packing materials you’ll need before you start packing. This way, you won’t have to make multiple trips to the store or scramble at the last minute trying to find something.

First up – boxes, of course. You can never have too many boxes when you’re moving. They come in all different sizes, so it’s best to get a variety of box sizes to accommodate all your belongings. If you have friends or family who recently moved, see if they still have any boxes they’re not using. Otherwise, head to your local grocery or liquor store – they usually have plenty of boxes on hand that they’re happy to give away for free.

You’ll definitely need packing tape – lots of it! Make sure to get heavy-duty tape so it can stand up to the rigors of relocating. You’ll also want to get a tape dispenser, so you don’t have to go hunting for scissors every time you need to use tape. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts are great for protecting delicate items. If possible, try to find reusable bubble wrap so you can save money and be more eco-friendly. Also, don’t forget to get packing paper – it’s great for wrapping various items.

Lastly, don’t forget markers for labeling boxes. Labeling everything might seem like a lot of work, but trust us – it’s worth it! Once everything is packed up, and in the truck, it can be tough trying to remember which box contains what. Save yourself some time (and headache) by clearly labeling each box with its contents and destination room in your new home.

A pile of empty boxes for interstate moving
Be sure to get your supplies ready before you start packing

Pack in Advance – Don’t Wait for Last-Minute to Start Packing Your Belongings

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be stressful if you take some time to plan ahead and get organized. Start with the essentials and then work on one room at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed by the task at hand. Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute. This will only add to your stress levels. Give yourself plenty of time to get everything packed so you can relax and enjoy your move!

Keep Essentials Nearby

About a week before your move, start packing a box or a bag of essential items that you’ll need during the move and the first few days at your new place. This might include things like toiletries, medications, towels, sheets, and a change of clothes. Check out the video below to find out more about preparing an essentials bag for relocating.

Hire State-to-State Movers if You Want an Efficient Relocation

One of the most important things you need to take care of is hiring state-to-state movers. You need to make sure you hire them well in advance so that everything goes smoothly on the relocation day. Keep reading to learn more about hiring state-to-state movers.

Why you need state-to-state movers

There are a few reasons why you should hire movers rather than trying to do it all yourself. For one, they have a lot of experience with long-distance moves and know exactly what moving service needs to look like so that everything goes smoothly. They also have the proper equipment and resources to get the job done quickly and efficiently. And perhaps most importantly, they can take care of all the paperwork and logistics involved in an out-of-state move, which can be very difficult to do on your own.

When to hire state-to-state movers

The best time to hire movers is as soon as you know you’re going to be making a long-distance move. This will give you plenty of time to research different companies and find the one that’s right for you. It’s also a good idea to get quotes from different companies so that you can compare prices of moving and packing services. Once you’ve found the right company, be sure to book them well in advance so that you don’t have any last-minute problems or delays on the big day.

How to hire state-to-state movers

When you’re ready to start the process of hiring movers, the first thing you need to do is gather some basic information about your move. This includes your starting location, your destination, the date of your move, an estimation of how much stuff you’ll be taking with you, and whether or not you’ll need a storage unit during your transition. With this information in hand, you can start contacting different companies for quotes.

When speaking with potential movers, ask about their experience with long-distance moves, what type of relocation insurance they carry, what their rates are, and whether or not they offer any discounts or promotions. Once you’ve received a few quotes, take some time to compare prices and services before making your final decision.

With Careful Planning, You Are Sure to Have a Successful Long-Distance Moving Experience

Moving state to state can be a difficult task, but with careful planning and the help of professional movers, you are sure to have a successful experience. Follow our tips for packing your belongings, be sure to choose the right interstate moving company (and avoid relocation scams!), and prepare for your move on time, and you will be on your way to a smooth transition to your new home. Good luck!

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