To the inexperienced relocator, moving can seem pretty straightforward. After all, how complicated can it really be to pack up your home, put your stuff in a truck, drive to your new house, and unload everything? If you’ve never conducted a DIY move, then you’re in for a surprise.
At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we’ve been serving the packing and moving needs of Twin Cities residents since 1958. Our extensive experience allows us to make the following claim with full confidence: Moving is much harder than you might assume. But if you’re set on packing your things by yourself, we want you to have the best experience possible.
While we’ll always recommend you hire full moving and packing services for a low-stress move, we also recognize that some people prefer to handle the job on their own. Below, we share several helpful tips to help you prepare to pack like a pro.
Create a Packing Plan
First and foremost, you’ll need to create a packing plan to ensure you conduct the process as efficiently as possible. Determine how much time you think you’ll need to get the job done, and then add extra. No one assumes they’ll need as much time as they really do, so save yourself some stress and get started early.
Ideally, your plan should begin with packing up the household items you rarely use. This might include seasonal clothing and sports goods, decorations, items in your attic, and the stuff in your basement or crawlspace. Don’t forget to include any items in storage units or outdoor sheds too!
Not sure how to create a move plan? Get in touch with our team for help!
Sort Your Belongings Early and Get Rid of What You Don’t Want
The last thing you need is a bunch of stuff you no longer want cluttering up your packing process. This is why it’s important to sort your belongings as early as possible before your move. Figure out what you want to donate, sell, or give away, and take care of those items first.
If you’re the type who has trouble letting go, here’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind: If you haven’t used or thought about it in six months, chances are you don’t need it. Of course, holiday decor and other seasonal items are exceptions. But for everything else you own, be honest with yourself about how often you use it and whether you really need it.
Define a Labeling System and Be Consistent
Professional movers and packers use a consistent labeling system that the entire team understands and implements. If you want to pack efficiently like a pro, creating your own labeling system can benefit you greatly.
Whether you choose a color-coded scheme or worded labels, this will help with item recognition during the unloading and unpacking process. When you know exactly what’s inside each box and where it’s supposed to go, you’ll dramatically reduce the amount of time you spend unloading and repositioning your things.
Use the Right Size Boxes
Many DIY movers mistakenly assume that the larger the box is, the more stuff they can cram inside it. This practice is neither efficient nor safe. Rather, it’s best to use moving boxes according to the following guidelines:
● Small boxes. These boxes are meant to contain heavier items since their small size makes them more sturdy. You can pack a small box full of books or other heavy, compact items, and its bottom will be much less likely to break from the weight. Small boxes also help prevent jostling during transport, which is especially critical for fragile knickknacks and other breakables.
● Medium boxes. These boxes are designed to contain items that are neither super heavy nor bulky. Medium boxes are the most versatile size moving boxes and typically, they can hold up to 60 pounds of stuff. Keep in mind though, that the weight rating for moving boxes only applies if they’re brand new. If you get boxes from retail stores or used moving boxes, they won’t be nearly as sturdy and cannot safely hold as much weight.
● Large boxes. These boxes are designed to hold the lightest, yet bulkiest items in your home. They’re great for containing items that are tough to compress, including bedding, blankets, pillows, linens, and other light, fluffy items. Since they’re the least sturdy of all box sizes, it’s best not to pack anything too fragile in large boxes.
Pack By Room, Not By Object Type
When professional movers pack your home, they do so by room, not by the types of objects in each box. When you pack by room, you naturally streamline the unpacking process because you know exactly what’s in each box and where it belongs.
When you get your packing process started, begin with the rooms you use least frequently. That way, you won’t accidentally pack anything you might need before the day of your move. Even better, you can get certain rooms out of the way as early as possible.
Looking for Professional Moving Services? Ace Moving & Warehousing Is at Your Service
If the thought of prepping, packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings has you feeling overwhelmed, our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing is here to help. We specialize in full packing services, storage solutions, move plans, custom crating, and many other moving services designed to ensure a smooth, low-stress relocation. To learn more about how we can help you or request a quick moving quote, feel free to give us a call today at 763-755-2045 or contact us online.