Let’s face it: we all want to be outstanding packers. There’s just something appealing about a box, bag, or suitcase packed neatly, tightly, and with no wasted space. Still, even our best packing intentions tend to dissolve on moving day.
Fortunately, that doesn’t always have to be the case.
In this blog, we share our top tips for efficient packing, even when you’re rushed, tired, or just looking forward to getting into your new space
5 Tips to Pack More Efficiently
Downsize, get more efficient, and become the packing guru you truly are with these efficiency-focused packing tips:
1. Use items you already have
Whenever possible, use items you already have to pack and move your belongings. Instead of buying moving boxes, use suitcases to pack the clothes in your closet, or fill those big Tupperware bins in the garage with sturdy items that won’t break easily.
Instead of purchasing packing paper or peanuts to protect delicate items, use soft goods like towels, t-shirts, and bedding to wrap dishes or provide padding in boxes of breakables. Use pots and pans to hold small items, and put bulky items like throw pillows and blankets in decorative storage containers.
This process saves you money on moving supplies and allows you to move more of your items in a single run.
2. Declutter first
You’ve heard us say it before, but here it is again: declutter first! Getting rid of items you don’t need makes packing and moving much more manageable.
In addition to decreasing the volume of items you need to move, it also speeds up the packing process, allows you to consume less packing materials, and makes unpacking and moving more streamlined.
Here are a few tips to help you declutter efficiently:
Work through your house room by room, making two piles: one pile of items to throw away and one pile of things to donate or give away.
Be ruthless about decluttering. Duplicate items, items you haven’t used in more than a year, or items that are damaged and unlikely to be repaired should all go. If you run into things you can’t bear to part with but don’t want to move, contact our team about residential storage services to keep your belongings safe until you need them again.
Ask for help and get the whole family involved. Have your kids and spouse go through their belongings to declutter the entire house as quickly as possible.
Consider holding a yard sale to make extra cash from the items you no longer need.
3. Don’t empty your dresser drawers
Instead of emptying your dresser drawers, use moving tape to secure them, and then move the entire dresser in one fell swoop. This will dramatically cut down on your moving time AND make unpacking and settling much easier.
While it makes moving more convenient, this tip will also make dressers considerably heavier. If you’re moving on your own, make sure you have the necessary equipment (dollies or a forearm forklift) to move heavy furniture safely.
Alternately, hire our team of experienced residential movers to do it for you.
4. Create a moving essentials bag
Nothing is less efficient than digging through bags you’ve already packed to find that item you just realized you need. To avoid this, create a moving essentials bag a few days before your big relocation.
We recommend using a backpack, duffel bag, or small suitcase to pack a few essential items, including:
A change of clothes for yourself and other family members.
Necessary medications, supplements, and medical devices.
Some non-perishable snacks for moving day.
Toiletries like toothbrushes and soap.
Toys, books, and other comfort items for kids.
Household documents and paperwork.
Extra phone and computer chargers.
Anything else that will keep you comfortable and sane on moving day.
Having a moving essentials bag nearby allows you to keep packed items organized and move more efficiently when the time comes.
5. Color code your boxes
Finally, we recommend color-coding your boxes. Purchase a sheet of different-colored stickers and use them to assign boxes by room. This allows you to identify which packages belong where quickly and streamline the labeling and sorting of your boxes as you pack.
Work Smarter, Not Harder During Your Next Move
Moving shouldn’t be a headache. By following the packing tips in this blog and calling on Gallo Moving & Storage’s expert residential moving team, you can make your next relocation as streamlined, quick, and straightforward as possible and get busy enjoying your new space right away.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your free move estimate.
5 Tips for Efficient Packing
Let’s face it: we all want to be outstanding packers. There’s just something appealing about a box, bag, or suitcase packed neatly, tightly, and with no wasted space. Still, even our best packing intentions tend to dissolve on moving day.
Fortunately, that doesn’t always have to be the case.
In this blog, we share our top tips for efficient packing, even when you’re rushed, tired, or just looking forward to getting into your new space
5 Tips to Pack More Efficiently
Downsize, get more efficient, and become the packing guru you truly are with these efficiency-focused packing tips:
1. Use items you already have
Whenever possible, use items you already have to pack and move your belongings. Instead of buying moving boxes, use suitcases to pack the clothes in your closet, or fill those big Tupperware bins in the garage with sturdy items that won’t break easily.
Instead of purchasing packing paper or peanuts to protect delicate items, use soft goods like towels, t-shirts, and bedding to wrap dishes or provide padding in boxes of breakables. Use pots and pans to hold small items, and put bulky items like throw pillows and blankets in decorative storage containers.
This process saves you money on moving supplies and allows you to move more of your items in a single run.
2. Declutter first
You’ve heard us say it before, but here it is again: declutter first! Getting rid of items you don’t need makes packing and moving much more manageable.
In addition to decreasing the volume of items you need to move, it also speeds up the packing process, allows you to consume less packing materials, and makes unpacking and moving more streamlined.
Here are a few tips to help you declutter efficiently:
3. Don’t empty your dresser drawers
Instead of emptying your dresser drawers, use moving tape to secure them, and then move the entire dresser in one fell swoop. This will dramatically cut down on your moving time AND make unpacking and settling much easier.
While it makes moving more convenient, this tip will also make dressers considerably heavier. If you’re moving on your own, make sure you have the necessary equipment (dollies or a forearm forklift) to move heavy furniture safely.
Alternately, hire our team of experienced residential movers to do it for you.
4. Create a moving essentials bag
Nothing is less efficient than digging through bags you’ve already packed to find that item you just realized you need. To avoid this, create a moving essentials bag a few days before your big relocation.
We recommend using a backpack, duffel bag, or small suitcase to pack a few essential items, including:
Having a moving essentials bag nearby allows you to keep packed items organized and move more efficiently when the time comes.
5. Color code your boxes
Finally, we recommend color-coding your boxes. Purchase a sheet of different-colored stickers and use them to assign boxes by room. This allows you to identify which packages belong where quickly and streamline the labeling and sorting of your boxes as you pack.
Work Smarter, Not Harder During Your Next Move
Moving shouldn’t be a headache. By following the packing tips in this blog and calling on Gallo Moving & Storage’s expert residential moving team, you can make your next relocation as streamlined, quick, and straightforward as possible and get busy enjoying your new space right away.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your free move estimate.