Whether you’re leaving for a big city like New York or a small town in middle America, the process of packing and moving doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re able to plan ahead and stay organized, you can pack and move quickly, so you can finally relax in your new space.

10 Packing and Moving Tips for Your Smoothest Move Yet

Following a moving checklist is the best way to make the whole process easier because it allows you to plan for your move-in day well in advance. Here are some other great tips.

1. Hire a Moving Company

While you could invest in moving equipment, like trucks and dolls, you’ll save yourself a lot of wasted time and hassle when you book a moving company. Some of the best state-to-state movers will do everything from packing to unloading, reducing your moving stress significantly.

2. Declutter Your Home

Before packing, consider decluttering your home. Not only will this step make packing easier, but it can also reduce the truck size you’ll need and/or limit costs spent on item weight. Choose whether you want to donate, sell, give away, or toss any unneeded item months in advance.

3. Use the Right Box Sizes

Heavy items, like books, should be placed in small boxes, whereas light items belong in larger ones. One of the biggest complaints by movers is lugging around heavy boxes. While they typically have no problem moving them, large, heavy boxes are more likely to tear or break.

4. Make a Moving Folder

Collect all of your moving paperwork in one folder, which can include new addresses, rental or purchase papers, and moving contracts. You can also place your moving checklist inside, but if you do, make sure you keep another hard copy where you can see it, like in your kitchen.

5. Pack One Room at a Time

When packing, it’s best to go one room at a time. This will help you avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box. After you’re done packing a box, double tape any opening and label each box with the room it’s destined for. Number each box if you’re keeping an inventory.

6. Schedule Your Utilities

No one wants to wait more than a day to use their electricity, water, heat, or internet. However, if you wait until the last minute to schedule a hook-up, you may have to. Once the move-in date is finalized, contact your utility provider to schedule service at your new home, preferably early.

7. Pack Heavy Items First

Never place heavy items on top of lighter items because you’ll crush everything underneath. Instead, place the heaviest items in boxes first, then finish with lighter things. When packing the truck, make sure your movers put heavier boxes in the truck first and lighter boxes last.

8. Be Careful With Pricey Items

If you’re moving expensive art, electronics, or heirlooms, purchase bubble wrap or specialty protective equipment to keep them safe. You should also learn how to pack glass, ceramic, or anything breakable. With that said, most moving companies can provide this equipment for you. 

9. Specialty Pack Wardrobes

It’s tempting to throw your clothes in a box or suitcase or even leave them in a dresser, but avoid doing this. These practices will make your dresser too heavy to carry and wrinkle your clothes. We recommend getting a special wardrobe box, so you can hang your clothing.

10. Keep Essentials With You

On the night before the move, grab all of your essentials, like a change of clothes, medications, paperwork, and phone charger, and put them inside an easily accessible suitcase. If you can’t unpack the day of, or the moving truck is late, you’ll have what you need on your person.