The way you pack can make or break the experience of moving into a new home. How well you pack can make your move easier or much harder. Good packing helps save time, keeps your things safe, and lowers stress. If you pack poorly, you might waste time looking for things or dealing with broken items.
This blog covers all the key packing essentials you need. It also shares tips on how to pack well and avoid common mistakes. You will learn how to plan your packing, what supplies to use, how to pack room by room, and much more.
In short, proper packing makes your move smooth and stress-free. Let’s get started!
1. Planning Your Packing Process
One of the best ways to pack well is to plan ahead. Start packing early, not the day before your move. Starting early helps you avoid last-minute stress and rushing.
Make a packing checklist. Write down what you need to pack and when you want to pack it. Break the work into small parts with timelines. This way, you feel in control.
Before packing, sort through your things. Decide what to keep, what to donate, sell, or recycle. Getting rid of extra stuff reduces the amount you must pack.
Gather all your packing supplies in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy boxes or tape. Having supplies ready saves you time later.
2. Must-Have Packing Supplies
Boxes for Every Need
Boxes are the most important thing for packing. You need small, medium, and large boxes. Small boxes are good for heavy things like books. Medium boxes work well for toys or clothes. Large boxes are best for light and big things like pillows.
Special boxes help too. Wardrobe boxes let you hang clothes. Dish pack boxes have dividers to keep plates safe.
Strong Packing Tape
Packing tape holds your boxes closed. Use strong tape that sticks well. Cheap tape can peel off. Buy wide tape for faster packing. A good tape dispenser helps you work quickly.
Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper
Bubble wrap protects fragile items. Wrap glasses and dishes carefully. If you don’t have bubble wrap, use packing paper or newspaper. You can also use old clothes or towels to wrap things. Make sure items don’t touch each other inside the box.
Markers and Labels
Markers help you write on boxes. Use thick markers so writing is easy to see. Write what is inside and which room the box goes to.
You can also use colored stickers. For example, red for kitchen and blue for bedroom. This helps movers put boxes in the right rooms.
Stretch Wrap for Furniture
Stretch wrap is plastic film you wrap around things. It protects furniture from scratches. Use it to keep drawers closed. Wrap tables, chairs, and couches with it. It also keeps small parts stuck to furniture.
Zip Ties for Cords and Bundles
Zip ties are great for holding cables together. They stop cords from tangling. Use zip ties to keep small boxes or bags together too. They are cheap and easy to use.
Moving Blankets for Large Items
Moving blankets are thick and soft. They protect sofas, tables, and dressers. Wrap furniture to stop scratches and dents. You can rent or buy these blankets. If not, use old blankets or towels.
Other Helpful Supplies
You also need scissors and box cutters. These help open boxes and cut tape fast. Gloves protect your hands when moving heavy or sharp things.
Having good supplies helps keep your belongings safe and organized.
3. How to Pack Room by Room
Packing room by room is the easiest way to stay organized. Don’t mix items from different rooms in one box.
Start packing rooms you don’t use often. For example, pack guest rooms or decorative items first. Leave daily essentials for last.
The kitchen needs careful packing. Wrap breakable items like plates and glasses with bubble wrap. Use small boxes for heavy things like cans or pots.
For clothes, use wardrobe boxes or vacuum bags. Vacuum bags save space by removing air and keep clothes clean.
Pack electronics with their cables and accessories together. If you have original boxes, use them. Otherwise, wrap devices well to protect them.
Furniture should be disassembled if possible. Wrap pieces with moving blankets or plastic wrap to avoid damage.
4. Tips for Packing Fragile Items
Fragile items need extra care when packing. Use plenty of cushioning like bubble wrap or packing paper.
Pack fragile items vertically and tightly to avoid movement inside the box. Empty space lets things shift and break.
Label boxes clearly with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” so movers know to handle them gently.
For glasses or small fragile items, use dividers or egg cartons. These keep items separated and safe.
Do not overpack boxes. Heavy boxes are hard to carry and increase the risk of damage.
5. Packing Essentials for Different Types of Moves
Packing needs change depending on your move type.
For local moves, you can pack fewer items and focus on essentials. You may not need to be as detailed since travel time is short.
For long-distance moves, pack carefully. Protect items more and label boxes well for easy unpacking.
If you are moving with kids, pack a separate essentials box with their toys, clothes, and snacks. This keeps them comfortable during the move.
For pets, prepare a travel kit with their food, water, leash, and favorite toys.
Keep your valuables and important documents with you. Don’t pack them in moving boxes to avoid loss or damage.
6. Smart Packing Hacks to Save Time and Space
Use everyday items as packing containers. Suitcases, laundry baskets, and drawers can hold clothes or light items.
Fill shoes with socks or small items. This saves space and keeps shoes in shape.
Roll clothes instead of folding them. Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles.
Use cling film to keep drawers and cabinets closed. This stops things from falling out during transport.
Pack an essentials box with things you need right away, like toiletries, snacks, chargers, and a change of clothes.
7. Labeling and Inventory Management
Clear labeling is key to easy unpacking. Write the contents of each box and the room it belongs to.
Use color coding with stickers or markers for quick identification. For example, red for kitchen, blue for bedroom.
Keep an inventory list or spreadsheet. Write what is in each box and its number. This helps you track your belongings.
Take photos of valuable items before packing. This is useful for insurance if something gets lost or damaged.
8. Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common packing errors:
- Waiting until the last minute to pack causes stress and poor packing.
- Using low-quality packing materials can lead to damaged goods.
- Overpacking boxes makes them too heavy and hard to carry.
- Not labeling boxes properly makes unpacking confusing.
- Forgetting to pack essentials separately causes problems on moving day.
Avoiding these mistakes will help your move go smoother.
9. Unpacking Tips for a Smooth Arrival
Start unpacking with your essentials box. This should include kitchen basics, toiletries, and clothes.
Set up bedrooms and bathrooms first. Having a comfortable place to rest helps you settle faster.
Break down boxes and recycle packing materials as you go. This keeps your new home tidy.
Don’t rush to unpack everything at once. Take your time to organize and avoid creating a mess.
10. Professional Packing Services: When to Consider Them
Sometimes, hiring professional packers makes sense. They have experience and materials to pack fast and safely.
Professionals can save you time, especially for large moves or if you have fragile or valuable items.
However, professional packing costs more. Compare the cost against the convenience before deciding.
Look for reliable packing services with good reviews. Ask what they include and how they handle your items.
FAQs
- How early should I start packing before my move?
Start packing at least 3 to 4 weeks before moving day. Begin with items you don’t use daily. This gives you enough time to pack carefully without rushing. Starting early helps reduce stress and makes the whole moving process smoother and easier for you.
- What types of boxes do I need for moving?
You need different sized boxes for different things. Small boxes are good for heavy items like books. Medium boxes work well for toys and clothes. Large boxes are best for light, bulky items like pillows. Specialty boxes help protect dishes and hang clothes.
- How can I protect fragile items during packing?
Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper. Pack them tightly to stop movement inside the box. Use dividers or egg cartons for glasses. Label these boxes as “Fragile” and “This Side Up” so movers know to handle with care. Don’t overpack fragile boxes.
- Should I pack everything myself or hire professional packers?
If you have time, packing yourself saves money. But packing takes time and care. For big moves or many fragile items, professional packers can help. They pack faster and protect your items well. Consider your budget and time when deciding what to do.
- How do I keep track of what’s in each box?
Label each box with the room name and what’s inside. Use thick markers or colored stickers for easy reading. Keep a list or spreadsheet with box numbers and contents. This helps you find things faster and keeps your move organized from start to finish.
- What should I do about valuables and important documents?
Always keep valuables and important papers with you during the move. Do not pack them in moving boxes. This reduces the risk of losing them or damage. Keep these items in a secure bag or folder and carry them yourself on moving day.
Conclusion
Packing well is the key to a smooth move. Using the right supplies and careful planning saves time and protects your belongings.
By packing room by room, labeling clearly, and avoiding common mistakes, you can reduce stress on moving day. Smart hacks help save space and keep things organized.
If the move feels too big, professional packers are an option to consider.
For help with your move, visit We Move NZ. You can find packing supplies and expert moving services there. You can also download our free packing checklist to get started.
