Skip to Content

How to Pack for a Move Efficiently

How to Pack for a Move Efficiently

When you’re trying to figure out how to pack for a move, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration. Use these tips to make packing for your move easier.

Looking for even more tips for your move? Check this out!

how to pack for a move

Packing the right way can make your move easier.

When you figure out how to pack for a move, it can make your whole move easier. You’ll be able to protect your belongings, know where everything is when you get to your new home and make unpacking easier. There are a few tips that will help make packing easier. When you use these tips, it can make your move less stressful and can actually save you money since you won’t have to replace items that were damaged during the move.

How to pack for a move: the basics.

There are a few things you’re going to need before you start packing for a move. You’ll need boxes, quality packing tape and something to label your boxes with. Index cards and different colored markers are one of the cheapest solutions for labeling. You can also purchase moving labels that are color-coded. This option is a little pricier than just using index cards, but it can save some time.

What to pack first when moving?

You should start packing the things you’re not going to use often first. When you go through your belongings and start throwing things away you know you’re not going to use, you should also make note of the things you don’t think you’re going to use in the near future. These should get packed first:

Rarely used China or dishes.

  • Seasonal clothing.
  • Home decor pieces.
  • Items you use seasonally or during the holidays.
  • Craft items.
  • Power tools you’re not likely to use.

If you are in a hurry, you might need to pack all your items quickly and at the same time. In this case, it’s a good idea to pack your heavier items first. Make sure you put your heaviest boxes and furniture pieces toward the front of your truck or trailer.

Take up as much space in the box as possible.

When you’re packing each of your boxes, you should make sure you’re packing the boxes as full as you can. While you don’t necessarily want to stuff the boxes to the point where they won’t close, you should make sure you take up as much space as possible. Figuring out how to pack for a move is easier when you don’t have to use as many boxes. Making sure you’re using all the space you have in each box will help you use fewer boxes.

How to pack for a move: finding a system that works for you.

There are several different ways you can pack for your move. You can choose to pack your clothes hanging up or folded in boxes. You might also choose to pack things in small boxes that are easier to carry. Some people who are planning a move may just throw things in boxes and head to their new home. No matter which way you pack, you need to find a system that works for you. A few questions you should ask yourself when you’re figuring out how to pack for a move:

  • Do you want to be organized while you’re packing?
  • How much time do you have to pack?
  • Does your house have more furniture or more items you’ll put in boxes?
  • What things will you need first at your new house?

Use these questions to get a good start on how you’re going to pack efficiently. From there, you can determine which system will work best for you. You can also figure out how you can make packing easier no matter how much stuff you have!


Take photos of some of your items.

You should take pictures of any item you’re breaking down for a move. Whether you’re going to take items apart to fit into boxes or you’re taking apart your furniture to fit it on a truck, you should take pictures. Not only do you need to take pictures of the item assembled, but you should try to take a few shots of it when you’re taking it apart so you know how to fit it back together. Small baggies and permanent markers are great for keeping (and labeling) small pieces like screws.

What should you pack last when moving?

The last things you should pack when you’re moving are the items you’re going to use on a daily basis. For things like your regular outfits, it’s a good idea to pack them in a suitcase. You should have a couple days’ worth of outfits and toiletries. Even if you’re going to get to your new house in one day, you won’t have to worry about digging through boxes to find all your favorite outfits. Make sure you pack things like shampoo, soap and medicine so you can access it quickly at your new house.

Stay safe when you’re packing.

The most important thing when you’re figuring out how to pack for a move is staying safe. Packing can sometimes be tricky and not knowing what you’re doing can risk your safety. A few safety tips:

  • Don’t pack boxes until they’re so heavy you can’t pick them up.
  • Know the proper way to pick up a box.
  • Wrap and label all your breakable items since broken glass can be a huge safety hazard.
  • Use a furniture or appliance dolly to get the big items out of your home.
  • Pad your boxes and your furniture once they’re loaded to keep them from shifting.

Packing is an essential part of moving. Doing it the right way, staying safe and focusing on your belongings is the easiest way to make sure you can have a stress-free move.

We found free stuff for you!