Need to know how to pack for a move? Our expert advice on how best to pack for a move, as well as how to pack efficiently and what not to pack in boxes when moving.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD PACK WHEN MOVING?
After you figure out what to toss, donate or sell, the first things you should pack up for a move are things with sentimental value and items you’ll need in another season.
If you’re packing for a summer move you can confidently pack all that ski equipment away first. Winter clothes can go too. Books you’re not going to read in the near future, plus ornaments.
Get into the habit from the get-go of labeling every box clearly in large letters. What’s in it, and what room it needs to go in in your new home.
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT PACK FOR A MOVE?
DOWNSIZING THE SMART WAY
When was the last time you wore that sweater? If you moved with it last time and haven’t touched it, it could be time to recycle, donate or sell it.
Put it this way, would you buy it again right now? If not, why move with it? You’re unlikely to wear it in the future.
Taking a day to reduce your overall load is a liberating thing to do. The job of packing and unpacking will be faster and easier, too.
THE LAW
Wondering what not to pack in boxes when moving, legally? There are some items that you shouldn’t be packing for a move at all because they’re dangerous or illegal to transport.
In brief, these include:
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Corrosive materials like some paints.
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Anything that could explode, such as aerosols.
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Flammable liquids or gasses, like fire extinguishers.
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Firearms, depending on where you’re going.
Learn more about what moving companies won’t move, legally, in our blog post.
THE BEST WAY TO PACK FOR A MOVE? GET A PACKING AND UNPACKING SERVICE
When you contract a licensed moving company like Air1 Moving & Storage, we will not only get you into your new home, but we can pack and unpack everything for you too. This has several advantages.
COST
As time is money, how much is a day of your time worth? And if you’re a couple? That’s a day off work for both of you. It can be more cost effective to leave the packing to a trained team.
TIME
If you pack up for a move yourself, you’ll likely need to start weeks if not months ahead of time. That’s a lot of planning what you’ll need when. And usually people end up needing things that they’ve already packed away.
EFFICIENCY
How many boxes are you going to need?
Exactly. Most homeowners buy more than they need by accident, or end up having to order more boxes at an inconvenient point before they’re done.
The Air1 Moving & Storage team has packed up and unpacked a million times. So we’re swift and efficient at wrapping, packing and labeling boxes too.
LESS CHANCE OF BREAKAGES
When you’re packing art, musical instruments or antiques, you shouldn’t take any chances. There’s a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. If it’s a large item you’ll also need special equipment to move it.
This risk of breakages for expensive, fragile items means it can be a false economy to do your own packing.
STAY COVERED BY YOUR INSURANCE
Like a DIY move, some insurance policies won’t cover you for any damage as the result of DIY packing. Check your policy carefully to see if it’s the case for you.
MOVE IN TO YOUR NEW PLACE FRESH
Packing for a move is dusty, sweaty, tiring work. You don’t want to arrive in your new place exhausted, right? Start the new chapter of your life fresh and energetic.
Read more about our packing and unpacking service on our website.
HOW DO YOU MOST EFFICIENTLY PACK FOR A MOVE?
People ask us how to pack for a move in 3 days.
It can be done, if you have a small home. You need to put some serious thought into planning, so that you don’t pack anything you’ll need for working, showering, eating, and so on in that time.
KEEP TRACK OF EVERYTHING
Make an inventory before you pack up for a move, and pack everything you won’t need till you get to the new place first.
DON’T EMPTY THAT DRESSER
There’s no need to transport dressers with the clothing removed. Just make sure the clothing inside can’t fall down and you’re set. As long as you cover the dresser with plastic wrap, nothing will fall out.
PACK SMALL CARRYALLS FOR MOVING DAY
Plan what you’ll need on moving day itself. And this includes your first couple of nights in the new place. Think washbags, snacks, clothing, chargers and so on.
That way everything will be at hand when you want it, and not at the bottom of a box.
HOW DO YOU FILL EMPTY SPACE IN A MOVING BOX?
Packing for a move is an art. When we pack for a move we use dedicated packing products. They perform the most effectively at protecting your belongings from bumps and temperature changes.
If you’re packing by yourself, it’s best to order dedicated packing supplies from Air1 Moving & Storage so that your items get the best protection.
On a tight budget? You may like to consider the following to help you pack up for a move.
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Packaging paper.
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Bubble wrap.
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Old clothing.
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Crumpled paper or plastic.
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Corrugated cardboard.
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Air cushions.
AIR1 MOVING & STORAGE HELPS CUSTOMERS ALL OVER CALIFORNIA PACK FOR A MOVE PROFESSIONALLY
Keep your possessions in one piece. Contact California’s most trusted moving company to help you pack for a move whether you’re moving locally, long distance or internationally.
We’re fully licensed and insured so you can rest easy, and focus on enjoying your new place.
Give us a call at (866) 750-3386, write to us using our contact form, or email us at [email protected].
