Sketch it out

Drawing where your furniture will go on the floor plan provided by the Leasing Agent will keep you prepared and organized.  You’ll most likely move things around later but having a plan in mind ahead of time should reduce stress and chaos on moving day.  This will also give you an opportunity to decide if there is any existing furniture that you should sell, give away, or buy prior to your move.

Spring cleaning

Go through all of your clothes, kitchenware, pantry items, and closets before you begin packing.  Do you really need that pair of shoes that you never wear?  How about that ice cream maker that you’ve only used once?  Do you have any cleaning supplies you never use or are almost empty?  No need to pack and move something that can donate, sell, recycle, or throw away ahead of time.

Label all boxes  

Labeling the boxes’ contents and which room they will be going to will pay dividends when you go to unpack everything.  Once all boxes are taped and sealed shut, it is also a great practice to write a number on each box so you know the total number of boxes you will be moving.

Wrap breakables in t-shirts, socks,  or towels

Why pay for expensive bubble wrap when you can use your clothes for free?  Packing plates vertically like records tends to also save space and protects them from breakage.

Wrap dresser drawers in protective plastic instead of emptying them

This method will save you time from having to pack and unpack the drawer and will also reduce the weight of the dresser.

Take pictures of your electronic equipment before dismantling the cords

It can also be helpful to tape labels to the cords and inputs so you know how to plug everything back in.  Placing the cords and screws in a small bag and taping it to the back of the equipment is another smart practice.

Pack a small overnight bag for all of the essentials you’ll need on moving day

You’ll be tired after a long day of moving.  By having your toiletries, pajamas, a change of clothes, and a phone charger in one bag you won’t have to waste time digging through boxes to search for what you need to go to sleep the first day.  We also recommend keeping valuables such jewelry and your laptop in this bag to ensure these items from being misplaced, broken, or stolen on moving day.

Use clear plastic bins for items that you’ll want to access quickly on moving day

Being able to see inside the box works great when you want to pack a large number of smaller, individual items such as kitchen and bathroom supplies.  We also recommend putting scissors, cleaning products, handheld broom, dust pan, and paper towels in a second clear container as you will most likely need these items frequently on moving day.

Remember to keep a serenity space

Let’s face it, packing and moving is tiring and stressful.  Remember to always keep one place clear of boxes and loose items so you have a place to sit or lay down when you are ready to take a break, you’ll thank yourself later!