Packing for a move can be overwhelming. However, you can make it stress-free if you plan ahead. Creating a checklist is a great first step. Read our guide below for packing hacks you can follow so that you can enjoy the idea of your new home rather than dread it.

---

1. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

Downsizing will help you avoid paying to move things to your new home that you’ll eventually toss, and it will make packing faster.

Take the following steps to declutter:

1. Choose one of your house’s smallest rooms, such as your home office or a hallway closet, as a decluttering space. 
2. Sort items into three piles. The things you plan to keep go into one pile. Gently used items that you don’t need go into a second pile. Items in poor condition go into a third pile.  
3. Pack the items you don’t plan on using before moving day.
4. You can give your gently used items to a charity, a place of worship, or a donation center. You can also sell them.
5. You can throw out the items you can’t donate and don’t want to keep. Hire a junk removal company if necessary.

---

2. Get the Right Supplies

Invest in quality packing supplies to protect your belongings. Check sites such as Amazon for the items below. You may have to rent certain items from a moving truck company. 

• Boxes: Get moving boxes that are sturdy and durable to protect your items during transport.
• Bubble wrap or packing paper: Wrap your delicate items in bubble wrap or packing paper to keep them safe.
• Furniture dollies: Place your heavy or oversized belongings on dollies to make them easier to move. 
• Moving blankets: Wrap your furniture in moving blankets to protect them during transport.
• Packing or masking tape: Use tape to close boxes and to secure your moving blankets to your furniture.
• Plastic bags: Use plastic bags to keep your smaller items organized and accessible.
• Scissors or box cutters: These will be especially helpful while you’re unpacking.
• Stretch wrap: Use stretchy plastic wrap to protect your couch or other furniture pieces from rips, dents, and scratches.
• Vacuum-sealed storage bags: You can pack clothes, linens, and towels in storage bags.

---

3. Keep an Inventory of Your Possessions

Use a color-coded inventory system to help you stay organized. Assign each room a different color and label corresponding items with the same color. Create a list of your belongings, note the rooms to which they belong, and assign colors using paper and pen or an electronic document.

---

4. Pack Efficiently

The packing techniques below can save you time while you prepare for your move. 

• Conserve space by packing plates vertically and using your suitcases as boxes.
• Fill empty spaces in boxes with paper towels, packing paper, and other fillers to ensure items don’t shift during transport.
• Pack the items you don’t need early.
• Place your heavy and fragile items in small boxes. Pack clothes and your other belongings, such as pots and pans, in large boxes. 
• Use packing tape to ensure your items are secure.

---

5. Empty and Disassemble Furniture Before Wrapping

Empty each piece of furniture, remove any drawers, and use tools to disassemble legs and other removable parts. Keep your disassembled pieces together with tape, rubber bands, and stretch wrap.

---

6. Bag or Tape Hardware

Place hardware in a small plastic bag and tape it to its corresponding item after disassembling it. Label each bag in case it gets detached during the move.

---

7. Take Pictures of Electronics Wiring

You can take pictures of your television, cable box, and electronic hookups before detaching them. Refer to those photos as a guide to help you reconnect everything once you’ve moved.

---

8. Leave Fitted Sheets on Mattresses

Keep your fitted sheets on your mattresses to protect them while they’re in the moving truck. You won’t have to buy mattress covers, which will save you money. Remove and wash your fitted sheets upon arriving at your new place.

---

9. Cover Hanging Clothes With Garbage Bags

One way to protect your hanging clothes is with wardrobe boxes. To save money, you can cover hanging clothes in trash bags. Group your clothing on hangers and secure the hanger hooks with rubber bands before adding your protective material. 

---

10. Pack Completely Before Moving Day

Waiting until the last minute to pack can lead to an unorganized and overwhelming move. Make sure all your items are packed before moving day, even if you have to quickly pack your house. You could lose money if you wait, as many professional movers charge by the hour. 

---

11. Pack a Moving Bag

Don’t forget to pack a suitcase with all your essential items, such as a change of clothes, pajamas, valuables, toiletries, toilet paper, towels, and sheets. This will make arriving at your new place much easier. Include a first-aid kit in case you get any cuts or bruises during your move.

---

Our Conclusion

Moving day will go off without a hitch if you follow our packing tips. We recommend you start early, declutter your home, and invest in the supplies that are best for your move. Consider hiring professional packers if you’re short on time or have trouble staying organized. 

---

FAQ About Easier Packing

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.