{"id":8221,"date":"2018-07-11T16:10:47","date_gmt":"2018-07-11T23:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kinsta.taskrabbit.com\/?p=8221"},"modified":"2024-09-05T11:02:13","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T18:02:13","slug":"the-moving-survival-guide-packing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/the-moving-survival-guide-packing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Moving Survival Guide: Packing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Even if you\u2019re on top of packing, transferring utilities, and setting up wifi, moving is a daunting ordeal. As moving season gets into full swing, we\u2019ve put together a complete Moving Survival Guide (with help from our moving-savvy Taskers) to keep you from drowning in boxes or getting your couch stuck in the doorway. First up is perhaps the most dreaded part: packing. Read on for tips to stay organized and sane before the big move.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Need boxes? Get scrappy<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They may be a nuisance when they\u2019re piled up after a big online shopping spree, but sturdy, clean <\/span>boxes<\/span><\/a> are like gold come moving time. Aside from asking friends and coworkers if they have any, try your local print shop, grocery store, library, or liquor store. Think outside the box, too. Toss pillows and comforters in heavy duty garbage bags or laundry baskets, and invest in plastic storage bins for items that will go straight into the attic or garage.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Pack, sell, donate, or toss<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Declutter your belongings as soon as you know you\u2019re moving. It might sound harsh, but we\u2019ve all done the dance of pulling a jacket out of the closet, swearing we\u2019ll wear it, and hanging it back up\u2014only to do it again a few months later. If you <\/span>really, really <\/span><\/i>see yourself using an item on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, pack it. Donate or sell what doesn\u2019t make the \u201cpack\u201d pile (unless it\u2019s of sentimental value), and toss items that are no longer functional. (Save yourself a few trips to Goodwill, and schedule a Tasker to handle <\/span>donation drop-off<\/span><\/a>!)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Sort by category instead of room<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Packing entire rooms in one go can get overwhelming. If you\u2019re one to <\/span>focus<\/span><\/a> on one task at a time, try organizing by category\u2014all your clothes from your bedroom and storage closet, then books, then electronics, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Label everything<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nothing is more annoying than rummaging through dozens of boxes for that one thing you swore you packed. Don\u2019t just label your boxes by room. Include a list of what\u2019s in it, too. If you want to get really organized, number each box, and create a master list on your phone or tablet that you can easily search when you need.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Photograph electronics<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unsure of what color cord goes where? Document your TV setup before unplugging it so you don\u2019t have to play a guessing game at your new place.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Measure furniture<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t spend moving day trying to fit an oversize couch into a door frame. Taking note of your furniture dimensions well ahead of time not only helps you avoid getting stuck on moving day, but it also gives you a sense of how to lay out your new space.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Pack an essentials kit<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll want to have some easy-to-reach basics for your first few days in a new place. Pack a carry-on suitcase as if you\u2019re going on vacation, with comfortable clothes, toiletries, soap, toilet paper, towels, phone and laptop chargers, and anything else you might need before you tackle the unpacking.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if we\u2019re taking away most of the stress from your moving day, finding the perfect place to call home can still be a challenge. For a seamless, personalized apartment search, check out our friends at <\/span>Apartment List<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. Use the Entire Box<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Efficiency is key when moving, so be sure to pack your boxes tightly and securely. Obviously you don\u2019t want to put fragile dishes up against sharp-edged electronics, but it\u2019s imperative to ensure your boxes are filled so you don\u2019t have to make as many trips.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

9. Use Your Suitcases<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suitcases have to be transported with every move, and the most efficient way to move them is by filling them like a moving box. Suitcases are a great vehicle for bulky items that don\u2019t fit inside small moving boxes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

10. Have an Inventory of Valuables<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keep track of valuables like jewelry, your wallet, and your passport. Make a list of all your valuables, and try to keep them in a safe place like a lock box that won\u2019t be lost or damaged in the move.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

11. Keep Your Clothes on the Hangers<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your clothes on hangers makes it easy to transport them. You can grab a few of them and move them easily, or use specialized clothes moving boxes to hang them up and move your whole closet all at once!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

12. Disassemble<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Break things down as much as possible when moving. Beds, couches, appliances, and anything with parts that can be reassembled should be deconstructed. It will make moving easier and save a ton of space.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

13. Hire Movers<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting help with your move can be a great way to speed things up! Hiring one or more Taskers is the perfect way to save time and energy throughout your move. Taskers can do the packing, heavy lifting, and organizing so you don\u2019t have to.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

14. Pack Toiletries in Plastic<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Put your toiletries in clean plastic containers (like a see-through makeup bag) so you can locate them easily and keep them from spilling or exploding. You\u2019ll be grateful you did this when you complete your move without spilling coverup all over your bed sheets.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

15. Take Care in the Kitchen<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to caring for fragile items. Microwaves, blenders and plates are easily broken and need to be wrapped thoroughly. Be sure to organize plates vertically, and use padding on any items that are made of glass (or otherwise brittle).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

16. Organize Your Wardrobe<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Organizing your wardrobe is essential before moving so that it\u2019s easy to unpack. If you have all of your socks and <\/span>shoes<\/span><\/a> together, it\u2019ll be a breeze to unpack them in your new place and get them situated in your new storage ASAP.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

17. Have a Plan for Perishables<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to eat those leftovers and toss out those bananas. While you can move perishables, it\u2019s best to dispose of them prior to moving so they don\u2019t make a mess or spoil throughout the process. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

18. Create an Unpacking Schedule<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having an unpacking schedule can help you stay focused and organized when unpacking. A schedule will enable you to take things piece by piece and prevent you from being overwhelmed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

19. Plan to Move Heavy Items First<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Always move the heaviest items first so you can make space and expend your energy wisely. The last thing you want to do is move a heavy couch after a day of running around!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

20. Get Rid of Junk<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Haul away your old junk before moving, preferably a couple of days before. Having less clutter ensures a smoother move.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

21. Create a Moving Checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A moving checklist is a great way to stay on track! You can tick off items as you go to ensure nothing is left behind.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

22. Consider Storage<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, if you have too much stuff, it might be time to consider storing some of it. You can put your belongings into a storage unit and decide what to do with them at a later date. Storage is a great option for folks with larger homes and more inventory!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Additional Moving Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the <\/span>tips<\/span><\/a> above, here are some extra considerations when moving:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n