Once the house purchase is finalized or the lease is signed, it’s time to get down to business: packing. Since packing up all your belongings can seem overwhelming at first, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you tackle this task and save time, money, and energy.

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How to Pack

Start early

What doesn’t work when you’re rushing to pack your suitcase the night before a vacation certainly won’t work when you’re moving. So the same rule applies here: it’s better to start early! Items like seasonal clothing and rarely used items can be packed as early as six to eight weeks before the move. Ideally, you should transport the packed boxes or individual items to your new home even earlier. 

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Planning and organizing

You can start planning your move by walking through your entire apartment or house and noting down what can be packed and when, which bulky or difficult-to-transport items you own, and how much time each room is likely to take. It’s also a good idea to decide from the start what system you’ll use for packing—for example, moving room by room and marking all boxes belonging to the kitchen with yellow tape.  

Make a list of all the items you need to pack, and check them off as you go.

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Decluttering

Of course, the easiest way to pack is to have less to pack! So moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your belongings and finally say goodbye to that vase you never liked. Some items might not even be needed at your new place due to the change in surroundings or living space. You can sell many of the items you sort out on secondhand marketplaces or give them away to friends and family. 

Marie Kondo, the decluttering expert, offers some guidance on how to declutter thoroughly: Pick up each item and ask yourself, “Does it spark joy?” → If an item doesn’t make you happy, you probably don’t need it—at least that’s her theory. Even if you don’t follow this rule strictly, you’ll still be able to part with some things. 

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Packing Tips and Tricks

 Save on packaging materials

Investing in proper moving boxes is definitely a good idea, as they have convenient carrying handles, can be stacked, and are generally very sturdy. Alternatives like fruit crates, trash bags, or regular bags aren’t always the best choice in these situations. You can often rent moving boxes, which can help you save money. 

When it comes to packing boxes, especially for dishes or other fragile items, the question of what packing materials to use always comes up: you usually don’t have enough bubble wrap, packing paper, etc., at home.

That's why we have 4 tips for you:

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• Wrap plates and dishes in towels and dishcloths—otherwise you’d have to pack them separately, and this way they’ll cushion the boxes at the same time!
• You can also repurpose packaging materials for glasses and vases and use socks as padding.
• Instead of bubble wrap or packing paper, old newspapers or magazines are often perfectly adequate. 
• Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for bulky clothing, as they take up less space in boxes and keep everything nice and compact.

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Pack faster and save time

Packing takes up a lot of your time, too, so we’ve got a few tips on how to make the process more efficient.

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• Put a trash bag over your hanging clothes and the hangers instead of folding and packing them individually
• Take photos of fixtures, furniture, or cable connections so you can reassemble them more quickly.
• Pack a starter box for your first night in your new home so you don’t have to hunt for things one by one. What should you include? Dishes, cutlery, groceries for the first few days, bedding, towels, toiletries, identification documents and contracts, medications, and cosmetics—this will help you settle in more easily during those first few days.
• Pack a little bit every day: especially in the week before the move, you can start putting everything you’ve used into a box instead of putting it back in its usual place.

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Pack securely for transport

To ensure that your belongings don't break or cause damage during transport, proper packaging is also very important.

• Seal open bottles and cleaning products with plastic wrap by unscrewing the cap, stretching the wrap over the opening, and screwing the cap back on to make them leak-proof.
• Don't pack books in large moving boxes, as they'll quickly become too heavy. Instead, pack them in wheeled suitcases.
• Cling film can also come in handy for small cabinets or dressers: wrap it inside to prevent scratches on the finish! It also keeps the drawers closed, so your belongings stay put.

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Seek professional help

If moving seems too overwhelming, you should consider hiring professional movers. A moving company can make the process much easier by helping you pack, transport, and unpack your belongings. These professionals have done this many times before and are, in many ways, more efficient, faster, and more careful than the average person moving.

Conclusion

A well-planned and organized move can significantly reduce stress and ensure the entire process goes smoothly. Start packing early, develop a good system, and pack efficiently. For additional support and professional assistance with your move, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make the moving process as easy and stress-free as possible for you.