Learn how to pack small items in advance, and your move will be quick and easy.
Preparing for a move can be a headache. With so many things on your schedule, it is essential you keep track of everything. It is also crucial to make as few mistakes as possible. Whenever you must redo something, it is a massive waste of time and money. With that in mind, it is important to educate yourself when it comes to moving. If you are a first-timer, you might think you can handle it; however, the truth is you probably don’t know what to expect. Consequently, you’ll lose a lot of time figuring out how to deal with all the little things that just keep coming up. To help you prepare for the move, today’s lesson will teach you how to pack small items in advance.
Trust me when I say this, time is a crucial factor when it comes to relocating. If you learn how to manage time, you are halfway done with the preparations. Packing your stuff in advance will help you in the long run, since you’ll have more time to deal with the rest of the tasks. To pack small items, you just have to make a solid plan, and stick to it!
How to pack small items in advance?
Planning is not difficult, as long as you know what your goal is. To pack small items, you must:
- think about time management
- categorize your items
- make a list
- find appropriate packing material
- label your boxes properly
These are five essential steps that will help you to pack small items. Also, if you learn this principle, you can apply it to anything you wish to pack. I also advise you to use planning apps to help you with this process. Technology makes everything easier!
Time management
Start packing in advance! If you have previous experience with moving, and you are short on time, here is how to fix the time problem. The number one packing tip for your next move should be to start packing as soon as you can. The amount of time you need to prepare for the move is proportional to the size of the move. So, think about your relocation. How many belongings do you have? Are you downsizing or moving to a bigger home? Is it a local move, cross country, or are you moving to another continent?
It is essential to answer these questions so you can allocate enough time to stay on schedule.
Learning how to allocate enough time for all tasks is a valuable skill.
Are you moving on your own or with a moving company?
I have to step out of our little five-step list for a moment. Before we can proceed with the next step, decide if you are hiring professional movers or moving on your own. It makes a difference, both financially and organizationally. Professional movers will pack everything, but they cost money. When relocating with a moving company, your planning will be different in many ways.
Nevertheless, even if you go with a moving company, knowing how to pack small items in advance is a valuable skill. You never know what can come up. Sometimes, the packing cost can be too much for your wallet. So, if you know how to pack small items and the rest of your belongings, you can save up a lot.
Categorize your items
Let’s get back to our five essential steps. Before you start to pack small items, you have to categorize them. This step is important because it will help you with packing later. First, divide them into fragile and non-fragile items. These two categories are packed differently.
Next, there should be a category for electronic parts. It is a rule that you disassemble all movable parts from any electronic devices and pack them into plastic bags. This way, you will make sure they don’t break during a bumpy ride. As I always say, when moving, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Another category should be clothes. There are multiple creative ways and tips on how to pack clothes. You can fold them, roll them, pack them in boxes or keep in drawers and hangers. Whatever way you choose, make sure they are tightly packed, so you can save space when moving.
There are many other categories, like kitchenware, toys or tools, but they all follow the same principle. These four categories are essential for every move.
Making a plan for your move is essential, put everything on paper so you don’t forget any step.
Make a list
Once you have your items categorized, make a list of all of your belongings. This is mostly to keep track of what is packed and what is not. When you start to pack small items in advance, it is essential to have this list. You can later go over it to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
Find boxes for packing
Another great tip is to pack small items in small boxes. You’ll save space, and it is easier to keep your belongings protected. Also, avoid packing too many heavy items in one big box. For example, books should go into smaller boxes. If you pack too many books into a bigger box, you not only risk tearing the box but also injuring your back. Finding the right box to pack small items is your primary goal.
However, there might be some things that you cannot bring to the new place. So just remember – if you can’t move it, store it! Finding affordable storage is much better than carrying too many boxes with you.
Labeling boxes
It is absolutely essential to label everything correctly. This way you’ll know which boxes are the fragile ones, or which box goes to which room when unpacking. Also, you need to label the essentials box, as you will unpack that one first.
Loading boxes into the truck
I have to talk about loading the boxes onto the truck for a moment. This has more to do with protecting your belongings. Heavier boxes always go on the bottom of the truck. Also, make sure to put your valuables on top of other boxes. If there is rain during the move, they might get damaged. A denied insurance claim after water damages your belongings is not something you need.
Keeping up with the schedule is crucial, always remember that time is money.
Saved time is like money in the bank
I hope that you now understand how to pack small items in advance. It is also essential to understand the importance of packing on time. Being behind schedule when moving is a terrible mistake, so think a few steps ahead and prioritize. Have a safe move and happy packing!