How to Pack for a Move

Clearly label all your boxes.

Moving is ranked among the most stressful of activities, so learn how to make the transition from one home to another as stress-free as possible. Save time, maximize space and protect your belongings by properly packing your valuables.

Things You'll Need

• Boxes of all shapes and sizes
• Newspaper
• Packaging tape
• Black marker
• Painter's tape

Instructions

1. Start saving all your boxes, newspapers and packaging materials as far in advance of your move as possible. Store them in a dry, well-insulated space, preferably inside your current house to protect them from dust and bugs.

   For any additional boxes you may need, check with your local grocery store. Most will have some boxes on hand or be able to tell you the ideal day and time to come back for them before the boxes are discarded.

   If absolutely necessary, you can buy boxes from packaging supply stores.

2. Select a room where you can store boxes as you pack them. This way you can start packing several weeks in advance without boxes stacking up all over the house. If they're confined to one room, such as a guest room, you can simply close the door and let yourself forget that you're in the process of having to pack for a move.

3. Tape well the bottoms of all your boxes before you start packing them. Once full, tape the top shut and use your black marker to indicate the contents of the box on all four sides and the top. Name it either for the items in the box or the room in which you want it to go, such as "Books" or "Office." Be sure to also mark any boxes with breakable items as "Fragile" on all four sides and top.

4. Pack first anything that you can do without until well after your move, such as knickknacks, extra linens, appliances you rarely use and the dishes reserved for special occasions.

5. Wrap all fragile items in newspaper and any packaging materials you've saved. For additional protection, line your fragile boxes with sheets or light blankets. You may also want to layer towels in between your plates and other breakables.

6. Pack big boxes with lighter items, such as linens and bulky kitchen appliances. Pack smaller boxes with heavier items, such as books and dishes.

7. When packing linens, dishes, clothes and personal hygiene items, set aside anything you'll need within the first couple of days of your move. Pack these items last in a special box of their own. Mark it accordingly and make it the last box you put on the truck so that it's the easiest to find when you arrive at your new home.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave no space empty when you pack for a move. For instance, pack small, unbreakable items inside the microwave, purses and drawers.

• Tape drawers shut with painter's tape, which protects surfaces when you peel off the tape.

• Some items are better left loose, such as large pictures that can be protected with blankets or odd-shaped items like umbrellas.

• Set your plants inside boxes deep and wide enough to protect the leaves. If they're going inside the truck, pack them last so they can come off first.

• If your new home is within a day's drive, pack your condiments in an iced cooler for the car instead of throwing them away.

• When packing the truck, distribute weight evenly throughout, with heaviest boxes on bottom, lighter on top.

• If you're trying to force a box shut, there's too much in it. The top will be uneven, which makes stacking boxes dangerous. Overstuffing boxes also puts too much pressure on any breakable items inside.

• It's almost impossible to completely avoid scratching your furniture during a move. Do your best by draping all pieces with thick blankets or towels.

References

• Atlas Van Lines: How to Pack for Your Move