Moving is not just about changing places; it’s about starting anew.
Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading or moving for work or family, the process of packing and moving can be stressful.
Did you know that the average American home has somewhere in the vicinity of 300,000 things in it?
That’s a lot to pack!
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 31 million people in the United States relocate every year, and more than 15% of these are long-distance relocations, like cross-country moves.
Now, seriously—how the hell does everybody manage to move their lives from one place to another without losing their minds?
Well, that’s where smart packing techniques come into play.
In fact, whether you are hiring the best cross-country movers or doing the move yourself, knowing how to pack efficiently can save you time, money, and a lot of trouble.
So, let’s talk about a few genius packing hacks that not only will make your move manageable but also ensure you’re not spending hours rooting through boxes when you get there.
Trust us; we’ve got some game-changing tips, especially if you’re facing cross-country Los Angeles relocation or any long-distance move.
Before you even think about packing, take the time to declutter your belongings.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.7 times in their life.
Each move is an opportunity to assess what you truly need.
Donate the items, sell them, or recycle those that you no longer use. This not only reduces the volume of items to pack but also decreases moving costs.
Procrastination can lead to chaos if you leave it to the last minute. Create a packing calendar and spread out the tasks over a period of a few weeks.
Start with the least-used items and work your way to the stuff you use every day. This method avoids the feeling of being overwhelmed and gets packing done systematically.
Buy solid boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape. Though you may consider free or second-hand boxes, they may not offer the best protection for your things.
High-quality materials protect your belongings, especially during a cross-country move.
Reserve a box with items that you will need straight away: toiletries, a change of clothes, some basic kitchen supplies and important documents.
Having these essentials organized keeps you from fumbling through boxes your first night.
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs.
A survey found that 34% of movers consider themselves “prepared labelers,” organizing and planning their packing well in advance.
This practice simplifies the unpacking process and helps movers place boxes in the correct rooms
Maximize space by packing heavy items like books in suitcases with wheels.
Additionally, leave lightweight items in dresser drawers, securing them with plastic wrap. This reduces the number of boxes needed and makes transportation more efficient.
Wrap breakables like dishes and glassware in towels, linens, or clothing.
This dual-purpose method saves space and reduces the need for additional packing materials.
Experts suggest using proper packing materials such as packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts, but repurposing linens or old newspapers can also be effective.
Take photos of the wiring configurations before you disconnect the electronics.
Having a visual reference will help you to reassemble in your new home without wasting time and tearing your hair out.
Don’t pack heavy items such as books and canned goods in large boxes, making them too heavy to lift.
They are consequently easier to lift and move and are less likely to cause an injury.
Instead of taking clothes off their hangers, leave them grouped in bundles and covered with garbage bags, tying the hangers together.
This approach also keeps your clothing organized and makes rehanging items a snap in your new wardrobe.
Assign a specific color to each room and mark boxes accordingly.
It enables movers to quickly know where each box goes, which drastically improves the unloading.
When packing dishes, place them vertically in boxes, similar to how you would store records. This positioning reduces the likelihood of breakage during the move.
Experts recommend packing plates vertically to avoid breakage.
Prevent leaks by removing the lids from liquid containers, covering the openings with plastic wrap, and then screwing the lids back on.
This extra layer of security guards against spills that could damage other items.
Compress bulky items like bedding and winter coats using vacuum-sealed bags. This technique saves significant space and makes packing more efficient.
A recent article reveals that a vacuum-sealable carry-on travel backpack promises 50% more capacity by eliminating air pockets.
Get the help of professionals, especially for long-distance relocations.
The average cost of a cross-country move ranges from $2,400 to $15,000, depending on various factors.
Hiring the best cross-country movers can give you satisfaction and also check your belongings are handled with care and precision.
To prevent leaks, remove the lids from liquid containers, cover the openings with plastic wrap, and then screw the lids back on. This extra layer of protection guards against spills that could damage other items.
Thread necklaces through straws or use pill organizers to separate and protect small jewelry pieces. This method keeps items untangled and easily accessible.
Place shoes in shower caps or plastic bags to keep them separate from clean items. Additionally, stuff shoes with small items like socks or accessories to maximize space.
Rolling clothes is generally more space-efficient and helps reduce wrinkles. However, folding may be more practical for bulkier items like sweaters.
Use empty toilet paper rolls or small zip-lock bags to store individual cords. Label each to easily identify them later, preventing tangles and confusion.
Choose Cross Country Moving for your next move because of our expertise, comprehensive services, reliable team, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
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