Packing Tips

When you’re moving there’s nothing more that you need than some packing tips to make your job easier. You can get a lot of information online, but there are some guides that will provide you with more information than others. That’s where we from the Master Moving Guide come into play as we are experts in providing people that are moving with valuable tips. We’ve created the ultimate guide to packing for a move to help you prepare for your upcoming relocation. Get in touch for more information and free moving quotes.

A professional using a guide to packing for a move
You’ll need a guide to packing to move to get everything done right

Moving alone vs. hiring professionals

There’s a big debate on what’s better for you when it’s time to pack for a move. To be completely honest, we think that it all depends on what your moving needs are and how quickly you need to get everything packed. Depending on your situation you might need tips for hiring movers, or advice on how to handle packing and moving by yourself. Like any part of the moving process, there are also some pros and cons of either decision. Here are the most common traits people give to situations when they’re packing with professionals and when they do it alone.

Professionals know packing hacks for moving that will improve efficiency

One of the most common things people believe is that professionals are more efficient. And that is very true. They have a lot of training and dozens if not hundreds of situations behind them. Be it that you’re moving your home or you need storage tips, they will know how to help you out. If nothing else it’s normal to think that they will do it faster and better than you with all the experience they have. However, it will come at a cost. Professional packing services are definitely a good idea for bigger moves and short-notice relocations.

Cost is one big factor when choosing between these two options

As we’ve mentioned, packing with professionals will cost you. On the other hand, packing by yourself can be a good option depending on what you’re packing. If the items you’re taking care of are antiques or valuable we don’t recommend trying it yourself. However, certain items can be packed well by following packing tips you can find online without any problems. It’s always a good idea to gauge your own expertise and find out what’s doable and what’s not. Don’t underestimate yourself, but don’t try something too risky for the sake of saving money. Use all the moving tips at your disposal if you want to ensure a seamless moving experience.

1 dollar bills
Costs of hiring professionals packers can be a deterrent when it comes to people actually hiring them

Guide to packing for a move: Using cardboard vs. reusable moving boxes

Now that you’ve decided what to do it’s time to pick your moving boxes. There’s a big debate on the environmental impact of using different types of moving boxes. And that’s very true, however, we’ll concentrate more on the practicality of choosing one over the other. Every guide to packing for a move will help you find cheap moving boxes that save you money, but will they also be the most efficient ones you can find? Every type of moving box has its pros and cons, and here are some reasons why people choose one or the other option.

Not every guide to packing for a move suggests cardboard moving boxes

Cardboard moving boxes are the standard when it comes to packing and moving. In the last few years, the industry has become more environmentally friendly and has introduced the recycling of boxes in order to decrease waste. Many moving companies will tell you that their long-distance moving tips can’t go without insisting on cardboard boxes. That’s not because they are against reusable boxes, but because they know how useful quality cardboard moving boxes can be on long trips. There’s a lot of things that can fit there and they will stay safe and protected during transportation.   

Use reusable moving boxes for shorter moves

Reusable moving boxes could be on top of the list of packing hacks for moving. After all, they are well received overall and are the right choice for everyone who cares about the environment. However, those types of boxes have their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, they are ideal for short-distance moves and overall relocations that require a smaller amount of items.  They are made out of hard plastic. It’s expected that reusable moving boxes can protect your items in the best possible way. The only downside to them is that they can’t hold more and bigger belongings.

What packing supplies are used when moving?

What kind of supplies will you use for your next move? We mentioned moving boxes and a couple of ways they can be helpful to you. However, you’ll need more than that to get your move ready to go. Above all, you need materials and tools to protect and seal the moving boxes. you don’t want to experience any mishap during your move. Especially if you are planning an interstate move. From supplies that will keep the structure of your moving box, to supplies that serve to protect your belongings from impacts from the outside, the list is very long. Here are just some of the supplies you need to have a successful move:

  • Moving boxes
  • Tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper 
A moving box with packing materials inside
Get all the materials you need before you start moving

Get free moving boxes before you follow any guide to packing for a move

Is your budget limited? Do you want to spend as little as possible on your move? There are solutions to overspending on supplies and your move in general. Above all, there are ways where you can get supplies at very cheap rates, and even for free. For that reason, any guide to packing for a move should include where to find free moving boxes if you’re in need of them. However, be careful of the quality of boxes you get. Nobody will guarantee you the same level of quality that you would receive when buying a moving box. That’s why even when getting free moving boxes you need to be picky.

Be creative with packing supplies

When you’re out of ideas and out of supplies you need to get creative. Thankfully, there are options for you to pack your belongings even if you have no moving boxes available to you. However, that will require you to take some unorthodox moves when it comes to packing your belongings. For example, the pantry isn’t something movers will usually move, but if you need to move by yourself it’s a good idea to put it inside pots. On the other hand, when you have a bunch of clothes that you need to pack, why not use your traveling bags as a substitute for boxes? There are many other examples of creativity that can save you from a lot of stress.

Choose the right size of boxes

Moving can take a lot of energy and effort. Especially when you consider that you need to pay attention to a lot of details. From scheduling everything to executing it’s a long road with a lot of challenges. That’s why you need to know how to choose the right moving boxes for your move. Will you need small, medium, large, or extra-large moving boxes? It all depends on your needs. Whatever you do, choose the right size as too big or small boxes can put your belongings in jeopardy when they’re in the moving truck.  

There’s no proper guide to packing for a move without labeling

If you ask any professional mover what the most common mistakes are when it comes to packing and moving in general, they will almost certainly tell you that the main problem is people not labeling or mislabeling moving boxes. Unfortunately, that’s how the most costly mistakes happen. That’s why any BBB-approved moving company will deliver your moving boxes with information written on it. Be it that it’s a box containing fragile items or at least information on in which room the items belong.    

A mover carrying a box with fragile items inside
Label your boxes if they have fragile items inside them for your and your mover’s safety

Packing only what you really need is among the most useful packing hacks for moving

Downsizing is the way to go when it comes to moving. That’s why it’s always a good idea to make a list of things that you really need to pack and a list of items that you really haven’t used in a long while. For that reason, it’s important to know where you can save up on space and cost. It’s time to throw away some old seasonal clothes that don’t fit you anymore, sell those appliances that you really didn’t use and that we’re just taking up space, or even donate furniture or other items to organizations that help those who are in need. Make your relocation into a good event not just for you but also for others.

Pack room by room to help everything go smoother

One of the best ways to speed up your moving process is to go step by step. In the case of moving your home, that translates to moving room by room. In the majority of cases that means to start with the smallest and finish with the biggest room to get the snowball effect going. If your mover isn’t packing your home room by room, you’re looking for movers in the wrong places and that needs to change as soon as possible. It’s one of those packing hacks for moving that are more mental than you doing actual work, but it works.

Keep your clothes on the hangers

Leaving your clothes on hangers can really save you from a lot of headaches and problems. You don’t want to waste moving boxes on items like clothes if you don’t have plenty of them available. For that reason, make sure that your clothes on hangers are inside bags and protected from the environment. There’s no need for you to do anything special as they will arrive at the city of your new home in one piece and look like new. Moving is also a great opportunity to do a revision of all your clothes and make sure that you really need them all.

Every guide to packing for a move will tell you not to overpack

Another big mistake that people make when moving by themselves is that they tend to put everything they can and can’t fit inside moving boxes. There are several reasons why that’s the case and some are more obvious than others. Firstly, your moving boxes will be extremely heavy and it will be very difficult for you to lift them. The other big reason why it’s not a good idea to not overpack moving boxes is that they won’t protect your belongings as intended when there’s too much stuff inside. For that reason, many moving companies prefer that you hire professional packing services, as they know just how much a moving box can really handle.

A mover following a guide to packing for a move
Make sure the moving box isn’t filled to the top

Do you want a small packing hack for moving? Electronics can be moved in the original packing

If you’re lucky enough you will have all the original packages of your electronics and appliances. Every guide to packing for a move will emphasize the importance of that as it’s a big deal. The company that made your device knows the best way to protect it and it has designed the best possible way to keep it safe and sound. However that’s not always the case, and your best option is to get a box that is slightly bigger than your device and fill it with packing paper. By doing so you’ll have a safe place to keep your electronic devices while they are in transport. 

Hire time and cost-effective professional packers with the help of Master Moving Guide

If you have a great guide to packing for a move you’re already doing a great job. Above everything, having the knowledge of packing hacks for moving can be a big factor when it’s time to put all your belongings into moving boxes and protect them for transport to your new home. Master Moving Guide provides you with high-quality tips and tricks to make your move easier. Look up some of the movers we offer to you and find a mover that will make both your packing and moving process go by in no time.

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