Based on our experience with many different moves, we’ve learned that the best way to pack efficiently is to plan carefully. This means deciding early on what to keep and what to leave behind, grouping similar items together, and organizing your packing to reduce disruption at home. Our expert tips can help make living with boxes easier.
For a large house, we recommend setting aside about a month for packing, aiming to pack a few boxes each day and finish one room per week. For smaller houses and apartments, plan for at least two weeks of packing time.
1. Create a MasterPlan and identify timings and deadlines for each room. Plan out each room one by one identifying how many boxes you will need for each room and any challenges.
2. Declutter. Identify what won’t travel with you and can be donated, given away, sold or removed ahead of time. There’s never been a better time to let some things go.
3. Ensure you leave out any essentials that will be needed for moving day.
4. Label your boxes, noting the room and items inside it and clearly mark FRAGILE items.
5. Do not overfill boxes as it increases the likelihood of accidents during transportation.
6. Consider how you will manage valuables and important documents.
7. If any custom crates are needed for large or fragile items, factor that packing to be completed well ahead of Moving Day.
8. Stop buying groceries a week before you leave.