Congratulations on your next big move! While moving is a daunting task, proper packing and organization can make the process a lot less stressful if adequate resources are utilized for everyone involved. Below is a list of essential packing tips and tricks that will lead to seamless execution on your moving day.

Purge Your Unwanted Items

Your moving day is still a little way out, but you have been getting overwhelmed with the start of packing because you’re noticing you have more items than you thought. Everyone that moves should make it a point to go through all their belongings and sort them in to donate or sell piles. This is not only a great way to make some extra cash, but you’ll also be helping those in need.

Create a Schedule 

 Moving can be overwhelming, meaning steps can often be missed. Once you find out that a move is happening, make sure to establish a plan or checklist. Purchasing a desk calendar or planner is also beneficial to help you stay organized and on track with your entire move.

Take Pictures of Electronics

Electronic assembly can be a nightmare if you’re not tech-savvy or knowledgeable about the equipment you own. Use your cell phone or another device to snap photos of cord placements for each of your items so set up goes smoothly. You can also tape designated cords to each item or organize your cables in a labeled, clear box.

Hanging Clothes in Garbage Bags 

Caring for your wardrobe is a significant priority when moving as you want to make sure items don’t get damaged in the process. To make sure your items are protected, leave your clothing on the hangers, and placed inside a plastic garbage bag. To save space, utilize rubber bands to keep items compact before hanging in a wardrobe moving box.

Pack Your First Night Box 

It’s likely for you to be exhausted at the end of your moving day, and the last thing you’ll want to do is rummage through boxes in hopes of finding your toiletries, pajamas, or other clothing items. Make sure to pack a box for your first night that has everything you think you may need until you get settled. Label it clearly and make sure those helping you are aware of its existence.

Colored Packing Tape 

Color coding and labeling your boxes for the areas they’re supposed to go in the house not only help the moving process go seamlessly. This allows you additional freedom on the day of your move as minimal directions are required for those helping you. Colored or Labeled Packing Tape are both easy options to eliminate any confusion.

Create an Excel Document 

Having a virtual copy of your packing method is very useful as well as a great resource. Number each box and keep track of what belongings are included in each. This will make the unpacking process a lot easier, and if any boxes were misplaced during the move you would be able to identify the missing items quickly and efficiently.

Give Your Kitchen Items Some Love 

Kitchenware and cookware play a large part in any household, so it’s crucial to treat many of these items in a fragile manner to ensure nothing breaks during transportation. Stack plates vertically with Styrofoam in between, like you would in a dish rack, to prevent them from breaking or purchase a kitchen moving supplies kit to ensure you have all recommended items.

Schedule Disconnect and Connect Times

Make a note of the utilities that will require a phone call to either disconnect at your old property or connect at your new property. This will help you avoid any overlap in bills as moving is already an expensive process. Make sure to schedule these times far in advance so you don’t forget or have a surprise transaction at the end of the month.

Cover Tops of Toiletry Bottles and Cleaning Items 

To avoid any spills, leaks, or ruined belongings, it’s encouraged to place a piece of plastic wrap over the tops of toiletry bottles and cleaning items and then putting the lid on over. This provides an extra barrier between the substance inside and the outside world. Keeping your liquid items together is also essential, so if a spill or leak does happen the only thing getting ruined is the item packaging.

Map Out Moving Route 

Regardless of the distance you’re going for your move, it’s crucial to map out the potential routes and become familiar with the area. Quickly and efficiently are how many want their moving days to pan out, and identifying the traffic, trains, and other factors along your route will help you ensure you don’t get stuck in gridlock traffic or reentering the address into your GPS.

Know the Moving Lingo 

Don’t get overwhelmed with the terminology you may not know when finding a moving company or on moving day. Research before you move to avoid confusion and those involved understand the process as well as what it incorporates.

Keep All Screws and Hardware for Any Disassembled Furniture 

Losing a screw or any hardware for your disassembled furniture in a move is inconvenient as running to the hardware store is the last thing you want to add to your list. Try putting all hardware in a plastic bag that’s labeled with the furniture name, then tape it to the actual item or designate a smaller box for these items.

Wrap Furniture with Drawers and Everything Intact 

Save yourself a packing step and keep all belongings in their drawers when packing dressers, nightstands, and any other large storage furniture items. You can utilize stretch wrap to cover the item in its entirety, making sure the drawers don’t open in the moving process.

Mark Fragile Items Clearly 

Fragile items should not only be packaged correctly but should be identified with a different color tape, wording, or box. This will ensure movers will take special care with these items, and you won’t have to chance any items breaking.

Book Moving Services Early 

Conducting research, reading reviews, and getting quotes or suggestions from friends is a great way to find the moving company you’re going to utilize. It’s important to start this process early on as there are many factors like cost, day of the week, and many more that could change should you book on short notice.

Stop Grocery Purchases One Week Prior

It’s never fun to try and move grocery items that are meant to be refrigerated or frozen as obstacles can occur such as traffic, car troubles, etc. that could potentially cause your items to spoil. Try to keep food purchases to a minimum starting one week before your move so only dry goods remain as these are easier and cleaner to transport.

Pictures of New Home 

Make sure to take some photos of rooms in your new place of living and have an idea of what large items you would like where along with their placement. This will give the movers an easy guide and will save time on the number of questions presented.

Have an Assortment of Box Sizes 

Having boxes of various sizes available is very important so all items are packed safely and adequately. Heavier items can be placed on the bottoms of boxes and topped off with lighter items such as clothing.

Get Moving

After reviewing each of these items, you should feel confident to dive into planning your moving process. As mentioned above, start with a good clean sweep to get rid of any unwanted or minimally used items and establish your overall moving plan. Ultimately, organization and maintaining flexibility will enable your move to go smoothly and mistake-free.