Cardboard boxes and cleaning things for moving overlay
Posted in Moving Tips&Tricks on May 22, 2021
Gemma Collins

Gemma is an NJ local that has explored all the US states, making her the perfect person to write about moving.

How to Move Efficiently – The Best Packing and Other Tips

You have found your new home, and you can’t wait to start living in it. Now, all that’s left to do is to transport all your belongings. If you’re wondering how to move efficiently, these actionable tips and hacks will help you. If you follow them, the entire process will feel smooth and effortless. Besides these pieces of advice, the right long distance movers are unquestionably what you need. So, we will guide you through the process of finding and hiring the right crew as well. Are you ready?

How Do You Move Efficiently?

Now, that’s a million-dollar question. And the shortest possible answer is – by being self-organized and planning properly. The optimal way to start the process is to create a to-do list for your move. Then, all you have to do is stick to it. The simplest relocation hacks like this one are also the best ones. In addition to it, you should:

  • Create a relocation binder,
  • Keep your essentials close,
  • Declutter before getting packed and get rid of the things you won’t use,
  • Do everything on time,
  • Contact the utility providers and book their service at your new house,
  • Stock up on the necessary tools, materials, and supplies.

Now, we’re approaching the next phase. Once we get more deeply into these elementary steps (and what they imply,) you’ll be reading about some excellent packing tips.

And if you feel creative enough to make a DIY binder from scratch, here is a video that will keep you occupied:

YouTube video

Relocation Binder

This folder should contain all the necessary files, like your relocation checklist, printables, to-do lists, bills and receipts, important documents, legal paperwork, and more. Its main purpose is to keep you organized. When all of the valuable papers are kept safely in one place, your relocation can commence with far less stress. But keep this in mind – this binder doesn’t necessarily have to store the papers closely connected to your relocation. Save some room for the personal files.

folders on the shelf
A relocation binder will keep your valuable files safe and easily accessible

The List of Essentials

This list is simply crucial. Once you reach your new home, you’ll certainly want to relax and enjoy it. But still, there are some things you will need to take care of first. Before you unpack, you’re bound to clean the entire place thoroughly. And not just that. Here’s what your list of essentials must incorporate:

  • Cleaning supplies,
  • Bathroom items, like toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, clean towels, and more,
  • Basic kitchen utensils,
  • Batteries and chargers,
  • Clean bedding.

Now, you’ll need a relocation day toolkit, too. Even if you’re not a fan of handiwork, you will most likely need to do some minor chores of this sort. That is why you should include some tools like screwdrivers or hammers in the list.
Lastly, your list of essentials can’t be complete unless you bring something to relieve your relocation stress. The choice is yours. Pick a board game or just bring a set of cards. If you plan to live on your own, you could bring a book or something else that will keep you entertained.

person writing a checklist
Write the list of your essentials down before you have them packed

Decluttering Before Getting Packed

There are countless reasons to relocate. Many move to bigger houses, because they need more space. However, an astonishing 45% of people in the US move for work. Not an insignificant number relocates for love. Surely, many of them must transport their belongings into smaller homesteads. And to them, some small apartment ideas can come in handy. But firstly, they should get rid of the unnecessary clutter. Here are some ways to determine what to keep when relocating:

  • Think of the practical value of each item,
  • Don’t bring stuff you know you won’t use (or will, but really rarely,)
  • Examine the true condition of your belongings,
  • Count in the importance of the quality and durability of your possessions,
  • Do not overlook the significance of every item’s style, size, and layout. Think about how it would
  • look in your next homestead.

Nevertheless, these rules do not quite apply to objects that have tremendous sentimental value. Leaving them behind is certainly not an option.
In addition to these criteria, think of the type of your move and your relocation budget. If you move locally, you can bring more stuff. However, it’s different with long distance moving. In this case, you will have to choose more carefully.

The Items You Should Toss, Sell, or Donate

Before you start to pack your shoes, make sure you will be wearing them. When it comes to your clothes, the principle is basically the same. And so it is for most of your belongings. Categorize your household items room by room, and separate the ones you won’t bring along into three groups – toss, sell, and donate:

  • Toss the stuff that’s damaged, broken, or outdated,
  • Sell those belongings that work well, but you won’t be using them,
  • Donate old toys, clothes, or other objects that are in decent condition.

If you intend to organize a yard or a garage sale, that’s a pretty good way to make some extra bucks. Since relocations often get costly, selling some of your stuff could be a good idea.

Decluttering plan
Reduce the clutter to save some time, space, and money

Book a Relocation Service on Time

There comes the time when you must ask yourself – How can I make moving easier? Hiring the best long distance movers is always the prime answer. Once you choose to collaborate with a professional crew, you must do it timely. You should begin to research your options about six weeks before the relocation day. And you should book the moving services around four weeks prior to the move.

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How to Pick a Right Long Distance Moving Company

Choosing wisely and avoiding scammers is paramount. You can find and hire a reliable team of experienced long distance movers by looking into their reviews and testimonials. Also, learn to spot the warning signs of relocation scam:

  • If the company accepts cash payments only, that’s a major red flag,
  • Too expensive or unrealistically cheap services also cause concern,
  • The company forms its price range without any free on-site or virtual estimations, which are
  • demanded by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration,
  • Asking for a large deposit is another sign of a possible fraud,
  • Negative comments or even the lack of any comments should worry you.

Before you decide and hire a team to help you relocate, you should contact at least three relocation companies and get free quotes.
Moreover, you must check the company’s certifications and online directories on the Better Business Bureau.

large truck on the road
Reliable relocation service is very important

Get Packed As Soon As Possible

This is, above all, a stress-relieving tip. If you wish to preserve your own peace of mind while relocating, you must have a strict schedule you will follow. Getting packed is always time-consuming and challenging. And that’s why it should be done ASAP. Start from your storage units, garage, or basement, and leave the most frequently used rooms for last. Be sure to create an order that seems the most logical and comfortable for you.

When Should You Start Packing to Move?

If you’re wondering about the perfect moment to get packed, stop thinking and start boxing up. In an ideal situation, you’d start planning the entire process two months in advance. And you would be packed at least seven days before the crew arrives with their trucks and ships your belongings to your destination. However, it’s impossible to come up with a precise schedule that works for everyone. The timing mostly depends on the amount of stuff you have.

couple planning a relocation
Your belongings should be packed at least one week before the relocation day

Start to Contact Utility Providers

You’d like to have everything properly wired and set as soon as you move into your brand-new homestead, right? Firstly, make sure to see if your current providers cover the area you are relocating to. If not, start examining your alternatives. Electricity, for instance, is usually provided on the state level. However, services such as water, recycling, garbage pick up, or sewer are usually a local thing. Just to be safe, it is optimal to get in touch with multiple prospective providers at least two weeks in advance. This assignment should definitely make its way onto your relocating to another state checklist. While you are busy decluttering and sorting things, you mustn’t allow this essential duty to slip from your mind.

a person holding a smartphone
Think of finding suitable service providers in your next neighborhood timely and explore your options

Get Your Supplies and Materials

Before you go get the necessary supplies to get packed, check and double-check everything. Strive to calculate exactly what you need and how much material you will be using. Now, when you grasp the approximate quantities, run to the store and get just a little bit more. It’s always best to purchase more supplies than to run out of them in the middle of the process. And finally, if you figure that you can’t do the shopping on time, or that you still lack a few boxes or some paper, ask your long distance movers for packing supplies. They will have you covered.

perspon taping a box
Buy some extra material and save yourself a second trip to the store

What Is the Most Efficient Way to Pack for a Move?

The most efficient way to pack for moving is to start timely and do it in several stages. Even though you should get started quickly, it doesn’t mean that you should rush. Create an extensive game plan and go along with it. Commence by boxing up the off-season items, and make your way toward the essentials.

Use the Right Boxes – And Do it Correctly!

You should get boxes of several sizes. Small yet heavy items should be placed into the smaller ones, while light things should be packed into the larger containers. Additionally, be sure to place the heavy stuff at the bottom of every box. That way, your lighter belongings will be on top. The content of every box should be clear and logical. Avoid mixing the objects from several rooms in a single container.

Here’s what else you should know:

  • Use a lot of tape to secure the boxes,
  • When you pack dishes or other breakables, put plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap around them,
  • Get your pots and pans packed separately from their glass lids,
  • Consider special creating for your electronics, furniture, or prized fragile items.
  • Place the items in the boxes correctly and don’t leave empty space between them.

The way you place your belongings into the containers is paramount, especially when it comes to packing glasses or even packaging plates. Be sure to fill in all gaps with blankets, towels, or paper. If you need any assistance, contact the professionals and get the best packing service.

And Here’s a Don’t You Should Keep in Mind

If you’re relocating during Coronavirus, don’t use free boxes. Although it was highly recommended for those who are looking to save up a bit, try not to practice it at this moment. The virus can survive on its surfaces for at least 24 hours. It’s best to utilize the ones that were already in your household or to buy the brand-new materials.

a box with tools and wrap
Get the best equipment and supplies

Additional Tips for Packing Household Items Rightly

These pieces of advice will also help you unpack smoothly when the movers unload their truck. If you follow them, you will be able to track all of your belongings with ease. Also, you would feel more confident regarding your possessions’ safety. Here’s what you should do:

  • Mark every box properly,
  • Choose a different color label for each room,
  • Create easy-to-lift loads by keeping your largest containers up to 50 pounds,
  • Use the vacuum for sealing the bags with your clothes,
  • Roll your clothes instead of folding it to save up some space,
  • Take inventory photos of your furniture and other objects,
  • Get some plastic wrap to prevent liquids from damaging your stuff in case of a leak.
A wrapped sofa ready for loading
Be careful with your household inventory and furniture

Follow these Tips on How to Move Efficiently

Once you master these pro hacks and learn how to efficiently pack to move, you can focus on other significant tasks in front of you, such as getting a job in a new city or making a new apartment checklist. Ultimately, when it’s all cleaned, packed, and ready for the big day, you should get enough rest. Relocating is stressful, and you must feel fit and up for it.

And if you still wonder – How can I move my house faster and efficiently? Get in touch with a reputable cross country moving company and explore their relocation, packing, and storage services. Do so, and you won’t have to fret about useful relocation hacks.

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