Packing is one of the most dreaded moving tasks. However, doing it the right way can make it much less hectic. Experts recommend packing by room and marking the boxes with the name of the room they’re going into. As you work your way through each room, here are a few tips on the first thing to pack when moving.
First Thing to Pack When Moving - Keeping Your Items Safe
We’ll start by looking at the supplies you need for a seamless move. Then we’ll go through the items you need to pack room to room, starting from the kitchen to the dining room before packing the bedroom, living room and bathroom. You can always get help through professional movers if you aren’t comfortable moving some of your stuff.
Supplies
Before you even start packing, make sure you have enough packing supplies.
Boxes: You can get boxes from a moving company or for free at grocery stores, beverage control stores and other retailers.
Padding: These include bubble wrap and similar items for cushioning fragile items.
Blankets: Blankets can be used to protect furniture edges from scratches and the like.
Tape: You’ll also need some good old duct tape.
Now, a few general tips. Start packing each box with a layer of padding and pack like items together. You also want to label each box by contents and by room. Finally, pack one box with essential stuff that you’ll need for the first few days.
Once that’s settled, move from room to room with packing tips and essentials.
The Kitchen
Start using up food a few weeks before the scheduled move. Pack all bowls and plates together in boxes and be sure to wrap any fine china with bubble wrap or paper. The best way to pack glasses is in sectional boxes. Alternatively, cushion them with padding and avoid stacking them on top of one another.
The Dining Room
Roll up and wrap your rugs in paper or plastic. If possible, remove the legs and leaves from your dining table and wrap them in blankets. You can also wrap the chairs in blankets for added protection.
The Living Room
It’s crucial that you handle couches and chairs with care. Your best bet when dealing with electronics such as computers and TVs is to pack them back in their original packaging if they’re available. If you don’t have the original packaging, wrap components in blankets and towels and brace them in boxes. Be ready to cover tables once they’re loaded and remove any glass from shelves and TV stands and wrap them in blankets.
The Bedroom
Break down beds and place any bed hardware in plastic storage bags for safekeeping. Store hanging clothes in wardrobe cartons for easy unpacking at the destination and other clothing clothes in labeled bags or boxes. For expensive jewelry, place them in a container that you’ll keep with you during the move.
The Bathroom
You’ll likely want to set up a bathroom as soon you get to the new place so make sure you have a box that you’ll keep handy. Pack your toiletries, makeup, bathroom towels and toilet paper in a seperate box for easy access.
Bottom Line
Once you have the right moving supplies, you can follow these tips on the first thing to pack when moving. Depending on the room you start packing, the first thing you’ll need to pack will differ. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, it’s best to work systematically.
