Tips to pack for long distance move with ease

Packing for a long-distance relocation is not something that you should take lightly. It’s a big task that requires a lot of effort. And it is one of the most important tasks on your long-distance moving checklist. So, unless you are hiring professionals to do it for you, make sure you have enough time for it. But, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are many things that you can do to make things much easier. With some planning and preparation, you will be able to pack for long distance move with ease. Here is what you need to do to speed up your packing and even turn it into a fun activity.

Plan for it beforehand to make packing straightforward

Planning is very important in a relocation. Even the most difficult task becomes much simpler when you have a good plan And it’s the same when you need to pack for a long distance move. So, as soon as you know that you will be moving, start planning your packing.

There are many things that you need to plan for. From what you will pack to how you will pack it. The order in which you pack for long distance move is very important. It can have a big impact on the way you pack as well as on the way you spend the last few days in your old home.

Make a checklist to help you pack for long distance move

The best way to put your plan to paper is by creating a checklist. Packing checklists can be helpful when trying to keep the whole process organized. You can split it into different sections according to the order of packing. You can also share it with other family members. So you can all contribute independently from each other.

Make an inventory list even before you call your movers

Making an inventory list is very important for many different reasons. When it comes to your relocation in general, it’s a great way to optimize your moving budget. First of all, it will be much easier to determine how much your relocation is going to cost when you have all the details. It also allows you to plan your purchase of packing materials. You won’t have to go and randomly buy moving boxes hoping that it will be enough. You’ll be able to purchase only the things that you need for your belongings. That way you both save money and are environmentally friendly.

Research packing materials and their uses

The next item on your agenda should be to research different packing materials and how to use them. Not all moving boxes are the same. Speaking of which, you might not even need moving boxes at all. Plastic bins have been gaining popularity for quite some time. And while you might think that plastic is worst for the environment, its reusability is a huge plus. 

You also need to familiarize yourself with everything else that you might need for packing. Boxes are just one small part of the packing materials. Cushioning materials are very important. Air-filled plastic wrap is great for many use-cases. But, you can also supplement it with simple crushed paper to further cushion your items. Packing peanuts are also useful when packing sensitive items. 

The quality of packing materials is very important

While all moving boxes might look the same, there’s a big difference in quality. And you are probably wondering why some boxes are much cheaper than the others. But, it’s important to know what your moving boxes are the first and the best line of defense against scratches and bruises on your items. You need them to be sturdy and stay in one piece throughout the relocation. Moving long distances requires them to be in the back of a truck for a very long time. So you need them to keep up with all the bumps and turns.

Important tips when packing for a long distance move

Not all items are packed the same. And not all of them use the same boxes. Also, there are many useful tricks that you can use to make both packing and unpacking much easier. Here are some of the best tips you should know before you start to pack for long distance move.

The larger the box the lighter the items

Many people make the mistake of packing large and heavy items into larger boxes. But, as a rule of thumb, the larger the box, the less it can carry. So, when packing heavy items, like books, make sure you use smaller boxes. And reserve large boxes for clothes, linens, and other lighter materials.

Properly seal all your boxes

While it’s quite an inconvenience to seal moving boxes before you are ready to move, thus trapping your items, you shouldn’t postpone it too much. It’s easy enough to forget to properly seal a box on a moving day. And it’s an important thing to do to maintain security during the move. As a pro tip, you can put string below your sealing tape. That way you can easily open a box without needing scissors.

Label boxes when you pack for long distance move

Labeling moving boxes is one of the most useful tips that you will ever read. It can be hell to unpack if nothing is labeled. So, as soon as you finish with one box, label it. You can separate your boxes based on rooms or types of items, but you must not forget to write what’s inside. That way, if you need anything, you can easily locate it. And you can significantly cut down on unpacking time.

Hire professionals when you need to pack fragile items for long distance move

With some preparation and research, you can pack just about anything. But, there are some situations where you might want to hire experts. If you have an especially valuable yet fragile item, it’s better to leave it to them. Most long distance moving companies offer packing services. And as a bonus, you will have a much easier relocation. Packers can come and pack your entire home in a day. And you can use that time to say goodbye to your friends and enjoy one last day in your old town.