How to Pack for a Long Distance Move
Jan 11, 2024
Embarking on a long-distance move? Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the packing puzzle? Hey, we get it! Packing up your life for a big move can be a real head-scratcher. The worry about forgetting essentials, the fragile stuff, and just where to begin can make your head spin.
While packing and moving companies are there to lend a helping hand, there’s more to the story. Sure, they handle the packing, and you won’t need to worry about buying boxes. But here’s the thing—strategizing your packing game before the moving crew arrives can be a game-changer. Why? Because even the best moving teams have tight schedules, and expecting them to spend weeks on your packing might not be realistic.
To keep things smooth for you and the pros, we’ve put together some practical tips on how to pack for a long-distance move in this article. So, kick back, relax, and let’s tackle this packing thing together.
Declutter, Declutter, and Declutter
We can’t stress enough on the benefits of decluttering. Your belongings will be traveling thousands of miles for weeks before they reach their final destination in the case of a long-distance move. And the volume of your stuff directly influences the cost. Hence, the less you pack, the lighter your financial load.
So, before you hand it all over to the interstate movers, consider decluttering. Follow the 5-year rule: if it hasn’t seen daylight in half a decade, it might be time to part ways. You can also embrace other decluttering hacks like the 333 or 20/20 rules. Keep your decluttered treasures in a separate spot, revisit them, and bid farewell to the unnecessary baggage. Lighten the load, both physically and financially!
Donate or Send to the Recycling Centre
Saying goodbye to personal belongings can be a sentimental journey, but it stings a little less when you envision them getting a second life. Rather than bidding farewell to your items in the trash, consider donating them. Whether it’s dropping them off at a recycling center or finding local charities, this not only minimizes waste but contributes to a sustainable choice.
For those items with a bit more life left, explore the vibrant world of online platforms. Join local Facebook groups or download city-favorite apps to sell your pre-loved items. Engage with potential buyers, quote a fair price, and watch your belongings find new homes while lightening your load.
While this method demands some time, planning and starting the decluttering process months before the move ensures a seamless and eco-friendly transition. So, let the items find new homes and lighten your load and ecological footprint.
Pack an Essentials Box and a Survival Kit Separately
An essentials box will be a separate box that goes with the shipment. On the other hand, a survival kit would travel along with you.
An essentials box will include items you will need when you receive your shipment. A survival kit includes items you need even before your shipment reaches the destination. It will help you survive when you have nothing in hand. This would include your important documents, a change of clothes for a day or two, toiletries, kitchen essentials, footwear, linens, and anything else you cannot do without.
An essentials box is a separate labeled box that may include all these things but in larger quantities. For example, pack appropriate clothes like your jackets, gummies, and umbrellas in this box if you are moving into a state experiencing winter. You can also add other first-day essentials, so you do not have to rummage all boxes separately for things you need. This box can include more kitchen cutlery (like knives, plates, and spoons), a few towels, a few toys (if you have kids), garbage bags, curtains, etc., as the case may be. This will also prevent you from running to a nearby supermarket multiple times a day for anything you need.
Start Packing Box by Box
Instead of packing room by room, it’s better to categorize and pack box by box. Take the kitchen, for example—group cutlery and delicate items separately, allowing packers to handle them with care using bubble wrap. Keep larger tools and cookware like cooking dishes, skillets, and saucers together, while glasses, plates, and glass utensils can be packed separately.
Got the original boxes for your appliances lying around? Great! Pack those grinders and coffee makers yourself. The same goes for other big stuff in your home. It’s a time-saver and eco-friendly, too, with less packing material waste.
Extend this method to various areas of your home, such as packing laundry items and grooming supplies in designated boxes. Allocate separate boxes for bathroom essentials and use wardrobe boxes for efficiently organizing individual family members’ clothes. Remember to label each box before sealing to ensure a seamless unpacking process at your new destination. This systematic approach not only eases the packing burden but also enhances the unpacking experience on the other end.
Know What You Should Not Pack
As much as we’d love the convenience of rolling your entire home to a new location, reality nudges us towards a more practical approach. Long-distance moves come with a list of no-go items that your moving company can gladly share – things like medicine, perishables, plants, and the not-so-movable frozen foods.
When it comes to delicate treasures like antique showpieces, vintage furniture, or that timeless wall clock, packing them with the same gusto as your everyday items might not cut it. These fragile gems need a bit more TLC. Consider separate packing or investing in extra cushioning to ensure they survive the journey intact.
Take Help From a Moving Company
A lot of stress is eliminated when you hire moving companies to pack your belongings. They will handle the following tasks for you:
- The entire packing material logistics – from boxes to tape, they’ve got it covered.
- No need to wrestle with dismantling furniture; the pros handle disassembly and thorough packing to minimize any risk of damage.
- Swift and efficient packing, ensuring your belongings are secure for the journey.
- Labeling chaos – movers use stickers and other labeling techniques, but it never hurts to remind them for extra assurance.
- Fragile items get the VIP treatment, are packed with an extra layer of care, and are often kept separate to avoid any mishaps.
- A strategic approach, loading items from heaviest to lightest, ensuring stability during transit.
And if that’s not enough, some moving companies go the extra mile, offering unpacking assistance and ensuring all packing materials are whisked away for recycling. So, sit back, relax, and let the pros handle the heavy lifting and meticulous packing for a hassle-free move.
Start Packing Now!
As you embark on your long-distance move, remember that the secret sauce to a stress-free journey lies in smart packing. Whether you’re channeling your inner Marie Kondo or opting for the expert touch, categorizing items and decluttering early on sets the tone. Grab inspiration from the tips above to ace the packing-to-unpacking game.
If the thought of it all still makes you break into a sweat, why not let the pros handle it? Moving companies aren’t just about heavy lifting; they bring a touch of magic to packing expertise. Less stress, more peace of mind—plus, chat with them about damage compensation for that extra layer of zen.
For any assistance related to packing and moving, remember that Atlas Allied is always by your side. We are here to make your moving journey a breeze. Contact us today to learn more.