More than anything else, packing properly is important for the overall success of your move. Packing your personal things is one of the most vital parts of a move.
Whether it is a cross-country move or moving across town, you can achieve a transition successfully with the help of the following tips:
1. Calculate Your Budget
An important factor in assessing the needs of your move is to calculate your budget. You must determine the amount of money you need to spend on the move as well as what the expenses will be.
The expenses may include purchasing packing supplies and renting a truck. It may also include enlisting the services of a moving company, such as AAA Moving.
2. Strategize Well
The key to properly packing for your cross-country move is to plan ahead. It may sound obvious. However, you won’t believe how streamlined the process of packing is going to be when you do these two important things – coming up with a reasonable timeline and figuring out the things you need.
The right moving checklist can help you with this. You must use pantry items and refrigerated food four weeks before your move. You must also donate or toss your things and determine which appliances and furniture to carry.
3. Buy the Right Packing Supplies
Some leftover boxes from an online shopping spree won’t cut it when packing your things for a cross-country move. When moving cross-country, it would be best to consider using supplies specifically made for packing and moving.
Usually, you will find these supplies at a reliable home improvement store or an outlet designed to move supplies and equipment. Examples of the supplies you might need for your move are:
- Ziplock bags
- A thick permanent marker
- Shrink and bubble wrap
- Duct table and strapping tape
- Packing tape
- Boxes in various sizes
- Tape and scissors
- Special crates and boxes for artwork and TVs
- A blank newsprint paper
4. Label Boxes Diligently
Labeling all the boxes can help you, as well as your mover, know where the boxes belong in the new home. Numbering each box, as well as keeping a list of inventory in your small notebook, will be an excellent way to keep track of what you packed. This will also ensure that you have everything when the time to unpack comes.
5. Sell the Things You Don’t Need
One of the best ways to cut your unpacking time and moving costs is to sell the things you don’t require anymore before your move. Sell excess belongings and furniture to save your transportation expenses. You will buy replacements to fit the new home and location.
If you have more time, consider holding a garage sale, donating to a local thrift store, or selling your things on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. This way, you can make extra cash that helps you purchase things when you get to the new house.
The Takeaway
A cross-country move isn’t a task for faint-hearted people. However, with savvy packing, a can-do attitude, and careful planning, it will be a rewarding and smooth experience.
