How to pack for a move quickly?

When you’re in a hurry, moving feels like a mountain of a task. To help you pack your things quickly in such a situation, Paradise Moving & Storage has prepared useful tips and tricks. Let’s tackle this task step by step and room by room.

How to move: getting prepared

Start by creating a moving checklist. This list will serve as your personal guide to a successful move. Jot down everything you need to do, big or small — this could be anything from hiring a moving company to figuring out where to buy those packing supplies. 

This checklist can reduce your stress as well — you won’t be lying awake at night wondering if you’ve forgotten something. You’ll know exactly what needs to be done and when to do it. 

Getting rid of stuff

Moving is an ideal chance to declutter and say goodbye to some of your belongings.

But why, you might ask? Well, the less stuff you have, the less you’ll need to pack and move. Do you really need that sweater you haven’t worn in two years? Or how about those kitchen gadgets collecting dust because you prefer takeout? 

Go through every room in your house and sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Each item you get rid of is one less thing you’ll need to pack, move, and unpack at your new apartment.

Saving money on your move

Let’s talk about how to save some of your hard-earned cash while making your move:

• The earlier you start planning your move, the more time you have to compare prices and snag those early bird deals. 
• Speaking of packing supplies, did you know you can get boxes for free? Many businesses, like supermarkets and liquor stores, will be more than happy to give you their empty boxes.
• If you’re thinking about hiring professionals, consider Paradise Moving. Our experts are known for their efficient expertise in packing and moving both locally and between states. Plus, we often have special discounts and promotions running.
• If you’re really tight on budget, why not enlist the help of friends and family? It’s a lot cheaper than hiring pros and can be a great way to bid farewell to your old place.
• Selling items you no longer need is another excellent way to save. 

Also, remember that moving expenses are tax-deductible if your move is related to starting a new job.

How to pack for a move

Here are some useful tricks that will help you pack for your move:

• Firstly, collect packing supplies, such as sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap or newspaper for fragile items, and markers for labeling. 
• Next, start by packing the things you use least often. This could be seasonal items, sentimental keepsakes, or those kitchen gadgets you swore you’d use but haven’t touched since you bought them.
• When packing boxes, heavier items should go on the bottom and lighter items on top. And don’t forget to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in.
• If you have any high-value or particularly delicate items, it might be worth investing in specialty boxes or professional packing services.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be ready to conquer your move in the last minute. Now, let’s explore some room-specific packing tips. 

Living room packing tips

The living room is filled with various items, from fragile electronics and artwork to large furniture pieces. These tips will help you pack them fast:

• Before you start packing, sort through your belongings and decide what you need to take with you.
• Next, focus on easily breakable objects, such as electronics, lamps, picture frames, and decorative items. For artwork, select boxes of the appropriate size and mark the glass with an “X” using painter’s tape. Wrap each piece in paper or bubble wrap to protect it.
• To properly pack boxes, use the appropriate size and place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Also, don’t leave any empty spaces in the boxes. Fill them with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting around.
• Cover one section at a time, such as a bookshelf or a cabinet, before moving on to the next.
• Organize your items before packing them, grouping similar ones together, and keeping essential items packed separately for easy access. Remember to label each box with its contents and where it belongs in your new home.
• Also, pack a separate box or bag with things you’ll need right away, like remote controls, cables for your electronics, and even snacks for your first night in the new living room.

Now that you know how to pack your living room fast, let’s explore what to do with your bedroom.

How to move your bedroom

It’s time to organize your bedroom — your personal space:

• Go through your belongings and decide what you really use, just like it was in your living room.
• Next, get decorative items out of the way. 
• Get ready to tackle the heavy furniture, like the bed, wardrobe, and dresser. If you can, use furniture sliders to avoid damaging your floor.
• If you still have the original boxes for shoes and hats, use them for packing. Otherwise, wrap the shoes in paper and tape them together. As for clothes, consider using wardrobe boxes, as they allow you to hang items inside.
• Don’t forget to protect your mattress — get a mattress bag to protect it from dirt and dust during the move.
• Once you’ve tackled the heavy items, you can focus on your artwork and decor. Pack these carefully using bubble wrap.

Your bedroom is ready to start a new life in a new place, just like you.

Kitchen packing hacks

All those utensils, appliances, and breakables make packing your kitchen impossible, but our hacks will help you solve this task faster:

• Leave your cabinets and drawers open as you pack the items within them. It’s a simple trick that helps you remember what you’ve already packed and what’s still to go.
• Use everyday items you have lying around like dish towels and oven mitts to keep things from shifting during transport. Simply stuff them into the openings of pots and pans.
• Wrap your kitchen tools in plastic wrap and put them in flat containers.
• Label every box with which room it belongs in and what important items are inside.
• When packing a box, start with the bigger, heavier items and finish off with lighter ones. This keeps the box balanced and prevents delicate items from getting crushed.
• Put together an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately after your move, like your coffee maker, toaster, pot, pan, and some utensils.

Once you’ve packed your kitchen, go to your dining room.

Dining room packing tips

Here’s how you can pack your dining room faster:

• Begin by packing smaller items like tablecloths, placemats, and other linens. These can be folded neatly and placed in boxes. 
• Instead of stacking your plates horizontally, pack them vertically (like vinyl records). They’re less likely to break this way.
• Do you have fancy silverware? Wrap each piece in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing them in a silver cloth bag. This prevents scratching and tarnishing.
• When packing glasses and stemware, fill them with packing paper first then wrap them individually.
• If possible, disassemble your dining table, chairs, and other large pieces of furniture.
• It seems like we’re always harping on about labels. But when you’re surrounded by a sea of boxes in your new home, those labels will save your life.

Now, onto the bathroom.

Moving tips: bathrooms

The bathroom may be the smallest room in your apartment but tricky to pack due to all those tiny items and fragile toiletries. These tips will help you out:

• Start by emptying those medicine cabinets and storage areas — a great time to declutter and only pack what you really need.
• For fragile items, wrap each one in a pouch or packing paper. You can also use hand towels, bath mats, and other linens to pad these items and prevent breakages.
• All toiletries should be put into plastic bags where you’ve removed the excess air.
• One way to reduce wasted box space or use fewer boxes is to use towels or other linens to insulate fragile items instead of bubble wrap.
• Put similar items together in separate compartments.
• Just like with your kitchen, put together an essentials box for the bathroom. Include things like toilet paper, soap, and toothbrushes.
• Again, label your boxes.

Now that you know how to pack your rooms, you’d also like to find out some moving-day tips.

Moving-day moving hacks

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for — a moving day! Before you start loading your moving truck, explore some useful hacks:

• Start early in the day. The earlier you start, the more daylight you have to work with, and the cooler the temperature will be.
• Clear a path through your home to prevent any accidental trips or falls while carrying boxes.
• Dress in comfortable, sturdy clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. And don’t forget supportive shoes.
• Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep water bottles on hand and take regular breaks.
• When loading your moving vehicle, remember: that heavy items go in first and towards the front of the truck, followed by lighter items and boxes.
• Before you unplug and pack up electronics, snap some photos of the wiring setups to easily set them up later.
• Pack a separate box or bag with your valuable and essential items and keep it with you during the move.

And another extra tip: try to keep positive emotions during your moving day. After all, it’s the start of your new life.

Last-minute moving hacks

If you’re reading this section, you’re probably in a hurry. These last-minute moving hacks will help you get through this crunch time:

• Don’t bother taking clothes off their hangers. Simply gather a bunch and slip a garbage bag over them, starting from the bottom. Secure the bag around the hanger hooks and get an instant wardrobe box.
• Use socks as extra padding for glasses and stemware. 
• Space-saving vacuum bags are great, but if you don’t have them, roll your clothes instead of folding them.
• If you’re short on boxes, check local community groups or recycling centers. They often have plenty of boxes that are free for the taking.
• Instead of emptying drawers, remove the whole drawer and cover it with plastic wrap. You can move furniture pieces without emptying them first.
• Plan to use up as much of your food as possible before the move to avoid having to pack and transport it.
• If you’re really short on time, consider scanning important papers and storing them digitally instead of physically moving them.
• Keep a box of disposable wipes handy for quick clean-ups and a final once-over before leaving.

Remember, even when time is short, you don’t have to do it alone. The team at Paradise Moving & Storage is always ready to step in and help you move to your new home.