Blog October 21, 2022

9 Expert Packing Tips for Moving in a Hurry

Posted in Packing and Planning
Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

When you’re moving in a hurry, it’s important to pack your belongings properly so that they don’t get damaged during the move. So, learn some of the best packing tips for moving in a hurry and move like a real pro. Consider all the hacks that will make the entire process as easy as possible.

Why It’s Important to Learn How to Pack a House Quickly and Move Like a Pro

Long-distance moving will require your full dedication, especially if you have a short timeline. As you may already know, wrapping up your belongings takes far more time than any other task. So, if you want a stress-free relocation, ensure you have all the needed tips on how to do it quickly and efficiently.

Don’t neglect the professional packing service – it can be a lifesaver, whether you’ve done this before or not. When it comes to relocating, get as much help as you can get.

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#1 One of the Most Important Packing Tips for Moving in a Hurry – Don’t Panic

If you’re interstate moving in a hurry, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and start panicking. As a result, you could feel anxious and even depressed after the relocation. However, it’s important to stay calm and focused on getting everything packed up correctly. So, you get the idea why knowing how to pack and move quickly can be pretty important.

Don’t forget to breathe. It might seem like too much, but there is no way you could pack an entire house in a single day, but you will, we promise. It’s not impossible just because it may seem like it is at the moment. The secret is to go gradually.

A sad woman holding her head before interstate moving
Take care of your health during the move

#2 Make a Checklist of Items You Want to Bring

If you think a last-minute move is impossible, know there are easy packing tips for moving from state to state. One of them is making a list of tasks you need to complete to make the wrapping process go as effortlessly as possible.

A checklist will assist you in keeping track of your top packing priorities, the due dates for particular chores, and the locations of various items. In case you overlook something, it will also act as a reminder.

A checklist can be quite helpful for remaining motivated and finishing everything on time, particularly if you are relocating quickly, though you can choose how extensive it should be.

Avoid Packing Up Everything

Moving quickly sometimes turns out to be advantageous. For example, you’ll be more decisive about what to keep and what to get rid of because of the deadline. One of the best tips for packing to move quickly is to follow your instinct when you pick anything up – are you ever likely to use that item again? Find a location to donate it if it’s still in good shape (check the website Goodwill). Otherwise, discard it.

Although it’s something you need to do when relocating, you can be tempted to try to take things back. To avoid it, it’s best to store the things you want to discard as you go.

#3 Grab a Lot of Different Packing Materials

It doesn’t matter how much time there is, having the correct supplies is crucial. You don’t want to be rushing to find a good-sized packing box for an unexpected move, even though most people prefer more environmentally friendly solutions like discarded boxes or plastic bins. To make it a bit simpler, ensure you have the following wrapping materials:

  • Bubble wrap,
  • Plastic wrap,
  • Packing paper,
  • Packing tape.

While these supplies surely won’t be free, you shouldn’t skimp on them, as you’ll need them to protect fragile items. All your boxes should ideally be packed tightly, with no loose objects. Give your fragile objects extra care before putting them in the moving truck to avoid damage.

Avoiding making any boxes overly heavy is the key to a good packing organization. Spread the contents out among other, lighter boxes if you find it difficult to lift the box. You can use specialized boxes to move the items securely and safely. These boxes are available for things like appliances or gym equipment.

Empty boxes used for long-distance moving
Get as many materials as possible

#4 Reach Out to Your Friends and Family and Ask For Help

Gather your moving team in advance to avoid last-minute fumbling. Do you require movers? When will you need them, during loading or packing? Can you ask your pals to assist you with packing and moving? When will they be accessible? Call right now because moving companies frequently plan their calendars weeks in advance.

Besides professional help, consider calling your family and friends to help, as well. After all, it’s not like you’re relocating to a new state every day. When assistance is needed, be ready with clear assignments. You don’t have time to squander on pointless assistants. Give clear, courteous instructions to each assistant.

As a thank you for all the help they’ve given you, find a way to repay them. What’s better than yummy meals and refreshing beverages? In the video below, check how to make an easy meal.

#5 Pack a Bag of Essentials

Make sure you pack a box with all of your necessities before you really get into the packing frenzy. To get a bigger picture, imagine that you are taking a brief vacation. It will make the relocation process easier and help you deal with the relocation essentials in no time. So, here are some of the essentials you should have with you:

  • Change of clothes,
  • Medications,
  • Important documents,
  • Toiletries,
  • Electronics and chargers,
  • Cash.

These things will help you get through the first period after the move until you feel ready to start the unpacking process.

A couple preparing moving essentials
Don't forget to prepare your essential bag

#6 Go Through Big Furniture Pieces First

Once you find some amazing small apartment ideas, determine which appliances and pieces of furniture you can and cannot take with you when you move. If you believe you can sell or donate any belongings, take pictures and begin the rehoming process as soon as possible. If you can’t dispose of something on your own, arrange for donation pick-up.

Put colored tape or sticky notes on goods that need special treatment for professional movers. You’ll be able to provide your movers and assistants with clear instructions that way. For instance, you may request that all things with blue tags be wrapped in plastic.

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Try Keeping Items Inside the Furniture if Possible

To save time and much-needed room, consider keeping clothes inside the drawers. Simply take out the drawers to lighten the load when it’s time to move, then put them back once the dresser is on the truck. That way, you’ll move efficiently and have more space than you thought. Drawers should be kept closed using painter’s tape to prevent clothing from going everywhere. You can do the same with the following items from your household:

  • Cabinets and chests – put the children’s toys inside them.
  • Dryer and washing machine – put clean bedding inside your washer and dryer.
  • Office drawers and desks – put some clothes inside but avoid small office supplies because they will surely fall out.

#7 Pack Up One Room at a Time

Consider a relocation tip for packing things up room by room to allow yourself some mental space as you move around your house. When a room is fully occupied, shut the door and proceed to the next one. After all, going back and forth from room to room could make you feel disorganized and cost you a lot of time.

If you have helpers, even better! You can apply the divide and conquer method. It will help you avoid bumping into each other all the time. You can also think about allocating one room to a single person. Ensure that each assistant has the necessary packaging and sorting materials.

Properly Label Every Box

Do not omit this process! Even though labeling boxes can take more time, it will be well worth it when it comes time to organize your belongings in your new house. For quick access, have a couple of different color markers in your back pocket. This will be especially helpful when moving out for the first time because as stressful packing is, remember you’ll have to unpack too.

Write the destination room on each box so the professionals will know where to put it after the move. Also, it won’t hurt to write what’s inside the box on its top. This might be quite helpful throughout the unpacking process because your boxes might be stocked with an unexpected assortment of stuff.

A woman preparing boxes for packing
Labeling is an important part of moving interstate

#8 Have a Done Zone in the House

Learning how to pack a house to move in a week surely isn’t something you should do. The good news is that you can plan a move thoroughly and still have all the moving day preparations ready, even if you’re in a last-minute move.

To avoid wasting time, you should clear space to move the loaded boxes where they won’t be on the way, causing more trouble than needed. This could be a spotless guest room, the garage, or the corners of one of the rooms in your home. It is simpler to identify what needs to be done when “done” objects are consolidated, and it is also simpler to clean your home when all the packing is done.

Organize your space by deciding what belongs in your vehicle and what goes inside the moving truck. You’ll then have a simple reference point for future workers and movers. Your “overnight” bag, cleaning supplies, televisions, and other items should all remain in your car.

Professional movers unload boxes after interstate moving
Organize the space in your house and have a done zone

#9 Hire State to State Movers to Land You a Helping Hand and Speed up the Process

Choosing a relocation company that will offer you reliable moving services will take a bit of your time, but it will bring you many benefits. If you’re still wondering how to pack fast for a move, the right answer is with a helping hand from professionals.

However, ensure you prepare appropriately for the movers. This includes putting all the items professionals won’t move on your relocation checklist. Not only will the process speed up, but you’ll also have the most pleasant experience.

Two state-to-state movers holding a moving box
Have a trustworthy relocation team by your side

Wrapping up Your Belongings Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

The thought of packing up all your belongings and moving to a new place can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and organization, you can make the process much easier on yourself. The entire wrapping process will be quick and a breeze if you just follow all the advice we’ve mentioned here.

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