Large Local Move: How To Pack

When planning a large local move, few achieve their common goal of starting packing early. Instead, most wait until the last minute because they dread the process. If you are moving from one suburb to another, only a few neighborhoods away or just down the street, a local move of any size seems like a huge hassle. So, how can you make this process easier? Below are some tips for starting earlier and keeping your stress level as low as possible.

1. Create a Staging Area

Before actually packing for a large local move, you need to create a staging area for all of your packing supplies. This is your go-to area where things are kept organized, so you always know what materials you have on hand and where to find them. Otherwise, you will spend too much time looking around your house for the tape, labeling pens, and other easily misplaced supplies.

In this staging area, ensure you have the right supplies on hand. For your large local move, these should include:

• Residential moving-quality boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Crushed paper
• Packing peanuts
• Scissors
• Labeling pens or markers
• Newsprint or other fragile item wrapping paper
• A variety of small to large zip-up bags for small items
• Packing plastic cling wrap
• Mattress bags

2. Get Rid of Unneeded Junk

Before you pack your first box, assess what you own and what you actually use. There is no time better than a large local move to get rid of things just taking up space in your home, attic, basement or storage. Clearing out the junk is also a great way to make money on a yard sale or get a receipt for a tax deduction through donation. Everything you clear away through sale, donation or the garbage is another item you do not have to pack, move and unpack.

3. Create a Do Not Pack List

If you have family members or friends helping you with packing before your large local move, you need to remember you do not have eyes on the back of your head. Nor can you be in two places at once to supervise what everyone else is doing. These are reasons why it is important to have a “Do Not Pack” list. This list tells everyone what they should leave alone. Otherwise, you face needing some things before the move and having no idea which box they are in.

4. Label Every Box

Moving day is chaos, particularly for a large local move. As soon as your boxes are picked up and taken from your old home to your new one, the movers need to know where to put these boxes. Otherwise, you face having one room filled to the brim and no idea where to find individual belongings.

Ensure every box is labeled with the room name, such as kitchen, office, master bedroom, child’s bedroom or living room. Beneath the room name, list the major items in each box. This helps you know where to look for specific items and which boxes to unpack first. Also label whether items are fragile and which side is “up,” if breakable items are inside.

5. Use Logic When Packing

Packing individual boxes is a lot like a game of Tetris. You have to try to fit individual items into a restricted space and make as much use of that space, as possible. Start by limiting each box you pack for your large local move to no more than 50 pounds of weight. Avoid piling too many books or other heavy objects into one box. Instead, spread the weight out to make it easier on everyone and prevent injury.

Place the heaviest items on the bottom of each box. Then, pack lighter items toward the top. If you have very heavy items like gym weights or other workout equipment, pack these alone and clearly label them.

As you pack each box, fill all empty space. Otherwise, your items shift during the move and can suffer damage. If you cannot strategically place items in all areas of the box, fill the voids with crumpled paper. Whenever possible, use the original boxes that electronics or other expensive devices came in. These original boxes are custom made to fit the items and can prevent breakage.

6. Avoid Going Down Memory Lane

As you pack, you are bound to stumble across things you have not seen in years. Try to avoid getting lost in your reminiscing. Otherwise, you face losing hours to “remember when.” Photo albums are particularly tricky for creating a time warp and reducing your efficiency when packing for a large local move. Instead, consider giving these items more attention after your move or by giving them a special, more accessible place in your new home.

7. Be Aware of What You Cannot Pack

It is very important to not pack hazardous items. Doing so puts everyone at risk, particularly your movers and anyone around the moving truck. Some non-explosive or non-flammable items seem innocent enough but can attract pests like roaches and rodents. The “do not pack list” includes:

• Hazardous materials
• Chemicals
• Perishables

For any packable items that risk spilling within the boxes, use plastic cling wrap and tape to hold containers tightly closed. For example, you should wrap and tape shampoo and conditioner bottles. Do this for dry goods, oils and liquids of all kinds. Also label the boxes to clearly note the spill risk and individual items within.

8. Designate One Box As Your Set-Up Kit

Either use a box or another type of container to create a set-up kit for your large local move. This container should include the items you need when first arriving and setting up your household. Examples of what you need in this box include:

• Hammer
• Nails and other picture-hanging supplies
• Screwdrivers
• Screws
• Drill, battery pack and charger
• Extension cords
• Allen keys
• Flashlight
• Other objects for putting furniture back together

It also helps to set aside toilet tissue, soap and other personal necessities in a designated box or suitcase. Keep these two set-up kits with you during your large local move, such as in your vehicle.

9. Get Help for Your Large Local Move

A large local move is more work than most people expect. “Local” sounds so easy, but many find themselves feeling overwhelmed on moving day. Never underestimate the convenience your Morrisville, North Carolina area professional movers can provide. Movin’ On Movers offers a full range of moving and storage services to help you get from your old home to your new one as stress-free as possible. Call us at (919) 362 – 8355 today to discuss your upcoming move and how we can help you with a free estimate.