Practical Packing Tips for an Organized and Stress-Free Move
A well-organized move starts with smart packing. Whether you’re relocating across town or to another city, proper preparation helps protect your belongings, save time, and reduce stress. At Burns Moving And Storage, we know how to make packing efficient and worry-free, and we’re sharing our expert tips to help you do the same.
1. Start Early and Declutter
Begin packing as soon as possible—ideally two to three weeks before your move. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. There’s no reason to spend time and money moving things you don’t need.
2. Get Quality Packing Supplies
Strong boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and good-quality tape make all the difference. Use sturdy, similarly sized boxes for easier stacking, and avoid overfilling them. Always label each box by room and content.
3. How to Pack Fragile Items
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Dishes and Glassware: Wrap each item individually in packing paper. Stack plates vertically—like records—inside dish boxes with dividers. Fill gaps with crumpled paper to prevent movement.
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Glass and Stemware: Use cell dividers, wrap each glass, and mark the box as “Fragile.”
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Mirrors and Frames: Wrap in padded paper, then secure with moving blankets or cardboard corners.
4. Packing Electronics
Take pictures of cable connections before unplugging devices. Wrap screens with soft cloths or foam sheets and pack electronics in their original boxes if available. For larger items, use anti-static bubble wrap and label boxes with “This Side Up.”
5. Packing Clothes and Linens
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Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to prevent wrinkles.
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For folded clothes, place them in medium boxes or suitcases.
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Bedding and towels can serve as extra cushioning for delicate items.
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Vacuum bags are useful for saving space when packing out-of-season clothing.
6. Books and Paper Items
Books can be surprisingly heavy. Pack them flat in small boxes, distributing the weight evenly. Keep important papers, passports, and documents in a separate labeled envelope that stays with you during the move.
7. Kitchen Essentials
Start with items you use less often: baking dishes, special appliances, and extra utensils. Label small parts like screws or attachments in zip bags and tape them to the corresponding appliance box for easy reassembly.
8. Furniture Preparation
Disassemble larger pieces if possible. Keep screws, bolts, and hardware in labeled bags. Wrap table legs, corners, and surfaces with padding or bubble wrap to avoid scratches and dents. Cover sofas and mattresses with plastic or fabric covers.
9. Handle Special Items with Care
Artwork, antiques, musical instruments, and other valuables require careful protection. Use custom boxes, padding, or professional packing services for these items to ensure they arrive safely.
10. Pack an Essentials Box
Prepare one or two boxes with everything you’ll need for your first night at the new place—basic cooking utensils, toiletries, chargers, fresh clothes, and medications. It saves time and helps you settle in comfortably right away.
Moving doesn’t have to be difficult when you plan ahead and pack with care. The experienced team at Burns Moving And Storage is here to assist with every stage of your move—from providing expert packing services to offering professional advice. With the right approach and a bit of organization, you can look forward to a smooth, stress-free moving day.
