moving boxes

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Finding a new space or new city to live in is very exciting, however, getting all your belongings to the new apartment is no fun. You have to spend your free time packing, finding a moving company and going through that hall closet you’ve been avoiding for months. Don’t worry too much because we have you covered with these packing hacks and tips.

29 packing hacks to make packing and moving a breeze

Where do you even begin packing? What size boxes do you need? What should you get rid of? These are questions we’ve all had before. The truth is there’s no right way or place to start. Here are 29 packing hacks to make your move smoother and more efficient.

1. Create a schedule

The beginning of any move is overwhelming, to say the least. There’s so much to do, but where do you start? That’s where creating a moving schedule comes into play. If you have a busy life — and most of us do — then a schedule is going to help you get everything done in time for moving day. You could pack one room a day. You could back all similar items — blankets, linens, towels — each day. Or, you could assign different items to each family member to pack as part of the schedule.

2. Have a checklist

After you’ve created your moving schedule, create a moving checklist of everything important you need to remember to do. Write down everything from hiring movers to canceling your Wi-Fi plan. By doing this, you’ll feel more in control while moving.

3. Change your address

Before you’re anywhere near being completely packed, you should change your address. Give the post office a two-week notice so they can send your mail to the correct address.

4. Fill nail holes with a bar of soap

Every renter wants their security deposit back when they move out. To do that, you have to make sure your apartment looks great when you leave it. When you go to take down the art you’ve hung on the wall, you’ll find a couple of nail holes left behind. An easy way to fix this is by using a bar of soap to fill the hole. Rub the bar of soap over the hole until it’s completely filled in.

5. Color code

Color coding is a great way to keep all your boxed organized. All you need is different colored packing tape. As long as you remember which color means and the original box you put each item in, you’re good to go. For example, the yellow tape could mean dishware and blue tape is bedding.

6. Make an overnight bag

Before you pack any boxes, start by packing an overnight bag. The unpacking process takes a couple of days at least. In the meantime, you’ll want some of your essentials. It’s a good idea to have a change of clothes, one pair of shoes, some toiletries, toilet paper and maybe even a first aid kit on hand for those first couple of days in your new place. You can also put the valuable electronics you need access to in your overnight bag.

7. Purge

You know that old sweater in the back of your closet that you swear you’ll wear one day but deep inside know you won’t? It’s time to rid yourself of it and give it a new home. When you start to pack, consider going through your belongings and getting rid of unwanted items. It’s best to do this before you pack as it saves space in the long run. Plus, you’ll move into your new space with fewer items and feel more organized.

8. Sell what you don’t want

Once you have a pile of items to get rid of, consider selling them or giving them away. You could let your friends have first dibs, sell them on eBay or donate them to places like Goodwill.

9. Pre-clean your new home

Once you start unloading your things into your new home it’s nothing but a sea of boxes. If you have access to your apartment, take some time before moving to clean all your new home’s empty spaces. This way when you get there you might have a lot of boxes but everything is clean and ready to go.

10. Eat up

It’s enough to have to pack all your things but packing food is a monster in its own right. If you can, it’s a good idea to try to eat what you can before you move. This way you won’t have to try and pack your pantry or worry about your perishables going bad along the way.

11. Take photos of your furniture assembly

As you start to unassemble the bigger items of your home, such as couches or bedframes, take photos along the way. This will help you later on when you’re re-assembling them in your new space. You could also video yourself disassembling furniture so you know where all the screws go so you’re left with one stray screw.

12. Group the boxes

Now it’s time to put things into boxes. No matter if you’re using cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes or plastic bins, it’s a great idea to group them. Have all the bathroom and bedroom items in separate boxes. You’ll probably need multiple boxes for each room. When you’re done packing everything by group, put all the boxes together by room or use. This will make unpacking so much easier.

13. Label, label, label

Labeling your boxes is one of those tried and true packing hacks. If you need to find things, labeling will make each box easily accessible. Staying organized ahead of time will make all the difference in your move.

14. Use clear bins

Pack things you’ll need or want first in clear bins. Seeing through them will give you easy access to your belongings. Pack items, such as clothes, toiletries or important documents, in these bins.

15. Roll your clothes

A good moving and travel packing hack is to roll your clothing instead of folding them. This will save you a lot of space and will allow you to put more in each box.

16. Make your own handles

We all know boxes are not the easiest things to carry. However, you can cut your own handles.

First, you’ll need a box cutter. Next, you’re going to cut a small rectangle on each side of the box. Once you’ve cut through the cardboard, you’ll now have two rectangular holes, which are now your handles. You can do this with large boxes and small boxes alike and will save your fingers in the long run.

17. Pack your jewelry tangle-free

While jewelry is pretty to wear, it’s a pain to untangle. There’s nothing worse than going to grab your necklace and realizing it’s attached to every other piece of jewelry you own.

To avoid this, get a couple of ice cube trays, depending on how much jewelry you have. Fill each slot with your jewelry, giving everything its own space. Once you have it all organized, cover it with plastic wrap and boom you’re good to go.

Say you have all your jewelry already organized on hangers well, there’s a way to pack that, too. Just plastic wrap the entire thing and pack it as one. That way when you get to your new home it’s all ready to go.

18. Keep clothes on hangers

Do not, under any circumstances, take your hanging clothes off their hangers when packing. Keeping them hanging up will save time and maximize space during your move. Put plastic bags around the bottom of the clothes to keep them together and organized. When you get into your new apartment, all you have to hang them up in the new closet you’re done.

19. Don’t empty your dresser drawers

Instead of taking the time to empty and refill your dresser drawers, just leave them how they are. Just put a piece of tape on the drawers or cabinets to ensure they stay closed. Just pack the dresser carefully and you’re all set.

20. Plastic wrap

Plastic wrap is your new best friend when you’re moving. You can use it for so many things, from keeping items together to adding an extra layer of protection to boxes. Make sure to have some on hand before you start packing.

21. Say goodbye to bubble wrap

Let’s be honest, who hasn’t enjoyed popping a few sheets of bubble wrap here and there? While it’s a fun pastime and oddly satisfying, it’s also expensive. There are some other ways to ensure your fragile items make it in one piece.

Instead of using air-filled plastic, consider using your own clothing or your kids’ stuffed animals. Pack your fragile goods in between two sweatshirts or put your china next to Mr. Bear and Ms. Bunny. You can also consider packing paper to pack glasses or plates. This will save you from having to use more moving boxes than you need to.

22. Use garbage bags or any plastic bag to save space

Garbage bags and plastic bags are good ways to pack things, such as bed sheets, blankets, comforters or pillows. This will allow you to keep all your bedding together without having to use a single box.

23. Use cotton balls for makeup safety

As a lot of us know, make-up is expensive and to save money, we want it to last as long as possible. When moving, there’s always the risk of items, such as blush or other powders, breaking in transport. A way to avoid this is to put a cotton ball or pad inside the make-up case.

24. Make your bottles spill-proof

Having your skincare or make-up explode while moving is the worst. Your best bet to keep this from happening is cotton balls. Put either one on the top of the bottle before screwing on the lid. This way, if it does decide to explode, you’ll at least trap moisture on the cotton ball or plastic will catch it. For a bit of extra caution, wrap your bottles in packing paper to catch any liquid that might escape the cotton balls under the lids.

25. Take a photo of your electronics

Before you unplug your T.V. and other electronics creating a mountain of cords, take a photo first of how it should look. You’ll be so grateful you did when you go to plug it all back in. You won’t waste time trying to figure out which cord goes where.

26. Make use of laundry bins and suitcases

While you can use moving boxes, it’s also a good idea to use bins you already have on hand, such as bags, suitcases and laundry bins. You can use these to put your clothing in to make it a bit easier when you unpack. Or, put your lighter items like toilet paper or paper towels in them instead of taking up space in other boxes.

27. Feed your friends

If you have friends that will help you move, congrats! You’re winning at life. While your friends are generous, it’s also important for you to thank them. A great way of doing this is by feeding them. On moving day, have some things to snack on to keep your friends full and happy while they’re helping you.

If you still have things you want to use up in your pantry, now is a great time to do that. You can also always order a pizza or have a little get-together at the end of moving day to show thanks.

28. Hire a moving truck

Even if you have friends that are willing to help, it’s still a good tip to use a truck and or movers. A moving truck ensures you have enough space to fit all your boxes and bags. It can also save you from making multiple trips to get your things.

If you don’t have friends that can help you out, then, hiring professional movers or a moving company is another one of the best moving tips to consider. You should always do your homework, though, before hiring anyone. Check out a couple of different companies to see who has the best pricing and remember to always read reviews. This will save you a lot of hassle in the end.

29. Load your moving truck correctly

When the time comes to load up the truck, make sure to do it correctly. Start by putting the things you need last towards the back and the boxes you’ll need first in the front.

Stress-free packing for your next move

We all know that packing and moving is a hassle. While we can’t take all the stress away, we know that these 29 packing hacks will make your move smoother, more organized and efficient and, hopefully, stress-free.

Source: rent.com

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Whether you’re relocating to a new house in Tacoma, WA, or an apartment in Houston, TX, moving to a new city or state can be an exciting adventure, but the process of long-distance relocation can also be overwhelming. Proper planning and organization are crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful move. In this comprehensive guide, Redfin provides you with ten valuable tips to make your long-distance move stress-free and efficient.

1. Start planning early

Long-distance moves require careful planning, so start as early as possible. Ideally, begin the process at least 8 to 12 weeks before your intended move date. Create a detailed moving checklist and timeline to keep track of important tasks. This includes researching moving companies, sorting and decluttering belongings, and scheduling necessary services such as transferring utilities. Also take into account how many moving boxes you’ll need.

2. Hire a reputable moving company

Choosing the right moving company is essential for a successful long-distance move. Research several companies and read online reviews to assess their reputation and customer satisfaction. Obtain written estimates from multiple movers and compare their services and prices. Look for companies with proper licensing, insurance, and a good track record of handling long-distance moves.

3. Purge unnecessary items

Long-distance moves can be costly based on the volume of your belongings. Take this opportunity to declutter your home thoroughly. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. Consider hosting a garage sale or selling items online to earn some extra cash for your moving expenses. Reducing the number of items to move will not only save you money but also make the packing and unpacking process much more manageable.

“Sell or donate unwanted items,” says Eshon Howard of The Hard Body Haulers. “This will free up space in your home and reduce the amount of stuff you have to move. You can even host a garage sale or sell your items online to make some extra money.”

4. Organize important documents

During a move, important documents can easily get lost or misplaced. Gather and organize essential documents such as passports, IDs, birth certificates, medical records, financial paperwork, and any contracts related to your new home. Keep them in a safe and easily accessible place, and consider carrying these documents with you personally rather than packing them in boxes.

5. Pack methodically

Packing your belongings room by room is a practical and efficient approach. Start with the items you use less frequently and work your way to daily essentials. Use high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings during transit. Invest in sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and quality tape. Fragile items should be wrapped individually to prevent damage.

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking a breeze and help movers place boxes in the correct rooms in your new home. Additionally, keep an inventory list of your packed items. Number the boxes and write down the contents in a notebook, or use a moving inventory app. Having a detailed list will help you ensure that nothing gets lost during transportation and will serve as a reference when filing insurance claims, if necessary.

Marcin Cwaliński of Ampol Moving, Inc suggests doing the packing yourself to stay organized and save money. “In order to keep costs down, we advise anyone who is moving to be as organized as possible,”he says. “Try to pack your own boxes, versus having a moving company to do it for you. If at all possible, bring as many items as possible to the garage or a main level of your house. This will speed things up, thus saving you money.“

6. Take inventory

“With a move of any size, it is prudent to have an accurate assessment of your property,” says Thomas Engelhart of 513 Movers. Create a detailed inventory of all your belongings before the move. It’s particularly crucial for long-distance moves, where your belongings may be transported with other items. Having an inventory will help you keep track of your possessions and ensure that everything arrives safely at your new home. It will also be beneficial for insurance purposes in case of any unforeseen accidents or damage during the move.

7. Plan your travel and accommodation

If you’re driving to your new location, plan the route in advance and make reservations for accommodations along the way if needed. Calculate the distance, travel time, and any potential stops you might want to make. Consider the best time to travel to avoid heavy traffic or inclement weather conditions.

If your move involves air travel, book your flights well ahead of time to secure the best prices. Arrange for transportation from the airport to your new home in advance. If you have pets, ensure they have proper travel arrangements as well.

8. Notify important parties

One of the critical steps in a long-distance move is notifying relevant parties of your upcoming relocation. Inform your current and new utility providers about your move-out and move-in dates to ensure a seamless transfer of services. Also, notify your banks, insurance companies, credit card providers, and any other institutions you have accounts with about your change of address.

Don’t forget to update your address with relevant government agencies such as the postal service, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Additionally, inform subscriptions, friends, family, and other contacts of your new address to continue receiving mail and packages without interruptions.

9. Pack an essentials box

Packing an essentials box is a simple yet incredibly useful step that can save you time and stress during and after your move. Pack a box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, basic kitchen supplies, essential tools, and any items that will help you settle in comfortably during the first few days.

Keep this essentials box with you during the move, rather than having it transported with the rest of your belongings. That way, you can easily access these important items without rummaging through packed boxes when you first arrive at your new residence.

10. Stay positive and stay flexible

Lastly, remember that moving, especially long-distance, can be challenging and unpredictable. Unexpected issues may arise, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying flexible can make the process more manageable. Embrace the adventure and the new opportunities that await you in your new location.

Source: redfin.com

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There’s no question that when you move, you’ll pack up a lot of stuff. Clothing will most likely top the list as far as individual items go. From your dressers to what you’ve crammed into that one tiny closet, collared shirts to winter coats, packing clothes is serious business.

But, what’s the best way to get all your clothing items from your current home to your new place without everything coming out all wrinkled? And, how do you save space when you pack clothes and shoes for moving?

Among all the packing tips out there, taking special care with what you wear can save you time during the unpacking process, making it easier to stay organized while you empty out that moving truck. It will also enable you to transport clothes so they stay wrinkle-free and shoes so they keep their shape.

From your favorite pair of sneakers to high heels, from unmentionables to party dresses, here’s how to pack clothes for moving.

When should you start to pack clothes for moving?

Before you even begin to pack clothes up for your move, triage everything you’ve got. What do you no longer want to keep? Donate what you can or consider consigning anything unwanted.

Out of what you do keep, what’s currently not in season? What don’t you need, clothing-wise, for the next month? Since there’s a lot that you won’t need to wear leading up to your move, this is an easy place to start in the packing process.

Get serious about packing clothing about a month before you move. Do a little every week, saving only a few days worth of clothing on either side of your move. That’s what you should pack into a single suitcase you’ll carry with you during the transition to your new home.

What’s the easiest way to move clothes and shoes?

The easiest way to move clothes and shoes is in cardboard boxes. Even full, packing clothing in a box won’t actually get too heavy as long as the box isn’t too big. Small or medium cardboard boxes are great for clothing. Not only that, they’re really easy to find either for purchase or free.

Cardboard boxes are ideal for packing folded clothing and for keeping shoes safe even without their original boxes. There are also specialty boxes you can use to carry valuable clothing items, those with sentimental or monetary value and/or delicate clothing. We’re talking about how to transport hanging clothes and we mean wardrobe boxes. They’re their own thing and do come with an added cost.

In addition to moving boxes and dealing with hanging clothing, folded clothes and shoes go great in:

  • Reusable plastic bins
  • Suitcases
  • Garment bags
  • An oversized duffel bag (or two)

As an added option for your clothes, try vacuum bags or compression bags.You should also consider grouping things together by type or season to make everything easier to unpack. Don’t forget to label each moving box, as well.

1. Packing folded clothes for moving

Regardless of what you use to pack your clothing for moving, it’s best to use a space-saving folding technique so you can fit as much as possible into a single box, suitcase or bin.

Though everyone has a preference in how they fold their own clothing, for a move, it’s worth it to modify your technique. This ensures you condense clothing items and fit the largest amount into each cardboard box, those duffel bags or even that vacuum bag.

The most famous space-saving clothing folder is Marie Kondo. She has tips on how to fold clothes of every kind. Checking out a video or her consolidated tips could end up saving you a lot of space when it comes to all the clothes you need to move.

Even before you decide how you’re getting your clothing from Point A to Point B, start packing by checking out some best practices for folding. Don’t forget to include those bulky winter clothes, as well, in your research.

2. Tackling the shirts

There are so many different types of shirts out there, but when you pack clothes for moving, it’s best to just fold all these up. And, while a rolled-up shirt saves a lot of space, if you’re working with moving boxes, you should consider the flat fold method. This will let you get a lot more shirts into the same box.

Start by separating shirts by type

To keep clothes organized, it’s often helpful to separate clothing by type. This is very true when it comes to shirts. This makes everything easier to pack.

Gather all your shirts together and separate them into at least these categories:

  • Short sleeve T-shirts
  • Long sleeve T-shirts
  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Dress shirts
  • Casual shirts (the ones that aren’t cotton Ts)

All of these shirts should fit into the non-hanging clothes category, but if they don’t, put them back on hangers and we’ll worry about them later.

Now that you’ve got your groups, it’s time to fold.

Pack clothing items with the right fold

Working with clean clothes only, this fold allows you to create T-shirt stacks that easily slip into boxes or vacuum bags. The flat fold is a fast and easy way to prep your clothing items for moving day.

You know you’re doing this fold right when your shirts look like nice rectangles after you’re done.

For this fold:

  • Start with a single shirt facing down on a flat surface
  • Smooth out the wrinkles
  • Fold one side of the shirt to the middle
  • Cross the sleeve over the fold
  • Repeat the last two steps with the other side
  • Fold the bottom of the shirt up to the top
  • Smooth out any remaining wrinkles

Create a neat stack of these store-quality, folded shirts and place the entire bundle into a moving box. Even delicate items will stay safe using this folding method.

If the size of your shirts compared to the box won’t allow you to fill every nook and cranny, grab some socks or underwear to slip in the gaps and hold everything in place. When the box is full, top it off with some packing paper to create a layer of protection against when you cut the packing tape open later. Don’t forget to label the box, too, so you know there’s clothing inside.

3. Consolidating the pants

Pants take up a lot of space simply stacked on top of each other in a box or bag, and many fabrics can easily wrinkle (yes, even denim). An easy way to address packing pants for moving is with some kind of rolled fold.

Pants on a roll…

The military rolling method, also known as the Ranger Roll, works great when moving clothes of every kind. But for pants, it really lets you get a lot more pairs into a small space.

To roll pants right:

  • Start by fastening any buttons and pulling up any zippers
  • Lay the pants down flat, on a hard surface, so the waist is closest to you
  • Smooth out any existing wrinkles
  • Flip the waistband inside out to create a cuff that’s about four inches thick
  • Fold pants in half across the waist so the legs line up
  • Take the ankles of the pants together and fold up about one inch at a time until you’re able to tuck them into the cuff you created with the waist

This method keeps the roll secure no matter how you move it.

Once you roll all the pairs, tightly line them up in a box or suitcase, and you’re ready to go.

…Or, in a bundle

Pants also work as a great base for a clothing bundle. This is one method to pack clothes for moving that uses all different items. But you need to start with something heavy at the bottom, like your jeans.

Creating a clothing bundle is a fun trick since it also enables you to pack up your sheets. To get this packing method right:

  • Spread a sheet out on a flat surface (flat sheets will work best)
  • Lay maybe three to four pairs of pants in the center of the sheet
  • Add increasingly lighter items on top, starting with shirts and maybe ending with socks
  • When done, grab all four corners of the sheet and tie up the bundle
  • Set all bundles in a box, top with packing paper and seal it up

Remember, a proper bundle always goes from large and heavy to small and light as you move up the clothing stack.

This is a great strategy with clothing you’ve grouped by season since it keeps everything together for faster unpacking.

4. Shrinking down sweaters and bulky items

While you could just pile all your winter clothes into a wardrobe box and be done with it, there’s a better way that will save you a lot of space.

Flatten it all down

Naturally taking up a lot of room, sweaters and other bulky pieces of clothing are best packed up within a storage bag you can compress. With the help of a vacuum, you can fill a normal-sized bag with clothes and suck all the air out, smooshing the bag down to about one-third of its original size.

To keep things compressed, use vacuum bags so you can close things up afterward and keep that air out.

Use as many of these bags as you need to keep clothes organized and then, pile them up in a box. With all the space this method saves, you can fit your entire winter wardrobe into a single, small box.

5. Caring for hanging clothes

For all your professional attire, fancy dresses and delicate materials that wrinkle easily (like silk), your best option is to keep it all hanging up. There’s really no reason for moving hanging clothes off their hangers, but make sure they’re secure when you move them.

Wardrobe boxes

Like garment bags, only less expensive, wardrobe boxes let you pack clothes for moving while still on their hangers thanks to a built-in hanger bar and hanger hooks. A wardrobe box may require a little assembly, but once it’s ready, you can put in at least eight pieces of clothing — more if your hangers aren’t too thick.

This lets you keep your special clothing in a separate box that’s easy to identify.

However, since you can’t put that many pieces of clothing into this special box, you really need to decide what can’t possibly come off its hanger. These boxes can get expensive, and you don’t want to have to buy a ton just to keep your closet completely intact.

Drawstring garbage bags

It’s not glamorous, but a garbage bag actually works great at securing your hanging items without having to ditch the hangers. Think of drawstring trash bags as garment bags you can throw away.

To use:

  • Separate your hanging clothing items into small groups — about as much as you can comfortably drape over your arm
  • Pull the trash bags up around each pile so the hangers are outside the drawstrings at the top
  • Secure the hangers all together with a rubber band
  • Tie the drawstrings around the base of the hangers so they’re all that’s exposed

This is a great way to move hanging clothes yourself, in your own car, where you can lie them out flat in the trunk or the backseat.

6. Pack shoes separately

If you can’t get all your shoes into their original shoe boxes the best way to get them moved is to separate them from the rest of your clothing. While there are a variety of tips for packing shoes, always start by cleaning your shoes. Dirt and debris can damage shoes during a move, and mixing dirty shoes with other clean clothing just gets everything dirty.

Next, stuff each pair of shoes with socks or tissue paper so they keep their shape during transit. This makes it easier to pack your socks as well as protects your shoes.

When packing, try to keep shoes separate from anything fragile or delicate, whether that means wrapping them in packing paper, putting each pair in proper shoe bags or clear, plastic shoe boxes.

Packing paper is often your best bet if you don’t have the actual shoe boxes because the paper lets air still get to your shoes. This can prevent mold or mildew from forming if the box accidentally gets wet. Only use clean packing paper and avoid newspaper since the ink can rub off on white shoes.

Using plastic shoe boxes is a great solution to packing up a lot of shoes. They can also make unpacking a breeze since you can just put these boxes directly into your closet and store shoes with them indefinitely. Just don’t forget to label each box so you can easily find whatever pair you’re looking for.

Pro tips for perfect shoe packing

Even with the right container and plenty of padding, there are still a few other ways to make packing shoes even better. Consider these bonus tips as you ready your shoes for a move.

  • For shoes that lace up, tie them before you pack them and stuff the bow into the shoe
  • You can also tie pairs of shoes together with their own laces
  • Use a shoe tree to prevent boots from losing their shape in transit
  • Protect the heel of your heels by wrapping them in bubble wrap
  • Put rubber bands around flip-flops to keep pairs together

Also, remember to always pack shoes from heaviest to lightest. Those clunky boots belong on the bottom of the box, followed by sneakers and topped off with sandals or slippers.

7. Working your way through everything else

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the types of clothing you have. You may already wonder what about shorts, sweats, workout clothes, undergarments and comfy PJs. All of these fit into a clothing category that’s a little more casual in how you pack them. You can deal with wrinkled sweats and most workout clothes don’t wrinkle at all.

You should put the least amount of time into packing up these clothing items.

Use your own furniture

If you’re using movers who are OK with it, keep all of these clothes folded up in your dresser drawers. Movers need to know you’re doing this in advance so they can secure the furniture before moving it onto the truck, but if they’re OK with it, go for it.

To prevent the drawers from sliding open, wrap the whole piece in plastic wrap. Your movers should have an oversized role for just this purpose. If you’re moving yourself, you may need to invest in a few rolls from the store or check a moving supply store.

The only thing to remember when using this packing strategy is the weight. Dressers are already heavy, and when full of clothes, even more so. You don’t want to make the piece too heavy overall, especially if the dresser has to travel down a few flights of stairs to get out the door.

8. If you have a specialty item

While this isn’t a common issue when moving clothes, sometimes, there’s that specialty clothing item you’re not sure how to move. It could be something that’s heavy and huge, like a wedding dress, or even a perfectly shaped hat.

To manage these items, first search for a garment box that fits the item. Hat boxes exist for sure.

For something like a big pouffy dress you won’t wear for a long time, consider having your dry cleaner heirloom pack it for you. This secures the item in a box all its own, preventing any potential for damage and keeping it out of any natural light, which can fade fabrics.

If you need the dress sooner rather than later, the best bet is to move it on your own in a garment bag.

When moving, what is the best way to pack clothes and shoes?

Preparing to pack clothes and shoes for a move requires managing a lot of moving parts. Moving is a very involved thing with so much to take care of. But, among all the fragile items and bubble wrap, your clothing is ready to go straight into boxes of its own. All you need to do is map out the best way to fold it all and seal it up for delivery to your new home.

Source: rent.com

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Figuring out how to pack boxes for moving may seem pretty straightforward. You’ve got the box, your stuff and a variety of packing supplies to, hopefully, make your job easier. Fundamentally, it’s simple, but packing tips can always help make moving easier and ensure your packed boxes keep your stuff safer.

From gathering the right packing material to buying specialty boxes, from understanding how to wrap fragile items to stacking moving boxes just right, here’s what you need to know.

Collect the right packing paper and other supplies

The packing supplies you buy when moving really do matter. You’ll need to assemble all the basics — paper, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts. You’ll also need at least one thick permanent marker to label each box. If you wanted to get really organized, you could even get a whole set of different colored markers, assigning one color to each room for easier box sorting.

Be selective when it comes to paper and tape, though, even if it means spending a little more. For packing paper, you want what’s known as a newsprint, not an actual newspaper. Newsprint crumples easily but has nothing printed on it. It’s just clean and blank. Newspaper ink can rub off onto all kinds of personal items ruining some and forcing you to do some extra cleaning as you unpack.

When it comes to tape, it’s packing tape or nothing. Avoid scotch tape, painter’s tape or anything else that’s not strong enough to hold onto cardboard boxes.

The right number of boxes

There are a few things that impact how many boxes you’ll need for a move. One is how long you’ve lived in your current place. It correlates to how much stuff you’ve acquired. Another is what kind of lifestyle you lead. Are you a hoarder, minimalist or somewhere in between? The final piece is the size of your current home. Each factor into the total number of boxes you’ll need, so there’s no overarching right number.

However, it’s possible to make some estimates. For example, if your apartment is between 700 and 1,1250 square feet, you’ll most likely need between 45 and 65 boxes of varying sizes.

You can take this estimate and buy all your boxes in advance, or start with half the amount and see how it goes. Just remember, you’ll need small boxes, large boxes, medium-sized boxes and a few special ones, like wardrobe boxes, to really get the job done right.

Where to find boxes for moving

There are contrary feelings on how to collect boxes for a move. Professional movers will say you should buy them new from the moving company, but there are plenty of ways to get boxes for free. The caveat is they’re used.

Collecting free boxes from your local grocery or liquor store is a great way to save money, but you never really know how strong that box is. As a result, some packing tips suggest you avoid putting valuables or fragile items in used boxes. You wouldn’t want the bottom falling out of a box containing items like these.

That said, when you’re collecting used boxes, it’s easy to verify their condition. If they look stained or ripped or have odd creases from being smooshed, they’re probably not the best choice. You can easily find used boxes in excellent condition and then, splurge a little on your packing materials to make sure your items stay safe while inside.

Packing boxes for moving like a pro

When it’s time to start packing, and you’ve got all your moving boxes out and ready to go, the real work begins. Organizing your stuff is just the start. You should also have a strategy of how you’re going to pack, one that accounts for all the time you’ll need to individually wrap all your fragile items. Nobody would disagree that packing is a huge process, but with the right tips, you can get the job done.

1. Start early

The moment you finish packing your first box will most likely set off a chain reaction of productivity. You’ve just simply got to get the job done. Starting early allows you to keep working after that single box without feeling rushed or stressed.

Packing is not something you can do overnight, but you want to be fully packed on moving day. Retain your sanity, and start early. Creating a schedule that begins about four weeks out is ideal.

You can make a list of everything you have to pack, organize it by how likely you’ll be to need that stuff before you move, then pack the least needed items first. Start with books you’ve already read, off-season clothing and excess plates and dishes if you’re having trouble prioritizing.

2. Clean everything first

A huge way to save time when it comes to unpacking is to clean everything before it goes into a box. You don’t want to pack dirty or dusty items and nothing should go into a box wet. Water is cardboard’s worst enemy.

Just wiping everything down with paper towels will help ensure nothing else in the box gets dirty and everything can go right into its new space as you unpack it.

3. Separate your essentials

There’s one batch of stuff that does not belong in a moving box or on a moving truck. These are your essentials. It’s all the items you’ll need immediately after moving. Before you even begin packing, it’s best to make a list of these items so you can set them aside as you go.

Since there’s no way you’ll unpack all your boxes within the first 24 hours of moving, gather together a small number of clothes, your everyday toiletries, device chargers, important documents and anything precious to you. You can even toss in a roll of toilet paper. You’ll need it.

As you pack, separate out these items and put them into a suitcase you’ll carry with you on moving day.

4. Create an ‘open me first’ box

In addition to your essentials, you’ll also want to compile materials you’ll need to “open first.” These are the items that will help with the unpacking and settling in. They all belong together in their own box.

This box should include:

  • Cleaning supplies
  • A box cutter
  • A few key kitchen items like a place setting and a pot or pan
  • A set of towels
  • Your bedding

Everything in here should relate to the initial setup of your new place. Since it’s the first box you want to open when you arrive, you need to label it appropriately. A huge “1″ on all sides will do it, but the real trick is to get it packed onto the moving truck last so it will come into your new home first.

Then, store it in a closet or even in the bathtub so you don’t lose it in the mass of boxes that will follow. You can then open it first, make your bed, cook a box of pasta for dinner and clean up after yourself, all without worry.

5. Pack one room at a time

One of the best strategies is to take things room-by-room. Start with the room you use the least and work your way to the room you use the most. This keeps stuff together by room and makes it easier to track.

While it’s OK, as an exception, to mix things from different rooms in a single box, don’t make it your normal practice. It makes it harder to know where the box belongs when you’re labeling it, and often requires you to run from room to room to drop stuff off.

6. Bag smaller items

Small knick-knacks can easily get lost in the folds of the packing paper within a box. Especially when you’re working with non-fragile items, it’s not always necessary to show care when packing. Even if you wrap them up like you would delicate items, they can still get misplaced as you unpack. Bagging them up, even in tiny snack-sized bags, is a great way to keep track of smaller items among all the crumpled paper.

7. Watch your weight

Heavy boxes equal heavy lifting, and the last thing you want to do is pull a muscle during a move. For that reason, your heaviest boxes should weigh no more than 40-50 pounds. This is true even if you’re using movers with all their hand trucks and specialty equipment. At some point, you’ll have to lift that box, too.

When dealing with heavy items, use the size of the box to keep things under control. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes, curbing the temptation to overstuff. Use your larger boxes to hold light items like linens and pillows.

8. Pack heavy to light

The order in which you pack each box also makes a difference, so you want to always put heavy items on the bottom of the box. Save the lighter items for the top.

The heavy-to-light strategy also works when you have to stack moving boxes. Heavier ones should always go on the bottom to make sure the lighter moving boxes don’t end up crushed.

9. Wrap fragile items by themselves

Bubble wrap and crumpled packing paper are your best friends when it comes to packing fragile items. You want to ensure there’s extra protection in these boxes, so among all the padding, you need to make certain items aren’t banging into each other. Wrap each item separately, sealing the bundle with a piece of masking tape and packing them in side-by-side.

10. Fill in the gaps

On a similar note, leaving gaps in boxes gives your stuff too much opportunity to shift inside the box, knocking into other stuff and, ultimately, breaking or getting damaged.

Crumpled packing paper and packing peanuts make short work of those empty spaces, but you can also pack clothes, towels or sheets around your items.

11. Use specialty boxes

Even though you may have to buy them new, and they’re a little more expensive, specialty boxes can also really protect your stuff. They’ll also make it easier to unpack.

For clothing, consider wardrobe boxes. Stuff all the suitcases you have with your folded items but for nicer attire, formal wear, clothing for work or anything delicate, a wardrobe box allows you to move your clothes still on the hanger.

For all those nice wine glasses and stemware, a cell box has built-in compartments to secure each individual glass in place. Some boxes even have sections of different sizes to accommodate even more of the fragile pieces in your kitchen.

For your huge flat screen, if you don’t have the original box, you can get a TV box that includes extra foam pieces to protect the corners and a flat base to keep the TV upright.

12. Liberally apply tape to all boxes

Packing tape is your friend when moving in more ways than one. Not only will it seal all your moving boxes up, but it also reinforces them. Beyond taping the line where the flaps come together on the top and bottom of each box, add extra strips to ensure everything stays closed. You can go parallel to the center sealing piece, or you can tape along the open edges of the flaps that close.

Bottom line, the more tape the better, just make sure you’re liberally applying it on both the top and bottom of the box.

13. Label each box on the sides

It may just make sense to label your box on the lid once you’ve taped it close, but nobody sees that once the box gets added to a stack. To make sure you can see the labels, and your movers can see when a box contains fragile items, write the room destination of each box on all sides. You can also buy fragile stickers to slap on boxes where appropriate.

Get a move on

The bulk of any move, packing up your stuff takes time, effort and a little finesse. With these tips to guide you on how to pack moving boxes, you’ll become expertly packed. Then, you’ll be completely ready come moving day to focus on what’s important — your new home.

Source: rent.com

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To avoid some of this frustration and exhaustion, hire professional movers to transport your items from your old apartment to your new one. Hiring a moving company is helpful, yet there are different steps you’ll need to take to prepare for your move than if you were doing it all on your own.

To make the moving process run smoothly, you’ll need to get some things ready before the movers show up to tow your belongings over to the new rental. Here’s our comprehensive list of preparations to help you get your place ready for the movers.

How to get ready for movers

Movers will make things much easier on you, but you’ll still need to do a few things to get ready for them to help. You know your apartment and your belongings better than the moving company does, so they’ll be relying on you to help them navigate!

Have a plan

When you hire a moving crew to take care of the heavy lifting for you, don’t assume that once you’ve made the call and set the appointment that takes care of everything. Moving companies are pretty good about asking questions to get clarification on what you need and expect, but you’ll still need to plan things on your end to get ready for the movers moving day.

Create a basic plan to get everyone on the same page. The main things that you’ll want to include in your planning are the time that movers come and where you’ll be moving. However, any additional details for the plan will be immensely appreciated by the movers.

A few questions to answer as you create your plan:

  • How much stuff do you need to move/how many rooms will you be moving?
  • What time will you need the movers to show up?
  • Will you require packing services, where hired professional packers pack up your belongings for you?
  • Do you have lots of large items?
  • Does your apartment have an elevator or will movers go up and down stairs?
  • How far away is your new place/how long will it take to get there?

As you answer these questions, it can give you an idea of the timing and how long you’ll need to have movers reserved. Plus, it will make moving day much easier and you hopefully won’t feel so stressed.

Clean out unwanted items

We all accumulate a variety of items throughout life, many of which we only use once or very seldom. Before you move is the perfect time to clean out all your belongings you no longer need to keep around.

Cleaning things out before you move versus after means you’ll be packing and moving less stuff! You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo and get rid of lots of items to make your move a little easier. Even cleaning out a few items from each room will make a difference, especially if they’re bigger ones.

Cleaning out can become profitable to you, too! You hold a garage sale or sell used items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to pocket a little bit of extra cash while you move. Or, if you’d rather not go through the hassle of posting the items and waiting for buyers, you can donate unwanted items to thrift stores.

As an additional note, you’ll need to dispose of any hazardous materials yourself. Movers won’t handle any hazardous waste or extremely flammable items, so take care to dispose of them properly beforehand.

Clean up

To get ready for the movers to arrive to haul your belongings to your new apartment, you’ll need to clear pathways for them to walk. They’ll be carrying heavy furniture and boxes with fragile items inside, so you don’t want them to trip and get hurt or damage your belongings while they walk through your apartment.

If you’re paying a moving company to do all of the packing and boxing for you, clean up your apartment, but don’t remove items from the rooms they’re in. Professional movers have a system they follow to pack and properly label boxes that will make it easier to move, unload and unpack in the proper room of your new place. So, leave the professionals to their business and keep things out of their way.

Set aside items you don’t want movers to take

Obviously, there are items you own that you don’t want movers to take in their truck with the bulk of your belongings. These are valuable items that you’re extra nervous about breaking during the moving process, such as jewelry, family heirlooms or personal documents. As well as delicate items like plants that are finicky and need an extra bit of care as you transport them.

Create an “essentials box” for such items and make sure you put them in their own area of the apartment or a separate room and make it clear that you don’t want them taken with the rest of your stuff. Verbally communicate it to the movers and have obvious labels on the items so there isn’t any mistaking whether or not the items go in the moving truck.

Make an inventory of your belongings

It might seem excessive to document your belongings, but you’ll be glad you did! Creating a detailed inventory or comprehensive list of the items you own will help you stay more organized as you pack, unpack and figure out how to box things up to get ready for the movers.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to write down each individual item you own. Rather, you can make a general list and combine like items so it all still makes sense. For example, you might just put “makeup bag” as an item since you don’t need to document every little piece of makeup you have for your record.

The easiest way to make a moving inventory of your belongings is to use some type of online document that you can access from anywhere. You may choose a simple note on your phone or you might be the type that likes a spreadsheet. Whatever documentation method you choose is fine as long as it makes sense to you!

Grab packing supplies

Before you start packing things up, you’ll want to get the supplies to do so. Getting everything beforehand will keep you from having to make multiple trips to the store to buy things you need mid-move and it will ensure that you have the proper supplies to safely pack your fragile pieces.

At the very least, here are the basic packing supplies you’ll need:

  • Moving boxes
  • Packing tape
  • Masking tape
  • Permanent markers
  • Bubble wrap

You’ll use these supplies to not only pack, but protect and label your belongings for the movers.

Box everything before movers arrive

Have everything packed up in moving boxes before the movers arrive. When you prepare for movers by putting your belongings into boxes, it makes the process easier for everyone.

If the movers you hire charge by the hour, it will save you lots of time and money by having things already boxed up and ready to carry out. If the movers have to wait for you to finish packing things into boxes, your moving costs will go up and it makes the movers’ job a little harder as they can’t do much while they wait for you.

Packing small items

While packing up really small items like jewelry and office supplies, you’ll want to find a way to keep everything contained so it’s not a mess when you unpack. You don’t want to sift through all of your paperclips or makeup brushes out of the bottom of a big box. Some good ways to keep small items together for packing are:

  • Ziploc bags
  • Rubber bands
  • Travel containers
  • Makeup travel bags
  • Extra small containers

When you pre-pack small items before putting them into larger boxes, it will help each box stay neat and tidy.

Put a lid on

Most moving companies won’t take boxes and bins without lids on them, so keep that in mind as you box up your belongings. Make sure everything you want movers to pack up in the truck has a lid so you can stack boxes and items don’t fall out.

Pack food items accordingly

There’s a good chance you’ll want to take all of the food from your refrigerator and freezer and move it to your new apartment. But perishable food items will thaw and melt or go bad if you put them in normal moving boxes.

Pack cold items into a cooler to keep them from going bad. In most cases, a simple cooler will do the trick if you pack it the day of your move and unpack it the same day. But, if you’re doing a cross-country move, you’ll want to give yourself reminders to add or replace the ice inside the cooler so you can maintain the food.

Leave cleaning supplies behind

When you’re moving out of an apartment, cleaning is usually the last thing you need to do and you’ll need to have cleaning supplies around to complete the job! Set aside your cleaning items so you can clean the place once your belongings are all moved out. This will keep you from having to dig them out of your boxed items or from running to the store and spending a bunch of money on new cleaning items.

Don’t forget about collecting trash before you leave. Keep a garbage bag around to throw away any of the disposable hand towels you used for wiping things down or any extra household items lying around after the movers have taken the big stuff.

Bubble wrap fragile items

For large items that you’re afraid of damaging, wrap them in bubble wrap. This includes things like paintings, picture frames and mirrors that you can’t fit in a moving box and are easily breakable.

There are also small, fragile pieces you might want to consider bubble wrapping before you put them into boxes. You should wrap anything glass and there are some wooden items you should wrap — glass dishes, wooden or porcelain figurines and candles in glass jars are some common items that need a little cushioning to avoid breaking during the mover.

Label everything

Once you’ve got things packed away in their boxes, label everything in a way that makes sense to you and communicate the meaning of the labels to movers. Don’t forget to label all your furniture with their proper rooms, along with each individual box!

Simple labels

One of the most common and convenient ways to label boxes for both you and the movers is by room — simply label everything from the kitchen “kitchen,” bathroom items “bathroom” and the same applies to all other rooms. This makes it easy for movers when they arrive at your new house or apartment and need to know which room each box belongs in.

In-depth labels

If you want to get more granular for your own personal use when unpacking, you can also make note of all the items in each box either on the top or sides of the boxes. For the movers, this probably isn’t helpful as they just need to know which rooms to put boxes in, but it can help you when you’re putting things away.

Ways to label

Depending on the boxes you use and how you transport large items, you may want to change the way you label things. If using cardboard boxes, you can use a marker to write directly on the box. If you have plastic bins, you may want to write the label on a strip of masking tape and apply it to the bin. And, the same goes for bubble-wrapped items — write the label on a piece of masking tape and put the tape right on the bubble wrap.

Make room for the moving truck

Most apartment buildings have limited parking and there probably aren’t many places to put big moving trucks. Some complexes have specific zones for large vehicles, but they can only park there for a limited time or they may need a special permit.

If you communicate with the building’s property management, they can usually help you figure out where to park and load the moving truck. They’ll also let you know how to get a parking permit if needed.

Make sure you figure out these details at least a few days before the moving company arrives or else it could delay things or cause issues with parking and loading the truck. You’ll also want to check with your new place and make arrangements for the movers to park and unload in your new apartment. Inform the movers of the parking details before the moving truck arrives so you can save time and improve the process on moving day.

If you’re lucky enough to have your own personal driveway at your old or new apartment, this makes the moving day much easier as you can simply pull the truck into the driveway without blocking parking spaces or needing a special permit.

Stay out of the way

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to do your job and someone constantly getting in the way of it. Professional movers are not the exception here and if you, your family, your friends and even your pets are getting in the way, it will make things exponentially more difficult and frustrating for the movers as they try to work. Let everyone else know to stay out of the way of movers so they have the space to do what they need.

If you have pets or young children, you may even want to get a babysitter for the day or have an adult family member watch them just to guarantee they won’t get in the way of things. This is for the safety of both your loved ones and the movers.

As you get ready for the movers, remember our tips above! It may seem like a lot in the moment, but it’s well worth all of the planning and preparation for a successful move. So, check company reviews and find the best moving company for you and get moving!

Source: rent.com

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Hiring movers and using a moving company to help with your move has all sorts of benefits, like saving time and logistics coordination. Using these types of services is as basic as just having someone help carry boxes or entrusting the entire moving process to your movers. But how much do movers cost? How much will you need to pay for specific types of services and what’s included?

This guide on how much movers cost and the overall cost of moving will help you know what to expect so you can budget and prepare accordingly and not be caught off-guard.

How much does it cost to hire a moving company?

How much do movers cost? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this key question. The cost of hiring movers and getting a company to help with your move depends on a variety of factors, from how far you’re moving to how much stuff you’re transporting.

To give you a ballpark figure, hiring a moving company ranges in price from $800 to $2,500. The national average cost of using movers is $1,400. But, moving company costs go up significantly if you’re moving cross country, ranging between $2,200 and $5,700.

Different companies, from local operators to major outfitters like United Van Lines, will also have different pricing structures and rates.

What does the cost of hiring movers include?

At its most basic, the cost covers labor (the movers) and the means of transport (the truck). You don’t need to go to an outside truck rental company, and you have at least one mover helping out. But, hiring movers can have all sorts of add-ons like packing materials.

What impacts the cost of hiring movers?

There are several factors that impact the cost of hiring a moving company and movers.

Time of year

The season and time of year that you move have a definite effect on how expensive your move will be. Peak moving season generally extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, meaning that the majority of people move during the summer months. In fact, roughly 70 percent of all local or long-distance moves happen during this timeframe. There are several reasons for this. For one, school is out and it’s easier to coordinate a move, especially long-distance moves when the kids aren’t in school. For another, the weather is nicer and the days are longer.

This also means that summer is a busy season for movers and costs are higher. If you plan your move in the off-seasons of fall, winter or spring, moving company prices are lower and you’ll save money.

Distance

The price to hire movers and use moving services also depends on distance and how far the movers have to travel, like moving to a different state. For a local move that’s within 100 miles of the original apartment, costs are generally lower. This is because there are fewer logistics and travel costs involved. A moving company can typically give you a quote over the phone instead of an in-person visit, and a short-distance move uses less gas and takes less time.

But, you can expect to pay much more for a long-distance move. Long-distance moving companies naturally charge more and have higher rates than local moving companies because of the travel fees associated with a long-distance move versus local moves.

For one thing, longer moves require more planning and are more complicated. The movers will typically have to come to your home and give you an in-person estimate. The more belongings you have, the bigger the truck required for the move. On a long-distance move, costs need to cover more necessities like gas, mileage, tolls and potential lodgings or essentials for the drivers and movers. You’re also paying for time. If the company charges an hourly rate, you’ll pay for all the hours the movers spend getting to the destination. For flat rates, they’ll be higher, as well, to account for the hours, miles and time invested.

Amount of goods

If you’re packing up a studio apartment and are mainly moving personal belongings, moving services cost less because they’re transporting fewer goods. But, if you’re packing up an entire three-bedroom apartment with furniture, appliances and more, it’ll take much more manpower and therefore cost more.

Number of movers

On top of paying by the hour, you’ll also pay per mover. For easy, local moves where you only need one or two movers, you’ll pay less. But, if you’re moving cross country with a three-bedroom apartment’s worth of stuff, it’ll likely require a bigger team and more experienced movers. In that case, you’re paying for the extra movers and their advanced expertise.

Size of truck

The larger the truck, the higher the cost. The size of the truck needed for your move also impacts the average cost. Smaller vehicles have better fuel efficiency and cost less due to their reduced capacity. But, bigger moves typically require larger box trucks or even semis to fit everything. Carrying bigger, heavier loads and being larger reduces the trucks’ fuel efficiency, requiring more frequent fill-ups at the gas station.

Specialty services and items

Moving fragile, unique items like grand pianos, extra vehicles or antique furniture drives the cost more since these objects require special care and attention.

Full-service moves

Full-service movers take care of pretty much everything for you during your move, from packing up your apartment to assembling furniture at your new place. But, that kind of personalized service comes at a much higher cost because it requires more hours, skills and personnel.

If you pay for labor-only movers and no additional services, you’ll keep costs down.

Packing supplies

Moving services that take care of everything for you also typically provide packing materials, but you rarely have control of the price. You can avoid these costs altogether by buying or using your own packing materials.

Accessibility or difficult locations

Movers charge a premium for more complicated moves. For example, if your new apartment is on the top floor of an older apartment building with no elevator, the movers will have to carry all the boxes and furniture up multiple flights or stairs. Typically, that can add a couple of hundred dollars to your bill.

Additional moving costs

On top of all these, you may have to pay for additional services like closing costs, using a storage unit or having the movers assemble furniture or unpack things for you.

How can I save money and reduce costs when hiring moving companies?

If you have a tight budget and need to keep costs down during the moving process, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your moving expenses.

Move on a weekday

Because of work, the majority of people plan their moves to happen on the weekend. Not only does this mean that movers have less availability, but also movers cost more on the weekends due to the increased demand.

You can usually find a better deal and more availability by moving during the week between Mondays and Thursdays.

Pack everything yourself

For an extra cost, a full-service moving company will pack all your belongings for you. But, the cost of having movers pack up your household for you can cost up to $1,000.

Avoid this charge by packing up your personal belongings ahead of the move. That way, you’re only paying for the labor of having movers load and unload boxes.

Find free packing supplies

Unless you have a ton of moving boxes and bubble wrap lying around, you’ll have to buy packing materials. Depending on how much stuff you need to pack, you may have to spend a decent amount of money on all the supplies you need.

Luckily, there are ways to find free packing materials. If you know you have a move coming up, you can start saving boxes you get in the mail in advance. People frequently get rid of unwanted packing materials on online marketplaces like Craigslist and Freecycle. Check with friends, family and acquaintances to see if they have boxes and other materials to spare. You can even request free boxes from USPS.

Don’t move at the beginning or end of the month

Since most apartment leases start or end at the beginning or end of the month, those are the busiest times for movers. By planning your move for the middle of the month, movers cost less and have more availability.

Is it cheaper to move by myself and not hire movers?

Generally speaking, yes, it’s cheaper to do a DIY move and not hire professional movers. For one thing, you don’t have to pay an entire crew of people to help you with the move. You’ll still need to pay for a moving truck, gas money, packing supplies and maybe some pizza and beer as a thank you to any friends or family members who helped out.

In some cases, you may not even need to rent a moving truck. If you don’t have a ton of stuff to move, you can usually make do with your own car and borrow a friend’s truck. But,as you get older and accumulate more belongings, you’ll likely need to get a bigger truck rental.

However, since you don’t have someone helping you with the planning and logistics of a move, you may encounter unexpected costs or expenses that you didn’t plan for or anticipate. You’ll also have the entire burden and stress of moving solely on you.

How much should I tip?

On top of the overall moving costs, it’s customary to tip the movers assigned to your move. It’s not required, but it’s good practice and generally expected as a final thank you for a job well done. It’s especially recommended to tip your movers more if the job was especially big or they had to handle fragile items. Fast, efficient service and your movers going above and beyond are also reasons to tip more. Cash is also best.

There’s no set amount since moving costs are different for each person and company. In general, you should tip between 5 and 10 percent of the total cost of the move. Another option is to tip by the hour. Anywhere from $6 to $12 per hour and per mover is a good current rate. The more movers you have and the more hours they work, the higher the tips are.

Your tip should also be big enough so all the movers, including the driver, are equally compensated. To make sure that everyone gets their share, you can pass out the tips to everyone while thanking them. Another way to thank your movers is by providing easy food like pizza and sandwiches and drinks.

The tip should also reflect the quality of the service. If lots of boxes arrived damaged, the movers got the moving date wrong or the moving truck arrived late, those are all causes for a reduced tip.

What are the benefits of hiring a moving company?

Even though using a moving company is expensive, there are many benefits to hiring movers to assist you with a big move.

Prevents injuries

From heavy boxes to giant pieces of furniture, the process of moving apartments is rife with opportunities to accidentally injure yourself or others. You could pick up a heavy box of books and hurt your back. Maneuvering heavy furniture opens the door to everything from accidentally dropping it on someone’s foot to hurting yourself rather than risking damaging the furniture. While there are certainly some items you can easily move by yourself, others it’s best to leave the pros.

Since movers do this for a living, they have more than enough experience handling heavy boxes or unwieldy furniture. Not only do they have the strength and dexterity, but they also operate as a team, working together as a well-coordinated, experienced unit to safely move items without injury or damage to themselves or the objects.

Finally, they also have the proper tools for the job. From moving dollies to hand trucks, having the right equipment reduces the risk of injury. So, why put yourself at risk of lifting that too-heavy box of books when you can call in the pros?

Saves time

Saving time is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a moving company.

Maybe you’re starting a new job on the other side of the country and need to get settled in by a certain date. Or, you’re trying to juggle a job, family and other responsibilities while planning a move at the same time. Whatever the reason, most of us already have significant other demands on our time aside from moving. Most people don’t have the benefit of hitting pause on all their other responsibilities while moving house. Moving takes a lot of time and can take anywhere from a few days to several months from start to finish. That’s where movers come in.

If you don’t have the time of day to plan and coordinate everything yourself, a moving company takes the stress of planning off your plate. Even if you do have the time, it’s nice to leave the process in the hands of professionals. By shifting the logistics of moving to your movers, you can focus on other things and not get overwhelmed.

Professional service and expertise

When your car breaks down, you take it to the mechanic. If your sink gets clogged, you call a plumber. We turn to professionals to solve all kinds of problems, so why wouldn’t you do the same for moving?

Professional moving companies are here to make the process of moving easy for you. They take care of all the heavy lifting (literally), offer quality customer service and take the burden off your shoulders. If something goes wrong or there’s an issue, they problem-solve and offer solutions. As moving experts, they know exactly how to get your belongings from Point A to Point B safely and efficiently. Everything from loading and unloading to planning out the logistics of the move, they can do for you, and you know you can trust them because they do this every day. You also know that your personal belongings are safe and are in good hands.

Hiring a moving company ensures you have an expert beside you to hold your hand, answer your questions and take care of everything for you during the move.

Reduces stress

No matter which way you slice it, moving is a stressful process. Maybe you have a short timeline and don’t have a ton of time to pack and plan. Even if you have months to plan a move, unexpected problems like delays can come up. When you hire movers, you don’t have to face and solve these problems alone, which cuts down on stress.

How much will my move cost?

Now that you know what factors impact the cost of hiring professional movers, you may wonder how much your move will cost you.

To calculate the cost of your move, you can use our moving cost calculator to get a free estimate and start creating your moving budget. As you’ve seen above, there are plenty of ways you can keep moving costs down, from packing your belongings yourself to being flexible with the season or time of the month that you move.

How much movers cost depends on the needs of your move

While some moving costs are in stone, you can take steps to reduce costs or find a moving operator that fits your budget.

Source: rent.com

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Moving to a new home is always full of excitement. Whether you’re finally moving out on your own or are relocating for that dream job, there’s a lot of anticipation around getting to your new destination.

Moving is also a time when you realize how much stuff you actually have to pack. Even packing up a small studio instead of an entire home isn’t easy, but you need to stay organized to keep things stress-free.

One way many do this is with a packing list, where they track everything that goes into each moving box. But, how you pack things is only one part of the process. When you pack them also matters for a successful move. You don’t want to start too early or save everything for move-out day. You want important items to remain easily accessible, but don’t want to do the bare minimum in advance.

To keep the packing process smooth, you can get a head start. Here’s what to pack first when moving and how to craft a moving checklist that will keep you headed in the right direction without feeling like you need to wait until the last minute to do the bulk of the work.

Start the packing process

Before the first box gets packed, you have a few decisions to make. First, do you need to find movers? If you’re using a moving company, what will they pack for you on moving day? Those items can go off your to-do list and may mean you’ll spend less time packing.

Second, does anything need to go into storage? Having a storage unit is great if you know you won’t need certain items for a long time. However, it’s better to keep things in your own home if there’s a chance you’ll need whatever is inside within the next six months. Storage items can get packed first (or really at any time) to free up some space.

Third, are you moving a long distance? If you’re going far away, you need to think about what you’ll have to pack for your own trip. You may need more stuff than just a few essential items. You’ll also need to decide if you’re shipping anything. Because of the long distance, it’s wise to send a few boxes ahead. What should go in those, and when do you want them to arrive?

Answering all these questions first can help you separate special groups of items that may fall outside a typical packing timeline, so you may have to make some adjustments and concessions to stay on track as you pack.

Trim the fat

The next thing you want to do in a move is to avoid packing a bunch of stuff you don’t need at all. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to spend a day or two going through all your stuff, separating out items you don’t need and can donate, along with those in a rough condition that can get thrown out.

Old furniture or pieces that won’t work in your new place can get sold, and old clothing can do straight into a donation bin. If you’re an avid reader who loves the feel of actual books, now is a great time to whittle down your collection. Book boxes are heavy, even for a professional moving company. The fewer of these, sometimes, the better.

Move through each room of your home and collect all the unwanted items, then distribute them accordingly. Doing this before you even pack a single box will make the moving process that much faster. You’ll have less to pack and less to move.

Gather packing supplies

The final piece to starting the packing process is to gather the right packing materials. This includes moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper and packing tape. Don’t forget about a large marker or two to label each box, as well. You can estimate the amount of moving supplies you’ll need based on your home’s square footage, how many rooms you have or even the amount of stuff you’ve got. A packrat will need many more moving boxes than a minimalist.

To save money on moving boxes, make sure you visit local grocery stores, liquor stores and other shops that end up with a lot of empty boxes. Finding out what day they get deliveries, and going that evening to ask for empties, can yield a nice boon of free boxes.

As you gather supplies, don’t forget to grab an extra box of trash bags. You’ll end up with plenty to throw out as you go.

Establish a packing order

When it’s time to start packing, a strategy of how to tackle your stuff is essential, but you do have options. There are different ways to decide what to pack first when moving. You can go by room, rank items by difficulty or even create a pile of non-essential items to deal with first.

No method is better than the other since they all make it easier to start packing boxes. It’s the plan itself that makes it more efficient to get your home ready to move.

Go room to room

Packing up your home by room gives you easy access to what’s most important to you for the longest period of time. You start with your least-used room and move up to the spaces you use most frequently.

A great place to start with this strategy is in the spare room, if you have one. If not, your starting point could be a closet, your garage space or even the basement. If you’re in an apartment that came with storage space, go there first.

Working in this order, you’ll pack the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen last. These are the most useful rooms in any home, but also can contain a ton of stuff. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to tackle these spaces (and have plenty of boxes).

Rank space by packing difficulty

Always leaving out essential items, you can also pack by difficulty. This means starting in rooms that will be the most work. It really flips the order from going room-to-room since the most difficult spaces to pack are often the ones we use the most — the bedroom and kitchen. Both rooms can have a lot of stuff, but most of it you could live without for the few weeks you’ll be gearing up to move.

If you start with the bedroom, begin by setting aside the clothes you’ll need or want to wear leading up to moving day and for about a week after. If it can all fit into a suitcase, set that suitcase aside, too. You can pack this all up the day before you move.

Whatever is left, you can start packing at any time. Begin with clothing that’s out of season, though, so you know for sure you won’t need it.

If you start with the kitchen, create a pile of essentials to set aside first. This should include a place setting for every member of the home, one pot, one pan, a pair of tongs, a wooden spoon and a spatula. Yes, you’ll have to wash dishes more frequently, but this lets you get ahead in packing up a very full room.

If it’s easier, move everything you want to pack first into the dining room, so you don’t accidentally pack your essentials.

You can also take this approach with items you have multiple sets of, like towels and linens. Leave out one set for every bed/person and pack up everything else early.

Rank essentials

Another way to figure out what to pack first when moving is to look at all your stuff and group everything into two categories — essentials and non-essentials. Start by packing all the non-essential items, no matter what room they’re in, and then, reprioritize your essential items to create a realistic timeline to pack what’s left. Think about what you need the night before your move versus what you can live without for a few days.

Non-essentials can include:

  • Fragile items like those that are purely decorative and any fine china or fancy dishes
  • Picture frames and anything hanging on the walls
  • Books
  • Off-season items and holiday decorations

Each room will have plenty of things in it you won’t need immediately so you can really get through packing up a lot of your stuff early. However, as you’re packing, there are certain items that won’t feel like essentials that you’ll actually want to keep out. A big one is cleaning supplies. Since you shouldn’t pack anything dirty, you’ll need cleaning supplies to tidy up whatever you pack first. You may also have to do a final wipe-down of your place before you move out, as well.

Create an “open me first” box

No matter what you pack first, the very last box to pack, using any strategy, is the one you’ll want to open first when you get to your new home. Although you’ve put important documents, a few days’ worth of clothing, toiletries and possibly any valuables into a suitcase you’ll carry with you, this box should contain a few other required items to have on hand as you begin to unpack.

Include:

  • A set of towels and linens
  • Toilet paper and paper towels
  • Hand soap
  • Trash bags
  • An extra box cutter

You can also put in other personal items you won’t need immediately but may need soon. Consider creating a little first-aid kit with plenty of band-aids and maybe some extra medications, too. You can even throw in some of your favorite snacks to avoid having to run out to the store right away.

Label this box very clearly and make sure it’s one of the first boxes off of the moving truck. Stick it in the bathroom so you can find it quickly.

Solidify your strategy with a moving checklist

Once you decide on your plan of action, make a list. Breaking down the packing process into actionable items not only keeps you on track, but nothing feels better than crossing something off a to-do list. That’s why a moving checklist is one of the best packing tips out there.

When to start packing boxes

With a strategy in hand and all the bubble wrap you could possibly need, it’s time to set a packing timeline. That’s assuming you’ve already scheduled a moving company or rented a moving truck, and you’ve already donated or thrown out everything you don’t want to take with you. After you complete these items, it’s best to begin packing no later than three weeks out. You can certainly start packing earlier, but remember boxes get in the way fast.

Week three of your three-week countdown schedule should include the items or the spaces you’ve decided are least necessary. Try to pack at least one box per day. If you feel like you’re falling behind, ramp up to two boxes.

Week two means all the middle-ground packing. This is stuff/rooms you thought you might want access to, but now realize you can live without until you get to your new house. Again, aim for at least one box a day. Don’t forget about labeling boxes either and taping them up well.

Week one, the week before you move, everything else must get packed. Moving companies definitely don’t want to arrive on moving day with a bunch of stuff laying around, so make sure you’ve got everything boxed up the night before except what you need right then.

If it helps, you can break your to-do list down to the day rather than the week just to make sure everything gets done without feeling rushed as you near the end.

What will you pack first when moving?

Preparing to move means managing so many details, but what’s most important is getting your stuff from one home to the next. Having a plan is essential, but what you pack first is really up to you. As long as you decide early and collect enough moving supplies, getting to your new house will feel a lot less stressful. So, what’s going into your first moving box?

Source: rent.com

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Packing your kitchen items for moving is really so much bigger than just your dishes — it’s everything in your kitchen. We’re talking pots and pans, small appliances, silverware and serving utensils. We’re talking about oddly-shaped items and bulky items and items that don’t seem to fit into any sized box. It’s also about all the fragile items from water glasses to stemware.

If you’re afraid to even start packing your kitchen, don’t be. With the right materials, boxes and some tips, there’s nothing you can’t pack. So, stop procrastinating by packing all the other rooms of your home. It’s time to tame the beast.

How do you pack a kitchen for moving?

To get your kitchen ready for a move, you’ll need all the standard supplies — boxes, tape, some kind of paper and bubble wrap. The secret to not feeling overwhelmed, though, by the sheer amount of stuff in your kitchen, is to separate everything by type. You’ll more easily see what you’ve got to pack, and can estimate what will fit together in boxes so you can get an accurate total. It also lets you work in stages so you don’t feel like everything is happening at once.

How many boxes do I need to pack a kitchen?

For the average-sized kitchen, you’ll need a variety of different boxes. These include:

  • 2-4 small boxes
  • 5-6 medium boxes
  • 4 large boxes
  • 2 extra-large boxes
  • 4-6 dish boxes with specialty dividers

With a breakdown like this, you should end up with a box to fit anything from larger appliances like a stand mixer to small items like the contents of your spice cabinet. The trick is to use your space wisely, packing little things in the smaller

boxes, saving those extra-large moving boxes and specialty boxes for those items that really need them.

You also should remember to label all kitchen boxes as fragile, whether they’re holding breakable materials or not. Chances are you don’t want the non-breakables getting jostled around too much during the move, so handle all boxes with care.

What can I use instead of packing paper?

Packing paper is often your best friend when packing, but to save some trees and use items around the house that also need to get packed, you do have some options. Alternatives that will work in a moving box in the same way as the all-important paper include:

  • Linens
  • Towels
  • Clothing
  • Bubble wrap

If you’re using linens, blankets work the best. They’re a bit thicker than sheets. The same goes for those winter sweaters if your moving supplies consist of your own clothing. T-shirts will work well, too, especially with plates, but don’t use anything nice, just in case.

When should I pack my kitchen when moving?

Since it’s a big job, starting early to pack your kitchen up is pretty important, however, you don’t want to lose the functionality of your kitchen either. To avoid saving the entire room for the last minute, create an essentials box. These are the items you’ll pack up right before you move that allow you to use your kitchen even as you’re packing it up.

What kitchen supplies belong in your essentials box?

  • One table setting for each member of the home
  • A wooden spoon and a pair of tongs
  • Oven mitts or dish towels
  • A medium-sized frying pan and pot with a lid
  • A strainer and mixing bowl
  • A coffee maker or any single appliance you really can’t live without

These are the items you’ll clean and pack up the night before your big move in some standard boxes. Keeping them out until then lets you continue to go through all your perishable food as you pack other rooms.

How to pack almost anything in my kitchen

There’s a lot to get into those boxes before crossing the kitchen off of your packing list. To streamline the process and make it easier to get even your kitchen appliances boxed up, here’s what to do.

Dishes

To pack dishes, start by doing a little triaging. Recycle or throw out any broken or chipped dishes. Donate anything else you’ve really never used or is a duplicate dish.

Next, you should reinforce each box before packing it up. To do this, add an extra layer of tape across the seam inside the bottom of the box. Then, make sure to pad the bottom with some crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap so the dishes aren’t coming into direct contact with the box itself. Make sure you pack and store all your dish boxes on a flat surface, away from any edges.

To optimize box space in each separate box, create stacks of same-size dishes to pack together. Then, begin wrapping and bundling. This process has you wrap every single item in packing paper first until you get a stack of three or four dishes. Wrap the stack up, as well, seal with tape and set the bundle in the box vertically. Even though this is counterintuitive to how you lay them on shelves, packed flat, dishes have a higher chance of breaking during the move.

Remember to stack from heaviest to lightest with your dishes, using crumpled packing paper for padding in the gaps. You should also consider nesting items that naturally come in groups, like mixing bowls, once each individual piece gets wrapped.

Cups of all kinds

From glasses to those heavy coffee mugs to your stemware collection, cups are probably the most fragile thing on your kitchen packing list. Luckily, these items are some of the easiest to pack if you have the right box. Look for new or used boxes that have specialty dividers in them, most likely meant to hold bottles if they’re used. New boxes for packing dishes are known as cell boxes.

Packing glasses, like those you use for water, is pretty straightforward. After laying a few sheets of packing paper down on the bottom for insulation, place each, individually wrapped glass into the box in an upright position. This is the best position to keep them safe.

Packing mugs follow a pretty similar pattern as glasses, the only difference is the handle. It’s best when packing mugs to wrap the handle separately. Doing so reduces the risk of it breaking off at any point. Most mugs do fine in packing paper, but if there’s a special one you want to protect, use bubble wrap instead.

Packing stemware requires a more delicate touch. Those stems are fragile and it’s pretty easy for a base to snap off a wine glass. Use smaller boxes for these items to ensure it doesn’t get too heavy. Then, pad the box a lot, on all sides. Stemware should go into the box vertically, once wrapped, with extra paper stuffed in the gaps to ensure nothing really shifts around once the box is full. To properly wrap stemware, gently fill the globe with tissue paper before wrapping the entire glass in packing paper or bubble wrap.

To get a perfect wrap every time, no matter the cup:

  • Set out a few sheets of packing paper
  • Place the cup in the corner of the sheets and roll
  • Fold the ends back toward the cup
  • Apply a small piece of tape to the bundle

This keeps each cup contained and protected. For extra safety, make sure to place a layer of paper between each row of glassware so you’re not stacking one directly on top of another.

Silverware

When it comes to packing silverware, you can most likely fit everything into a small box. Start by making sure everything is clean and dry, then divide everything by item. You should end up with a pile of spoons, forks and knives. Next, arrange by size. Once done, stack each pile and wrap tightly with plastic wrap, a rubber band or packing paper.

If you keep your silverware in an organizing tray, the bundles can go back into it. When that’s full, stuff any empty spaces with packing paper and then, wrap the whole thing before it goes into a box.

Serving utensils should also be grouped and wrapped in the same way, although you may just have to put those bundles directly into the box. For larger cooking utensils, like wooden spoons and silicon spatulas, wrap them up in plastic wrap.

If you have any sterling silver, you’ll have to individually wrap each piece to protect it.

Make sure when you pack flatware of any kind that it’s securely situated within the box. Although they’re not fragile items, you don’t want them to get bent out of shape.

Knives

For kitchen knives that are actually sharp (not butter knives), you’ll need some special packing supplies. Ideally, you’ll have a protective sleeve for each knife to prevent anyone from cutting themselves. Bubble wrap does make an OK substitute.

Wrap each knife separately. Then, you can group them together and bag them up before putting them into a box. You can also add them to your silverware box if there’s room. If you do wrap any knives in paper, make sure to label them so you know what you’re grabbing out of the box.

Heavily pad the area in your box with knives with crumpled packing paper to prevent knives from shifting around.

Pots and pans

You might want some heavy-duty boxes when it comes time to pack the pots and pans. Even with just a few of them in a medium-sized box, they can still get heavy fast. To pack pots and pans, you can stack them from largest to smallest, but you’ll still need to separate each item with packing paper. You’ll also want to wrap each handle separately.

To get a good set of stacked items, set down the largest pot or pan first and put a few sheets of packing paper inside, add the next largest pot or pan and continue the process. Once done, wrap the entire bundle using at least three sheets of packing paper and seal with tape.

It’s also a good idea to line the inside of the medium box with packing paper for extra cushioning.

If you’ve got cast iron pans, make sure to distribute the weight, putting only one in each box at the very bottom. Cast iron pans also need more protection so use bubble wrap or dish towels to cover them up.

For non-stick pots and pans, wrap each individually in paper or bubble wrap and try to pack them facing down. This will prevent any scratches. Since stacking them is out of the question, save your non-sticks for the top of any kitchen box. It will actually protect them more this way.

Wrap any glass lids with bubble wrap or packing paper individually so they don’t bang against anything. You can even use a dish towel to wrap each lid. Pack these in a vertical position so they’re not as vulnerable to cracks.

Kitchen appliances

All the kitchen appliances you’ve added to your apartment, like your coffee maker or toaster oven, will also need to get packed up. While they’re not necessarily breakable, they’re fragile items, so moving them in their original boxes is the most ideal solution. If that’s not possible, you should put them each in a separate box since they’ll often take up most of the space anyway.

Packing appliances is always a lesson in packing oddly-shaped items so you may need some additional packing materials. One of the best is packing peanuts. They work wonders when filling in tiny empty spaces inside a box, don’t weigh a lot and provide protection for our appliances without having to wrap them up.

Some key packing tips for appliances include:

  • Packing complementary accessories in the same box as the appliance
  • Using packing tape to seal all doors shut on appliances (like a toaster oven)
  • Stuffing packing materials like paper or newsprint into all gaps with a box to secure the appliance and prevent jiggling

A moving company can also pack these items and any large appliances up for you if you’re concerned about them making it to your new home safely.

Pantry items

Dealing with perishable food items should also be on your list when packing up the kitchen. For things already in containers, you can bag like items together and use canvas grocery bags to transport them. If you’re trying to preserve food from half-eaten bags of chips or open boxes of cereal, transfer them to food storage containers. Some perishable food items, like condiments or salad dressing bottles, can get sealed in plastic wrap and boxed or bagged for the move.

For food that you don’t want to make the trip with you, consider donating anything not opened to a local food bank. Ideal food items for donating include:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned fruit and vegetables
  • Canned soup or stew
  • Canned fish
  • Pasta
  • Rice

Just make sure nothing you’re donating has already expired.

Packing tips for the rest of the stuff

Tackle everything else in your kitchen with your remaining packing supplies. Grab a few medium boxes, plastic bags, packing paper and packing tape and dig in. This portion of your kitchen pack should go quickly since by now you’ve packed all fragile items.

Most miscellaneous items can get wrapped in packing paper, so make sure you have plenty on hand. Use full sheets for most items, and tape closed heavier bundles, as well. If wrapping up small items like spice containers, you can put a few into a single sheet of paper, but make sure each is fully wrapped before you add in another one.

Getting that kitchen packed

Yes, packing your kitchen is serious business. There’s so much to keep track of among all the details that make up a successful move. And, even though there’s a lot to get packed up safely, with the right materials and some focused time, you can pack your kitchen items for moving as fast as any other room in your home.

Source: rent.com

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It may not seem that hard to figure out how to pack bedding for moving, but as with any other piece of the packing process, there’s always a most efficient way to do it. When time is of the essence, and you’re staring down your entire kitchen still in need of boxing, proper packing of the easy things can make all the difference.

When you have limited storage space and you want your soft goods to arrive nice and clean in your new home, here’s what you need to do.

Gathering the right packing materials

Even if you’re using professional movers, you can pack bedding for moving on your own. The process begins by gathering supplies. Since bedding and linens aren’t fragile items, you can ditch the bubble wrap. However, make sure you have packing paper to ensure bedding and soft goods arrive clean.

Grab a few large cardboard boxes to make it easier when packing pillows and other bulkier items.

A proper packing materials list should also include plenty of packing tape and a big permanent marker to label each box. You may want to consider writing ‘fragile’ on your boxes, as well, just to prevent a heavy box from being stacked on top, smooshing everything inside.

Vacuum storage bags

One specialty item that comes in handy when packing bedding is those oversized plastic bags. Even better if they’re the vacuum kind where you can suck out any trapped air and condense your bedding. You’ll be able to fit more than twice as much into a single large box.

This particular packing supply makes it easier to pack comforters and pillows especially, but can also protect linens.

To use these bags properly:

  • Place folded bedding and linens into the bag while it’s laying on its side. Don’t go past the fill line.
  • Seal the bag and check it to make sure no air can get inside
  • Secure your vacuum hose to the vacuum port on the side of the bag. There’s usually a plastic cap you have to pop off.
  • Turn on the vacuum and leave it running for around two minutes to get all the air removed. You’ll know it’s done when you can’t see any empty space inside the bag and it stops condensing.
  • Quickly remove the hose after shutting the vacuum off, and put the valve back on to avoid air from reentering the bag

The tight seal on these bags is essential to ensure air can’t get to the space inside and that it fully shrinks down.

Make your bedding into padding materials

If adding even more boxes to your growing pile seems too much, you can also skip boxing them up separately and use them to protect fragile items. Blankets work great to cover TVs and larger pieces of furniture that won’t fit into a box. Sheets are ideal to wrap fragile items. Boxes lined with extra bedding are extra cushioned and can keep items like dishes and glasses safer. Even a pillow at the bottom of a box provides a protected space inside for fragile items.

Packing bedding and linens for moving

Is your home a hygge paradise? In other words, do you have a ton of plush blankets covering every surface? Even if you have a lot of bedding to sort out, the best way to pack bedding is to save it for last. Even though this goes contrary to the idea of packing up what you don’t need first, saving your extra bedding for last means you can use it for packing material if necessary. Bedding and linens are also some of the easiest items in your home to pack up. You can definitely load up a moving box or two pretty quickly when it’s just full of bedding.

When packing bedding, you don’t have to separate bed sheets from blankets to pack everything. But, there is a method to the madness that helps conserve space in moving boxes and ensures everything arrives clean at your new home.

How to pack blankets and comforters for moving

Whether you top your bed with a blanket or comforter, both need packing up to arrive safely at your new home. The best way to pack blankets is in a medium box. Fold packing paper on the bottom, and set aside another piece for the top layer. You don’t want to cram a lot of packing paper into the box, though. It takes up valuable space.

Fold down the blankets as flat as possible to conserve space, and stack them up. Make sure there are minimal empty spaces once you’re done and ready to seal the box shut. Securely close it and taped it up to prevent moisture from getting into the box.

Packing comforters differs from packing blankets simply based on the bulk of the bedding. Comforters are an ideal candidate for those vacuum storage bags, but you can use other packing materials, as well. If you can’t flatten your comforter down enough, you’ll still need to try and push out as much excess air as possible as you fold it. You can then slip it into a garbage bag to keep it away from dust, insets or moisture.

Large boxes work best for comforters, which you can pack up either folded flat or rolled up like a sleeping bag. The perk of doing the roll is that it’s easier to compress the air out.

How to pack linens for moving

Unlike blankets and comforters, bed sheets fold down into tight, tiny bundles. As long as you can figure out how to fold that fitted sheet, you’re golden.

Each sheet set can get wrapped individually in packing paper to protect it, but you should also line the top and bottom of the box with a folded sheet of packing paper. This double-layer of coverage keeps out moisture and dust without having to shove bed sheets into plastic bags (which you can also do.)

When packing linens, you can do a separate box for each room, or combine them all together.

How to pack pillows for moving

Packing pillows is a slightly different beast. While moisture is the enemy of all bedding, it’s especially tough on pillows. Moisture leads to mold, and pillows aren’t so easy to wash clean. For that reason, pack pillows with extra care.

You’ll have to smoosh out the extra air in them, but bagging these guys up in trash bags is a great way to keep them clean and dry. After you get all the trapped air out, you might want to pack something heavy on top of the pillows to keep them flat. Maybe a layer of blankets, or even those bulkier winter coats.

You can also pack your pillows in their pillowcases. This provides an extra protection layer, and a pillowcase is much easier to wash. Any small, or decorative pillows can skip the cardboard boxes completely. To pack small pillows, slide them into a dresser drawer instead.

Additionally, never use newspaper to line your pillow box. The ink can run. Instead, opt for clean packing paper as your padding around the box.

How to pack your mattress for moving

Aside from the bed itself, mattresses can present a challenge. They’re bulky, impossible to grip and kind of big for a box. But, like everything else, you can pack a mattress.

Starting with a totally dry mattress (yes, you sweat at night) that’s totally naked, set it up on its side. Slide it into a mattress storage bag, which you can most likely get from your movers. Use packing tape to seal the bag completely closed. It will keep out dirt, bugs, dust and moisture, a mattress’ enemies.

Just be careful when sliding it around your home and into the moving truck. You don’t want to puncture the bag in transit. It’s also a good idea to put your mattress in first so you can brace it with your moving boxes and furniture. Turn it on its side and lay it against a wall of the truck so it takes up the least amount of space.

How to pack towels for moving

Towels can also easily get bulky, so fold them up as flat as possible. Line your moving box with packing paper to keep the dirt away, but instead of packing in a pile, consider laying in your folded bundles vertically. By the time you get a row done, you’ll have a colorful line reminiscent of a filing cabinet.

This strategy helps eliminate unused space that can occur when you pack towels in a stack. Make rows of like-sized towels and secure the box with packing tape.

Bedding for your essentials box

Although you can wait until the last minute to pack up all your bedding, as you’re loading it all into those large boxes, don’t forget to set aside one set of everything. This set goes into your essentials box, the one you’ll open first in your new home.

One of the first things you’ll want to do when you start unpacking is to make your bed. You may also want to shower off the moving grime that night. Adding bedding to your essentials box ensures you have a clean set of all your soft goods ready to go when it’s time to unwind that first night in your new place.

Preparing bedding for a move

No matter how you pack bedding for moving, the most important thing to remember is that one final sheet of paper is on the top. It sounds silly, but that’s the protective layer that keeps dirt from getting down into the box and prevents you from accidentally cutting into your bedding when you’re opening a box.

As part of your packing plan, knowing this and all these other bedding packing tips, you’ll easily tackle the complex process of moving with more time for those other boxes full of fragile items, dinnerware and more.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

When moving to a new apartment, naturally, you want all your personal possessions to arrive safely and in one piece. But, in even the best-laid moving plans, accidents happen and things get broken. While the odd shattered plate isn’t a big deal, you want to take extra care to protect more valuable, fragile items like pictures, framed artwork and big mirrors.

These packing hacks and moving tips will help ensure your valuable artwork, mirrors, pictures and wall art survive the difficult and unpredictable moving process and arrive in one piece.

Why does my canvas art, artwork or mirrors need special packing and protection?

Packing framed art, mirrors, large pictures, framed photos and art pieces requires specially-designed packing materials and methods. This is on account of their large size, delicate glass or mirror surfaces and elaborate, fragile frames. All sorts of things could go wrong when moving these valuable items, from broken glass to punctured canvases.

In the case of an unprotected canvas painting, you want to ensure the oils or paints don’t get scratched. This applies to framed artwork, as well as good, high-quality picture frames that are also expensive and valuable. Shattered glass or wood splinters from fractured frames also puts you or your movers at risk of injury.

Protecting these fragile pieces goes beyond the practical, though. Paintings, photographs and artwork can have tremendous sentimental value, such as treasured family photos that are one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable.

In the case of artwork, you may also have a monetary incentive to keep it safe. Maybe you have a famous painting in your possession or managed to acquire an art piece from an up-and-coming artist. If you’ve invested a lot of money in your art collection, you want to protect your financial investment.

Finally, in the case of moving mirrors, you want to take extra care. It’s seven years of bad luck if you break it.

Getting the right packing material like moving boxes and bubble wrap

You’ll need the right supplies to get artwork, mirrors and pictures safely from Point A to Point B.

Basic packing materials include:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing tape
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Packing paper (brown paper or craft paper)
  • Plastic wrap or cling wrap
  • Masking tape
  • Extra protection (wadded newsprint, Styrofoam peanuts, etc.)

Make sure the moving boxes are roughly the same dimensions but slightly larger than your artwork so you can add extra padding and protection. If you need lots of boxes, there are ways to get them for free.

Depending on the type of item being moved, you’ll also need to get the following:

Mirror boxes

While you can use flat picture boxes to move mirrors, you’ll have better success with a mirror box. Mirror boxes have four separate adjustable box sections that fit over a mirror. Their thick, heavy-duty cardboard can handle up to 65 pounds.

Flat moving box for pictures and artwork

In addition to a flat picture box, you’ll also want cardboard corner protectors to keep frame corners from being damaged. If you’re transporting a particularly awkwardly-shaped piece of art like an entire sculpture, you may even need a wooden crate for such heavy objects.

How to pack wall art for moving

Before starting to pack paintings or other types of wall art, make sure you have a flat, solid surface to work on that’s clear of debris.

  • Organize your wall art by size. Sometimes, you can stack small- and mid-sized canvases and pack them together in one box, provided each is individually protected by paper and bubble wrap.
  • Pair each piece of art with the right-sized moving box that fits its horizontal and vertical dimensions. Make sure each box is slightly larger than the frame so you can fit extra protection like cardboard corner protectors and bubble wrap around the artwork.
  • Use masking tape or painter’s tape to put a giant X over the glass cover. If the frame glass breaks, it won’t shift around as much or shatter completely.
  • If the artwork in question doesn’t have a glass covering, protect the exposed painted face with palette wrap or several layers of plastic wrap
  • Put cardboard corners onto the corners of the picture frames
  • Similar to wrapping a present, wrap the artwork in packing paper and tape in place
  • Wrap with an extra layer of bubble wrap
  • If you have extra space in your moving box, stuff it with more padding like crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts for added protection. This extra cushion protects the artwork from being jostled too much during moving.
  • Do a final check of your wrapping job to make sure you securely tape everything down
  • Gently slide the wrapped artwork or painting inside the prepared box, tape the box shut and rattle the box to see how secure the picture feels inside. If it’s shifting around too much, add extra filling to the box.
  • Once you’re satisfied the artwork won’t move too much, seal the box closed with packing tape and label the outside as “fragile” and list its contents

How to pack pictures for moving

Packing large pictures for moving has almost the same process as moving wall art and other flat art pieces. But, there’s one extra step you can take to protect that valuable family photo.

After using the masking tape to put an X over the glass, cut out and put a large piece of cardboard, cut to size, over the glass.

You can also use a packing tube to roll up pictures and prints for easier transport.

How to pack mirrors for moving

Packing mirrors for moving has a similar process as packing wall art or pictures, but with some key differences. You’ll still want a flat work face that’s free of clutter.

  • Give the mirror a quick clean before wrapping it up for the move. That way, it arrives at its new home nice and spiffy.
  • Use masking tape to put a big X over the mirror’s reflective surface. The tape helps absorb shock and strengthens the reflective glass against damage.
  • Put large pieces of cardboard, cut to the right size and shape, over the front and back of the mirror and tape them in place so they won’t shift
  • Wrap and tape the mirror in packing paper as you would wrap a present
  • On top of the packing paper, wrap a layer or two of bubble wrap and tape it down. You can also wrap the bubble wrap with plastic wrap for extra strength.
  • Make sure everything is thoroughly taped down
  • Slide the different sections of the mirror box onto each corner of the mirror until they overlap and fit snugly with no gaps. Securely tape along the cardboard edges and at all joined corners.
  • Gently shake the box to see if the mirror rattles too much. If it does, try to fit the box more snugly over the mirror or add extra protection with more wrapping layers.
  • Label the outside of the box as fragile

How to transport mirrors, artwork, pictures and wall art in moving trucks

In the case of artwork, wall art, pictures and mirrors, you should load and store these fragile items on the moving truck in a vertical position. Standing vertically and stacked against a flat surface like the wall of the truck or other tall boxes, the box can better absorb pressure and shock.

Transporting mirrors, wall art and pictures horizontally increases the risk of damage. Other boxes could fall onto them and they won’t shift or move as much during transit. Just make sure they’re firmly set in place to prevent their moving boxes from falling over.

Can I hire professional movers?

Absolutely! If you don’t feel comfortable transporting these types of items yourself, you can always bring in the pros and hire a moving company to do the heavy lifting.

In fact, there are moving companies that actually specialize in transporting artwork. They’ll know exactly how to wrap and pack artwork to prevent damage and can even store and transport it under the right climate conditions. To find movers that offer this service, you can look for fine art movers in your area. Like most movers, they can likely give you a free quote. Remember to tip well!

Go the extra mile to protect your wall art, mirrors and pictures while moving

Moving is stressful enough without worrying that your cherished artwork, beloved pictures or favorite big mirror will break in transit. That’s why it’s important to follow the proper steps to pack them securely ahead of moving house.

Zoe Baillargeon is an award-winning writer and journalist based in Portland, Oregon, where she covers a variety of beats including travel, food and drink, lifestyle and culture for outlets like Apartment Guide, Rent., AFAR.com, Fodor’s, The Manual, Matador Network and more. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and spoiling her cat.

Source: rent.com