5 Tips to Pack for a Long-Distance Move

 

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Packing up your whole life and taking it to an entirely new place is physically exhausting and can take a toll on you mentally and emotionally, especially if you’re moving long distance. After all, you’re leaving behind what was once home to you. 

You could be moving from the Bay Area to seek new opportunities in bustling metropolises or just for a change of pace in serene suburbs. According to the US Census Bureau, the median gross rent is $967 over the national average, so perhaps, you’re moving because you’re looking to stay somewhere more affordable. Whatever your reason is, packing for a move will be difficult. You want to ensure all your precious belongings are packed properly and will arrive in one piece in your new home. 

But don’t worry; we’re here to help! In this piece, we’re talking about the top packing tips for your long-distance move to make your move smoother and a lot less stressful. So, let’s get into it!

1. Start Early

There’s a golden rule when it comes to packing for a long-distance move, and it’s two words: start early! Save time and energy by starting ASAP. Besides, procrastinating and leaving things for the last minute can cause chaos and poorly thought-out choices.

Also, packing well in advance increases your chances of getting any bookings you want and on your preferred dates—at the best prices, too. With so many people moving from the Bay Area, according to 2022 census data, many services might be fully booked up. 

For example, if you want to hire a moving company, you need to do so in advance, or you might not be able to get them at all. Just a simple internet search of Bay Area movers near me will do the trick. Hiring a moving service will lighten up your load since they’ll be doing the bulk of the packing for you, which could be exactly what you need.

2. Pack Light

Here’s a secret to make packing for your long-distance move so much easier: pack light! If you only pack the things you absolutely need, not only will it speed up the process, but it’ll save you money as well. Fewer things mean fewer supplies. Also, when you arrive at your new destination, you’ll have a clean slate to start fresh.

So, when you start packing, go over your things and sort them out. It helps to separate your belongings into three piles; keep, give away, and throw. If you have things in good condition that you don’t use or are too inconvenient to take with you, donate them to people who need them or sell them off. Broken or damaged things aren’t worth packing, so just consider discarding them. 

3. Label Everything

A game changer when it comes to packing is making sure you label everything: all the boxes, suitcases, and bags. But don’t be vague; in fact, the more detail, the better it is for you to know where everything is.

For example, instead of just labeling a box with ‘clothes,’ specify whose clothes they are, then write which room they belong in, and add more specifics if necessary, like whether the box includes any winter coats or if it’s just summer clothes.

If you have time, catalog each packed item with pictures or a spreadsheet for a detailed inventory list. This will help you quickly find what you’re looking for once you’re ready to unpack in your new home.

4. Pack Kitchen Items Extra Carefully

Kitchen appliances and other items can be fragile and, if not packed with care, will get damaged or break during your move. The last thing you want is for that China tea set that’s been in your family for decades to break.

Start by packing each dish on its own, then bunch four or five together in packing paper or old newspaper for that extra layer of protection. One smart move is to pack items on their sides rather than flat, reducing the chances of breakage. Use bunched-up paper around the dishes to act as a shock absorber in case the ride is bumpy. You can also wrap bowls and cups inside each other, saving you space, but make sure to have wrapping paper or even bubble wrap inside them.

5. Use Your Dressers and Wardrobe

If you’re already taking your furniture with you, like your dresser, wardrobe, and drawers (things that can hold space), take advantage of them! Instead of filling up more boxes, use the stuff you’re already bringing to pack your belongings. 

If your dresser is already full, you might not even need to pack the things in it again—just take it as it is. As long as it’s not too heavy, you can shrink-wrap it, and it’ll be good to go. The best part is, unpacking it will be quite easy, too, since your things are already where they need to be.

But investing in wardrobe boxes might be a good idea for the things you keep hanging, like dresses, suits, and coats. These specialized boxes feature a hanging bar, which lets you move the clothes straight from the cupboard to the box without removing them from their hangers. This saves you the trouble when rehanging your clothes when you arrive. Plus, they’ll help keep them wrinkle-free and tidy during the trip.

Conclusion

Packing up, leaving your old life behind, and starting new is less than easy. There’s so much to do: tying up loose ends, saying your goodbyes, and preparing for life in a new space. This process can cause lots of stress. But the major chunk of the work is packing. 

Packing, if not done right, can make the process a pain. Instead of enjoying the last few moments in your old life and being excited for the next, you’re all worked up over your things. So, by following the tips we compiled for you above, you’ll be able to take a load off your mind, and the experience will be a more positive one. Happy packing!