{"id":269,"date":"2021-12-20T12:33:49","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T17:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/?p=269"},"modified":"2024-04-03T19:22:33","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T00:22:33","slug":"how-to-pack-for-a-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/how-to-pack-for-a-move\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pack for a Move"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Careful packing is key to having a quick, safe, and cost-effective move. And although you might be dreading packing to prepare for your upcoming move, it\u2019s important to pack your belongings well. Whether you hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-packing-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">professional packing service<\/a> or are handling your pack on your own, you want to make sure that your possessions are packed well for protection and moving efficiency. Here is everything you need to know about how to pack for a move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to prepare for your pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moving.com\/tips\/36-moving-hacks-faster-easier-less-stressful-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">faster, easier, and less-stressful move<\/a> than you ever have before. And preparing for your pack is the first step! Being prepared and organized helps you stay on track and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few ways that you can prepare for your pack and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.broadbandgenie.co.uk\/moving-checklist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stress-free move<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Create a calendar.<\/em> Start at least one month before your move date, and assign small tasks each day. When you break a large project like packing your home into smaller tasks, the overall project feels much less daunting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Be proactive about getting packing supplies.<\/em> Whether you\u2019re going to <a href=\"https:\/\/boxbeaters.com\/order\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">order reusable plastic moving boxes<\/a> or purchase cardboard boxes, don\u2019t wait until the last minute! Get those supplies as soon as possible so you don\u2019t have to scurry around Chicago looking for packing supplies as your move date approaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Purge and donate.<\/em> There\u2019s no need to move that old lamp that\u2019s been collecting dust in your closet, or the ugly sweater that your cousin gifted you. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/ultimate-guide-to-downsizing-before-your-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Downsize before your move<\/a>! Go through your home and decide what items you don\u2019t want or need as you start the next chapter in your life in your new home. And instead of disposing of unwanted items, find a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yelp.com\/search?find_desc=Donation+Drop+Off&amp;find_loc=Chicago%2C+IL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">donation drop off<\/a> location to bring them to.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to save money on your pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Packing and moving can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to get the job done right on a budget. Here are a tips for your pack that can help keep your packing and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-move-in-chicago\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moving costs<\/a> low:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Use what you have around the house.<\/em> Pack your suitcases, duffle bags, and that stash of Amazon delivery boxes so you don\u2019t have to spend as much money on boxes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Declutter.<\/em> Get rid of clothing and other belongings that you don\u2019t use or need, even if they&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.hireahelper.com\/how-to-not-waste-time-with-sentimental-stuff-when-you-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sentimental<\/a>. The less you have to pack, the less you\u2019ll need to spend on packing supplies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Rent plastic moving boxes.<\/em> Instead of wasting money on single-use cardboard and non-recyclable packing tape, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/boxbeaters.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rent plastic moving bins<\/a> that will be delivered right to your home. These don\u2019t just save you money over cardboard boxes and packing tape\u2014they\u2019re more eco-friendly, too!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Hire a professional packing service.<\/em> Your packing team will bring all the packing materials needed to pack your home carefully and effectively to protect against damages and help your move crew get the job done quickly. And since your moving service will charge by the hour, time is literally money!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve set yourself up for a cost-effective pack, you can start focusing on how to pack for your move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to pack your belongings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to have a great pack, you\u2019ll have to stay organized. First, download a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubdls.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/Move-Tastic+Moving+Checklist.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free moving checklist<\/a> or read a <a href=\"https:\/\/porch.com\/advice\/ultimate-moving-101-guide-everything-need-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moving guide<\/a> to put yourself on the right track. Then, start packing several weeks before your move date by boxing up seasonal items that you won\u2019t need before your move. For example, if you\u2019re moving in the winter, you probably won\u2019t need your summer wear. And as you near your move date, pack everything but the essentials that you\u2019ll need during your move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good packing is an art form. Before you begin packing up your home, do a little research on the best way to pack a box and how to pack oversized items that won\u2019t fit inside a standard box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best way to pack a box for a move?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re packing on your own rather than hiring a packing service, be sure to fill every box as much as possible. Add lightweight items like packing paper or clean linens, towels, and clothing to fill any voids inside each box and prevent your breakables from bouncing around inside. Be sure to label each box with the contents and the room it belongs in to make your life easier once the boxes have been transported to your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, keep the weight of each box in mind. It might be tempting to pack all of your books in one big box, but it might be too heavy to move. Instead, pack your heaviest items into smaller boxes and reserve the big boxes for more lightweight items like lampshades, bedding, and stuffed animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you pack items that won\u2019t fit in a box?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone has some <a href=\"https:\/\/moving.tips\/packing-tips\/how-to-pack-odd-shaped-items\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">odd shaped items<\/a> that just won\u2019t fit inside a box. And that\u2019s ok! You can still pack and protect them well. Try to tape a couple of cardboard boxes or sleeves together to make a custom box for any awkward items. Or you can wrap these items inside of moving blankets. Just be sure to protect any breakable components of each piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that moving companies won\u2019t accept liability if anything you pack is damaged on the move. So if you have expensive or difficult-to-pack belongings like chandeliers, appliances, or oversized mirrors, it might be best to let a professional pack those for you. Just contact your moving company prior to your move to let them know there will be some specialty items you need help packing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What items should you plan to pack and transport on your own instead of having your moving company handling them?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few items that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-moving-company\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-moving-company\/\">professional movers<\/a> aren\u2019t allowed to move. This varies by state, so be sure to check your local regulations. For instance, in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov\/consumers\/homemove.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State of Illinois<\/a>, moving companies will not pack or transport the following items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Currency, including coin collections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Firearms or ammunition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flammable items like scooters, gas cans, and propane tanks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jewelry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valuable documents such as passports, house deeds, and vehicle titles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your local mover is not responsible or liable for these items. And in some cases\u2014like a gas can or propane tank\u2014it\u2019s dangerous for them to move these materials on their moving truck. So plan on taking those items to your new home in your own car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>How to unpack at your new home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your belongings arrive at your new home, you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/unpack-your-entire-home-2435815\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unpack efficiently<\/a> so you can settle right in. The kitchen is the first room you should unpack. Get that coffee pot set up and stock your fridge so you can stay fueled up as you unpack the rest of the house!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up are the bedrooms, followed by the bathroom. Don\u2019t forget to get rid of the empty boxes as you unpack. Clearing out the clutter will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. And as you place your furniture and hang your wall art, your new place will feel more like your home if you\u2019re not tripping over empty boxes. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Let\u2019s get packing!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember: great packing is crucial to having a smooth and cost-effective move. And <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-packing-service\">Chicago\u2019s favorite packing service<\/a> is here to help! Download our free <a href=\"https:\/\/pubdls.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/MOVE-TASTIC_Packing+Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">packing guide<\/a> to get started and then contact us to set up your packing appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Careful packing is key to having a quick, safe, and cost-effective move. And although you might be dreading packing to prepare for your upcoming move, it\u2019s important to pack your belongings well. Whether you hire a professional packing service or are handling your pack on your own, you want to make sure that your possessions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":270,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,21,6],"tags":[78,8,22,18],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":838,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions\/838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}