Six Brilliant Techniques for Getting Packed to Move Fast

Need to move in a hurry? Figuring out how to pack your belongings and get moved quickly is a challenge for most. You can use these six techniques to getting packed in a short amount of time.

#1 Purge as you pack

As you are packing, you need to purge at the same time. For example, you may be packing your kids’ extra toys. Take a moment to set aside toys they have outgrown, that are broken, or just don’t want anymore. Donate, trash, or give away these items.

This doesn’t mean spending a huge amount of time contemplating every item in your house. It means getting rid of the items that are just not worth moving.

#2 Create an essentials box

If you are moving locally, you are going to need a bag of items to get you through a few days as you unpack and get settled. If you are moving long distance, you will need a few more essentials to survive until the moving truck arrives.

Essential items are going to vary, but here’s a list to get you started:

  • Personal items like your wallet, purse, and keys
  • Medications
  • Important documents
  • Personal electronics like cell phones, tablets, and laptops. (Don’t forget the chargers!)
  • Pen and paper
  • A change of clothing
  • Kid essentials like favorite toys
  • Pet essentials like food, leashes, and the litter box
  • Basic toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.
  • Toilet paper
  • Feminine hygiene products if needed
  • Small tool kit
  • Snacks and drinks

#3 Put things in a box

You don’t have time to get fussy about what items go in which box. Start putting items in a box and keep going. Just use common sense when packing. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap. Put heavy items in the bottom of boxes, lighter items on top. Pack books in small boxes. Use bigger boxes for lighter items.

#4 Use what you have

You can save some time and money by using things you have around the house to pack.

  • Use towels, linens, and clothing to wrap fragile items
  • Use empty luggage to pack your clothing
  • Use trash bags to cover hanging clothing
  • Use trash bags to pack bed linens and other soft items
  • Use freezer bags to pack small items

#5 Label everything

It may be tempting to just pack a box, close it and move on to the next. However, taking time to label will save you a lot of hassle during and after the move.

As soon as you close and tape a box, slap a label on it. Note its contents and which room it needs to go in.

#6 Clean as you go

Take time to clean up your packing area every hour or so. Make sure the boxes that are already packed are stacked in an out-of-the-way location. Clean up any stray trash. If you’ve set aside items for your essentials box, make sure they are well away from your packing area.

These techniques will help you pack your home in a matter of days. That way, you can get out and get to your new destination in as little time as possible.

How to Pack Your Moving Boxes the Right Way

Getting things packed up for a move? You might think packing involved putting things in a box and closing it. That method works, but it can make unpacking a nightmare and lead to more than one broken item.

Use these instructions from local movers in Seattle to pack your items for safe transport and to make unpacking as easy as possible.

#1 Sort items by destination, size, and weight.

To make unpacking easier, it’s best to group items by their planned destination in your new home. Then, sort by size and weight. Packing similar items together makes the most use of the box.

Start packing lesser-used items first. Leave more commonly used items for the week of moving, with the essential items packed the day before or day of the move.

#2 Choose the right box.

You can do this by knowing what size and types of moving boxes to use, which varies on what you are packing.

Box Sizes

  • 1.5 cubic foot – ideal for kitchen items and books, but works well for other small appliances and blankets as filler
  • 3.0 cubic foot – for clothing, cookware (such as pots, pans, baking pans, etc.), and larger electronics
  • 4.5 cubic foot – larger kitchen appliances that do not already have boxes will work well in this size, also bed linens and small lamps
  • 6.0 or 6.1 cubic foot – for clothing, thick blankets, cushions, or other bulky (but lightweight) items

Box Styles

  • Wardrobe boxes – You will want one that is upright and has a bar to pack anything that you do not want to have to lay flat. While they are suitable for dresses, suits, and other closet clothing, the larger boxes are perfect for wind chimes or chandeliers that will tangle if laid flat or left loose. Wardrobe boxes also look like a dresser drawer, making moving clothes from drawers to boxes a breeze.
  • Mirror boxes – If you have artwork, mirrors, or any framed picture with glass in it, you will want to wrap them in bubble wrap and use these specific boxes for safe transportation. They do not handle a lot of weight, so pack lightly.
  • Dish packs – These are special boxes that can handle drinking glasses and glass bottles of various sizes.
  • Mattress boxes – Only necessary if you worry about your mattress getting punctured in a move or you are planning to store it for a while following a move.

#3 Create a cushion.

When packing a box, you want to create a cushion to prevent items from breaking during the move. Adding a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled paper is one way to do this.

If you are packing non-breakable items, like books or linens, adding a cushion layer is not necessary.

#4 Wrap items in bubble wrap.

Keep breakable items safe by wrapping them in bubble wrap. As you set them inside the box, make sure to add packing peanuts or crumpled paper in empty spots to prevent items from moving around.

#5 Place heavier items at the bottom, lighter at the top.

If you are packing several items into a single box, place heavier items on the bottom. Then, add lighter items on top. The heavier weight on the bottom helps keep the box stable and prevents it from toppling over.

#6 Keep the weight below 30 pounds.

Try to keep each box’s weight below 30 pounds if possible. This ensures that each box is easy to lift and that it won’t collapse under its own weight.

#7 Add packing material to the top.

Once you’ve finished putting items into a box, add packing material into any empty spaces, finishing with a layer on top. Filling the box helps protect its contents and keeps the box stable during the move.

#8 Tape up the box.

Use packing tape to close the box and secure its contents. Add a couple of strips down the seam.

For easier opening, you can place a string under the tape, leaving a piece hanging down one side. When you are ready to open the box, just grab the string and pull.

#9 Label and color code the box.

Give a brief description of its contents (Christmas decor, bathroom linens, etc.). Use colored tape to designate the box’s destination at your new place (red for living room, blue for kitchen, etc.)

At your new place, before the movers arrive, put up signs showing which color goes to which room. The movers will just need to look at the color and find the right room.

These guidelines will help you pack your home quickly and efficiently. They will allow you to secure your items, keeping them safe. Then, they will make the unpacking process easier to complete. What other packing tips do you intend to use in your move?

Top Five Tips for Ensuring Your Long Distance Move to WA is a Success

If you’re considering moving any length of distance, you’re going to need a plan. Having one makes the entire process smoother by ensuring that you’ve done everything you’ve needed to do to make your travels to your new home safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Once you arrive in Washington, you’ll have your utilities on, mail forwarded, and keys to your new residence.

How to Be Better Prepared for Moving Day

Avoiding the potential pitfalls that many first-time movers experience is essential to your health and well-being. After all, they say that an ounce of prevention is well worth the time expended to make things happen, right? The following list will help you better prepare for your next big adventure by getting your affairs in order before moving.

Here are five of the top tips that ensure your long distance move to Washington is a success:

1. Take extra caution when packing your breakables

Bubble wrap and other forms of cushioning are your best friend. You can avoid the hassle of filing damage claims with the moving company by making sure that your fragile items are handled with the utmost care. When in doubt, wrap and wrap some more. This applies to furniture, too.

2. Keep an overnight bag in your vehicle for every person in your family

Getting around the first few days after a big move should be effortless for everyone. Having a bag for each family member (and pet) is ideal because it lets them grab what they need to get ready without digging through boxes.

3. Stop and stretch your legs often

Give yourself plenty of rest stops along the way. It allows you to take your mind off moving and give your body a good stretch. For every few hours of driving, you should stop and rest at least 15 minutes.

4. Confirm shut-off and start-up dates on your utilities

You won’t show up to a home that doesn’t have its electric, gas, and water on. You’ll also be able to take advantage of trash service which is very necessary while unpacking your home.

5. Make sure children and pets are comfortable at all times while you travel

Do your part to have an adventure with them. Keep what the kids and animals need nearby so you can access it easily. When you stop to take a break, encourage everyone to use the bathroom before entering the vehicle.

These tips are basic but very helpful. They’ll keep everyone in your family, including your children and pets, happy and willing to travel the distance to Washington with you. You’ll have less to stress about and more to look forward to in your new state.

Advanced Preparation Prevents Havoc from Ensuing

Moving doesn’t need to be hard work and emotionally grueling. By preparing in advance for it and hiring professional cheap movers, you’re able to prevent things from going wrong. That way, you’re able to come up with a solution immediately and go about your day with little to no stress. Being physically and emotionally prepared for the next chapter of your life allows you to weather proverbial storms and walk away from the situation being better organized and well-informed about the moving process in general.