Packing for a move can be a seriously time-consuming, frustrating, and pricey undertaking, especially if you’re fairly new to moving and haven’t developed a go-to routine. But the packing process doesn’t have to be a daunting chore. At Ace Moving & Warehousing, our goal is to make your move as simple as possible, so we put together a list of useful packing hacks to help you get the job done. Check them out below!
1. Hire Full Packing Services
What’s the absolute best way to hack the packing process? Have someone else do it for you. We’d be remiss not to mention how greatly full packing services can simplify and streamline your move, and while there’s a moderate investment involved, it’s more than worth it.
With full packing and moving services, you’ll get to take many of the most onerous move-related tasks off your plate because your professional movers will:
- Bring all the necessary packing supplies to you (no more making multiple trips to the supply store for extra stuff!)
- Packing all of your belongings safely and efficiently (except any non-allowables you might own.)
- Load all of your belongings onto the truck.
- Transport your items to your new location.
- Unload the truck.
- Reassemble and situate any furniture that was taken apart for the move.
- Collect and dispose of your used packing materials.
Aside from working with professional packers, there are tons of simple, effective, do-it-yourself hacks to make the packing process easier and more efficient. Check out the list below and see what works!
2. Use Clothing in Lieu of Bubble Wrap
Not a fan of using so many disposable packing materials? If you’re trying to keep your move on the greener side of things, you can always use items you have around the house as packing materials. Clothing works great for wrapping smaller fragile items and filling in empty space within boxes. In addition to clothing, you can also use:
- Towels and washcloths for wrapping and stuffing
- Sheets for wrapping framed artwork and protecting furniture
- Duvet covers for protecting small furniture pieces
- Blankets to protect corners
Basically, anything that’s soft enough to absorb vibrations will work as packing material, so feel free to get creative! And here’s a major perk of using this hack: since you’ll be packing your clothes, linens, and fragile items at once, you’ll accomplish two tasks simultaneously.
3. Pack Plates Vertically
When you’re packing up the kitchen, your first instinct might be to pack plates horizontally inside boxes and place a sheet of paper or foam between them. You can certainly do that, but it’s not the best way to pack plates since they’ll be much more susceptible to damage in a horizontal position.
Instead, line your box with something soft and wrap each plate individually (try using the previous hack!). Then insert your plates vertically in your boxes to distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of excessive jostling and breakage during transport.
4. Insert Coffee Filters Between Cups and Bowls
If you’ve already got coffee filters in your cupboard, why not put them to good use during your move? Simply insert a couple of coffee filters between stacked bowls and cups to provide a little extra cushioning and protection against jostling during transport.
5. Tape Your Mirrors and Framed Art
Want to dramatically reduce your chances of having to clean up shards of broken glass during your move? Tape a large X across mirrors, framed artwork, framed photos, etc. to keep them from shattering.
After you tape them, wrap these types of items in blankets or sheets (if you’re using stuff from around the house) or bubble wrap/packing paper and secure the wrapping with tape. Be sure to insert them vertically into the moving truck or wherever you’re loading them.
6. Label Both the Top and Sides of Each Box/Container
Unpacking might be a little less dreadful than packing, but it’s still a major chore. To make the process considerably easier, be sure to label not just the top of your boxes, but all of the sides too. That way, when you bring boxes into your new home, you can quickly see where each box belongs and can better organize the unpacking process.
7. Use Furniture Sliders or Blankets
If you’re planning to move large furniture pieces or appliances out of your home, you must use protection! If you don’t, you could easily end up damaging your flooring, drywall, and any corners along the route to your front door. You can pick up furniture sliders at a moving supply store or if you’re using items from around the house, blankets and towels work well too.
Ace Moving Offers Full Packing Services in Rochester, MN
Not a huge fan of packing? Perhaps you simply don’t have the time? Let our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing in Rochester help you out! Since 1958, we’ve specialized in full moving and packing services, custom move plans, and several other professional moving services designed to make relocating as simple and stress free as possible. To learn more about how we can help you pack for your move, give us a call today at 507-288-3341 or request a fast moving quote online, and we’ll be in touch with more information!