What’s a move without packing? Putting away all of your belongings, loading them into a truck and then unloading them all over again, is unfortunately, what it takes to complete a move. It’s stressful and time consuming but with these 10 tips you can make packing your move run just a little smoother:

1. Packing Supplies

Keep the following supplies handy for when it is time to pack:

• Boxes and crates of all shapes and sizes

• Permanent marking pen

• Bubble wrap or shipping “peanuts”

• News or tissue paper

• Heavy-duty packing tape

• Scissors

• Tape measure

2. Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly.

You only want to be using boxes and containers that will be able to hold your things safely and securely. Plan in advance on locating boxes so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute finding boxes for your things.

3. Secure Boxes With Extra Tape

For your safety and the safety of your belongings, make sure to tape the bottom of each box multiple times to ensure it will not break loose.

4. Give Your Boxes A Weight Limit

The box you are using may be able to hold the contents of your closet but that doesn’t mean you should fill it completely. Make sure to pack each box to a weight you know you are comfortable carrying.  This is especially true for heavy items like books and canned or bagged food.

5. Label Each Box

Marking each box with a few details will not only help you move your items, but it will help you become organized when it comes time to unpack. Be sure to note:

• Which room? Where will the contentx of the box be placed?

• Content? What is in the box?

• Priority? Do you need the items inside the box immediately? Then this should be the last box placed in the moving van so it is the first to be unloaded.

• Breakables? Are the items inside the box fragile? Make a note of it! 

6. Wrap It Up

Use bubble wrap, shipping peanuts, news or tissue paper to wrap your breakable and fragile items as well as lining boxes. Each item should be wrapped separately. What should be wrapped? Things like dishes, glassware, photo frames, knick-knacks, etc. Another useful trick? Use bath and kitchen towels to wrap items.

7.  Professionally Clean Rugs and Drapes

By having your rugs, area carpets and window treatments professionally cleaned before your move, they will not only be fresh for your new home but they will also be protectively covered with plastic from the cleaners. Best of all, it’s one less thing you need to worry about cleaning.

8. Medicine and Vitamins

Keep all medicines and vitamins packed together so they can conveniently be put away in your next home. If there are liquids, make sure they are sealed properly and perhaps place them in a leak proof container. And remember to keep medicine that you will need throughout your move with you and not in a packed box.

9. Valuables

Expensive jewelry, passports, birth certificates, social security cards, financial information and other important items should be moved carefully. If at all possible, make sure that these things are with you throughout your move.

10. Electronics

When packing up electronics, make sure that all related cords and cables are placed in the same box. This way you can limit the risk of them getting lost and you can immediately hook up your TV, computer, or other electronic item once you have moved.

Packing is never easy. But these tips can help you make a more organized move. Check MovinGood.com for more information on moving supplies and moving boxes.