20 Packing Hacks for Your Upcoming Move

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For many families looking to take advantage of a little break from school and activities, Summer marks the perfect opportunity to plan a move. Whether you’re planning a DIY move or you’ve hired out a team of professionals like ADSI Moving Systems or our partners at A1 Bestway, knowing how to prepare for your relocation is key.

One of the biggest tasks on most people’s moving to do list is packing. From closets and drawers to dishes and kitchen gadgets, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite packing hacks to help you get those boxes packed and ready for moving day.

Get Your Packing Supplies Together

You can view our moving supplies list here, but the basics should include boxes, tape, labels (lots of them!), packing paper or bubble wrap, and markers for labeling.

Make an Organization System

Develop a system upfront. Consider color-coding rooms and make sure you are labeling boxes with rooms AND contents as you go. This makes unpacking much easier

Know where to start

Get a jump start on packing by focusing on rooms and items you are less likely to use leading up to moving day.

Don’t be afraid to declutter

Having less stuff means there is less to pack. Take time to declutter and pare down your belongings to only the items you NEED to take.

Schedule Packing Time

If you’re worried you won’t have time, block off an hour or so each day and designate it as “packing time” so you’re consistently making progress as moving day gets closer.

Don’t over pack

You want to make sure boxes aren’t too heavy to lift, so pack heavier items in smaller boxes to avoid overpacking.

Don’t leave empty space

If a box is getting too heavy before you fill it, DO NOT leave empty space at the top. Make sure to fill it with packing paper or bubble wrap to keep the contents from shifting during transit.

Pack in Layers

Build up the items inside your box in layers. Place the heaviest items on the bottom, and the lightest things on top.

Double up on your tape

We always recommend double taping the seals of your boxes to keep them sturdy and intact on moving day.

Always Wrap Your China and Dishes

Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges. Be sure to use extra paper as padding around items and between layers.

Safe Packing tips for mugs, cups, stemware, bowls, plates, and platters.

Pack Lamp Shades Individually

To save space, you can nest a small shade inside a larger one, but try to avoid overpacking boxes. Pick a box about 2 inches larger than the largest shade and fill any empty space with plenty of packing paper to protect the shade. BE SURE TO LABEL THESE BOXES AS FRAGILE!

Bundle Your Silverware

When packing silverware, bundle the pieces together by type. Wrap each bundle with paper and place them back into your silverware tray, a Ziploc bag or other container. If using a tray, wrap the filled tray with paper, tape it closed and mark the top. Then pack it into the bottom of your kitchen items box.

Double Wrap Knives

If you don’t have sleeves or cases for your knives, be sure to double wrap them or wrap them in towels. Always alternate the direction of the blades if you’re wrapping multiple knives in one bundle. Secure with tape in multiple spots and clearly label the bundle.

Size up Your Books for Packing

If you have a large collection of books to move, group them by size before packing them to make it easier to fill the space in each box. Remember to use small boxes for books so they aren’t too heavy.

Leave Clothes on Hangers

No need to stress over removing clothes from hangers. If you’re using wardrove boxes, simply hang clothes inside them. If you don’t have wardrobe boxes, leave clothes on hangers and place garbage bags over groups of 20-30 hangers, using them as garment bags.

Streamline the task of packing your clothes by using the right boxes for the job. Wardrobe boxes come with rods so you can simply hang clothes from your closet into the box and transfer them back to the closet in your new home.

Bundle Tech Items

When Packing up any tech items, entertainment or sound systems, be sure to bundle all the parts and pieces together, including cords and remotes so you have everything you need to set them up with ease in your new home.

Ready to Assemble Furniture Quick Tip

If you have any ready-to-assemble, modular, or quick assembly furniture, take it apart and wrap the individual pieces for transit to better protect the items. Be sure to bundle any shelves and hardware together for easy reassembly.  

Pack a box for the kids

If you’re moving with kids, especially over a long distance, make sure to pack a box of items for them to carry in the car. Let them pick the items they want to carry with them and include a few extra “entertainment options.” Here are a few of our favorite tips for moving with kids.

Don’t forget your “essentials box”

A great move is all about being prepared. Make sure you pack your “essentials” box with items you will need upon first arriving at your new home and anything you might need throughout your moving day. Not sure what to include? Here’s our full list of suggestions.

Leave the packing to the pros

If packing has you stressed, the team at ADSI Moving Systems is here to help. Our full-service move option offers a concierge-style relocation. You can leave the heavy lifting to us and spend your time focusing on helping your family navigate the transition together. Our full-service moves include

  • in-home estimates
  • surface protection and preparation
  • full packing and wrapping service
  • loading and unloading
  • furniture placement
  • flat surface unpacking
  • debris haul away

Contact one of our relocation consultants today to schedule your in-home estimate or virtual survey.

Check out more packing tips and download our print-at-home moving checklists to help you prepare for moving!