How to Pack for Long-Distance Moves

Adequate Planning Can Protect Your Belongings, from Books to Heirlooms

Prepping for a long-distance move isn’t just about organizing and packing up your belongings. It’s also about making sure things are packed in a way that ensures they arrive safely and in one piece. These moving industry packing tips are just what you need to reduce damage and breakage during transit.

Do-It-Yourself Packing

While Georgetown Moving and Storage Company provides professional packing services for our Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia customers, some people prefer to do all or most of the packing themselves. If you’re one of them, here’s how to pack things up in a way that makes it easy for your movers to do their job.

• Gather different size boxes, including wardrobe cartons, packing tape, scissors, and markers. You can also use different color packing tapes and markers for different rooms or categories of items: green for kitchen stuff, blue for bathrooms, red for things you’ll need right away, and so on.
• Pack room-by-room and start well ahead of moving day. Set aside one box in each room to hold things you’ll be transporting yourself to your new location.
• Mark and set aside items you’re putting in storage in a separate location like the garage. If you’re using a portable storage unit or pod, be sure to distribute the weight of your contents evenly throughout the container.
• Secure box bottoms so they don’t open under the weight of the contents.
• Put heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Keep box weight to 50 pounds or less. And remember, the heavier the item, the smaller the box it should go in. Books, for instance, are quite heavy and should be packed in smaller boxes.
• Make arrangements for things the pros typically cannot or don’t pack for you, including flammable and hazardous materials and perishables like food and plants. Also, many movers recommend transporting personal and sentimental items yourself, particularly family heirlooms that would be impossible to replace.

Don’t forget to pack a small suitcase for each family member with essentials like clean clothes and toiletries.

Use Quality Boxes, Packing Materials, and Tape

Everyone loves scoring boxes for free, and some of them are pretty sturdy. However, quality moving boxes are relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider how much protection they provide for your valuable belongings.

Don’t leave empty spaces in any of your boxes. Filling in gaps with foam peanuts, clothing, or packing paper prevents items from shifting and getting damaged during the long haul to your new home. Use professional-strength packing tape — not duct tape — to seal top and bottom box seams firmly. When packing up fragile items, use plenty of paper and padding so they arrive securely and in one piece.

What Are the Benefits of Enlisting Professional Packing Services for a Long-Distance Move?

Efficiency and Peace of Mind

When you’re facing the daunting task of a long-distance move, hiring professionals can significantly streamline the process. By enlisting expert packers and movers, you can allocate your energy to other critical aspects of your relocation, knowing that your belongings are in capable hands.

Superior Packing Techniques and Materials

Professional movers come equipped with high-grade materials and proven techniques to ensure your items are packed securely. From fragile glassware to bulky furniture, they use specialized packing methods that minimize the risk of damage during the journey, offering you added confidence in the safety of your possessions.

Time-Saving Convenience

The full-service option means you won’t have to lift a finger, making the whole experience stress-free. These experts handle everything from organizing to safely stowing away your property, freeing you up to focus on other priorities, like settling into your new community or saying goodbye to friends.

Customized Solutions for Your Needs

Whether you require comprehensive packing services or just a bit of professional support, moving companies tailor their offerings to suit your specific needs. This customization ensures that you receive the exact level of assistance required for a smooth transition, without unnecessary costs or complications.

Insurance and Security

Professional moving services often include insurance options that protect against unforeseen circumstances. This added layer of security provides peace of mind, knowing that your cherished items are covered in the event of an accident or damage during transit.

In summary, professional packing services offer a strategic advantage for your long-distance move by enhancing efficiency, securing your items, saving time, and providing peace through insurance.

What Items Should Be Packed First for a Long-Distance Move?

When preparing for a long-distance move, it’s crucial to strategize your packing process to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition. Begin by packing items you rarely use, as it might take some time before you can fully unpack in your new home. Here’s a guide on what to pack first:

Items to Consider Packing Early

1. Sentimental Items & Decor

   • Take care of photos, memorabilia, and decorative pieces that aren’t essential to everyday life.

2. Books and Media

   • Pack away books and other media that aren’t on your immediate reading or viewing list.

3. Kitchenware

   • Store those kitchen gadgets and equipment that are used infrequently—think fondue pots and waffle makers.

4. Off-Season Clothing

   • Pack away clothes that you won’t wear for the next few months, whether it’s winter coats in summer or bathing suits in winter.

5. Seasonal & Outdoor Gear

   • Now is the time to box up camping gear, skiing equipment, and any seasonal decorations.

6. Toys and Games

   • If you have children, pack toys and games that aren’t part of their current favorites.

Tips for Efficient Packing

• Label Each Box Clearly: As you pack, label boxes with the contents and the room they belong to in your new home. This will simplify the unpacking process.

• Organized Stacking: Stack your packed boxes systematically, allowing you to move around your current home without obstruction.

• Think Minimalist: Try to reduce your everyday items to the essential minimum in the weeks preceding your move.

By focusing on these strategies, you’ll avoid unnecessary last-minute stress, and ensure that your relocation is as seamless as possible.

What to Do if You’re Running Out of Time While Packing

Facing the ticking clock with moving day fast approaching can be stressful. Here’s a strategy to manage last-minute packing effectively:

Seek Assistance

Reach out to friends or family. A couple of extra hands can make a massive difference in getting things done efficiently.

Prioritize Essentials

Focus on packing essentials first. Categorize items you use daily and ensure they are easily accessible when you move.

Hire Professional Help

If possible, engage a professional packing service. Many companies can handle last-minute requests and provide fast, efficient support.

Utilize Packing Shortcuts

Instead of boxing up your dresser items, simply secure drawers shut. This saves time and boxes.

Stay Organized with a Checklist

Create a checklist to ensure you don’t overlook important items. This guideline can help keep you on track amidst the chaos.

By following these steps, you can tackle last-minute packing with less stress, ensuring you’re ready when moving day arrives.

Make Your Movers’ Job Easier

When you hire a reliable and trustworthy long-distance moving company, you can count on your movers to perform their job safely and efficiently. You can help the day go more smoothly by giving them a brief introduction to your home and letting them know where they can park the truck or trucks. Point out which boxes contain fragile items so they can make a note on how to load them. And you can never go wrong by having some bottled water handy, so everyone stays hydrated.

Georgetown Moving and Storage Company wants your long-distance move to go as smoothly as possible, and we hope these tips help remove the stress that often accompanies a big move.

To learn more about preparing for moving day, contact us online today or give us a call at (703) 889-8899.