Complete Guide - Packing and Moving

Complete Guide - Packing and Moving
Josh Martin
University of Queensland
Abstract
Most movers, especially the do-it-yourself kind, are so happy to finally arrive in their new
home that they don’t even mind that the dinner plates are chipped, there’s a scratch on the
coffee table or their favorite lampshade is bruised and battered. But there’s no reason your
household goods should become casualties of the move. With a little care and planning, and
these moving packing tips, you and your stuff will both arrive in mint condition.
I. Introduction
Packing is an inseparable part of each residential move because you do want your prized
possession to reach the new home in the same condition they left the old one. And keeping
your belongings intact is only possible through adequate protection before they get handled
by multiple hands and finally loaded into the moving van.
A little common sense helps when packing for moving. Think of a stack of dishes in a box on
the bed of a bouncing truck. No matter how well the sides are padded, a firm up-and-down
jolt could crack the entire stack. On the other hand, dishes packed on edge and surrounded
by bubble wrap have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed.
Boxes & Moving Kits
In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape,
bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can be purchased at moving companies and truck-rental
firms. Supplement with copious amounts of crumpled paper, blankets and pillows; even
clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Then, pack with a plan.
Purchase boxes and packing supplies direct from the manufacturer
Moving Packing Tips
Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its
destination(e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking
that much easier.
Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes
to make them easier to carry.
Don’t apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape
could ruin the surface.
Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.
What you’ll need for the first night/day

When everything is packed and ready to load, make sure the items you need least are loaded
first. Again, common sense is essential when loading the truck. Place the box containing your
best china on top of the box of encyclopedias and not vice versa.
Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing essential items in a separate bag and
carrying it with you. You may even want to prepare a simple meal that you can heat and serve
on your first night.
For each person in the household: a change of clothes, a towel, prescription drugs,a
toothbrush, and other personal items.
For everyone: plastic utensils, paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, toilet paper,
toiletries,trash bags, a flashlight, first aid kit including pain relievers, pencil and paper,
snacks, beverages,and re-closable plastic bags.
Small tool kit for re-assembling items that couldn’t be moved whole.
A clean set of sheets for each bed.
Packing for moving with good technique and the right materials can mean an easier move and
fewer chipped dishes.
II.
Beginner's Guide to Packing Your Home
Whenever you move, one of the tasks that take the most time and requires the most
patience is packing all your belongings and doing it in time for when the moving truck
arrives. To help you get started, we've created some guides to packing up your home so
the stuff you need to get done doesn't feel so overwhelming.
How and Where to Start Packing up Your Home
Moving is stressful and so overwhelming, and part of the stress has to do with packing
up the entire house. At first, it may seem impossible. But with helpful tips and
suggestions, packing is a breeze. Just make sure you're organized and know what you
need to do before you even pack the first box.

Make a Packing Supply List
When you move or relocate, to ensure your household goods arrive at your new
destination without a scratch, start with a good packing list so you purchase the right
packing and moving supplies.
All About Moving Boxes
Moving boxes are generally the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping boxes,
unless you purchase some made from thicker cardboard that allows for heavier packing.
So, the question most people have is, should I purchase moving boxes or find some
slightly-used from grocery stores or friends who've just recently moved?
Can I Pack With Used Boxes?
With most of us pinching our pennies right now, finding ways to save on moving costs
not only helps keep money in our wallets but can also help the planet by reusing packing
materials and reducing waste. Used boxes are definitely an option, you just need to know
where to find them (and get them for free!) and what to do and not do.
What Not to Pack and Move
Before you pack, find out what you shouldn't pack or at least what you should be careful
when packing.There are some things that need special handling, items that moving
companies will not move if they are not properly prepared.
How to Get Rid of Stuff You Don't Need to Move
The upside of moving is that it forces you to make a clean sweep of the house, getting
rid of items that you no longer use or need. The first place to start is to determine what
to sell, either online or by hosting a garage sale, and what to give away.
What's an Essentials Box & How to Pack One
Before moving or relocating, everyone should prepare an essentials box, a box full of
items you'll need for your last few nights before you move and the first few nights in
your new home.
Quick and Easy Packing Tips
If you only have time for one packing guide, this is the one to read as it provides tips that
you may not have thought of before. So use it to make your packing quick and easy.
Packing Tips From the Professionals
When you're packing for a move, you might want to ask yourself if you should pack it
yourself or hire professionals to do it for you. In many of our moves we've never used
professionals to pack our things; for me, it's always about saving money.
Things You May Forget to Pack or Do
Over the years and the many moves, we always think we have moving down to a very
fine science; however, usually in the midst of the moving chaos, we forget something
and swear that we'll add it to a growing list of "forgotten items" for the next time we
move. To save you the trouble of forehead slapping that usually ensues after you're fifty
miles from your old home, check out my list.
How to Pack and Move the House Room by Room

This is the ultimate guide to packing and moving your home. With step by step
instructions, along with packing tips, you won't need anything else except for packing
supplies and time. We provide the motivation.
III.
A Family Packing Checklist to Simplify Your Move
Planning is key when there's a move in your future. A packing checklist keeps the whole
family on the same page from start to finish.
When you're gearing up for a big move, you've got a lot to keep track of. A family packing
checklist helps you get organized, stay focused and not forget anything important when
moving to your new home.
Here's a list to get you through moving day -- without leaving your child's favorite toy
behind:
Packing Tips
Create a Master Packing Checklist
"Draw out a floor plan of both houses, label in each room of your current house
where items go, then label your new home with all the same tags," says Chrissy
Halton, an interior designer, professional organizer and blogger at Organise My
House. Assign a color for each room and use colored tape or sticky dots to mark boxes
accordingly. Number all boxes on sides and top. Your master list includes what's in
each box. Mark contents on box labels too, if desired.
Purge, Purge, Purge
"If you haven't used it, worn it or loved it in the past year -- or better yet, six months
-- then donate, sell, recycle or trash it," suggests Deme Crinion, who blogs about DIY,
organization and family life at House For Five, and whose personal experience
includes eight moves in nine years. To simplify the process, follow real estate agent
Denise Atkins' suggestion:"Set up 'keep,' 'donate,' 'discard' and 'maybe' boxes in
each room."

Packing From Start to Finish
Tackle Storage Areas First
"Pre-pack everything you don't need months before the move, labeling all boxes,"
suggests Atkins. Pack these items well in advance of the move, keeping out
frequently used items.
Out-of-season clothes
Memorabilia and sentimental items
Holiday decor
Books and photo albums
Most tools (but save basics like screwdrivers and hammers)
Grills, lawn and garden equipment
Exercise and sports equipment
Keep Important Documents Safe
Crinion recommends creating a moving binder to keep all documents, contact
numbers and information organized. Stash it in your bedroom to keep well-meaning
helpers from accidentally boxing it up.
Save Smaller Items Until Later
Starting a week or two before moving day, pack up items you won't need in the last
few days in your new home.
This includes decor items and nonessentials such as:
Lamps
The majority of your clothing and shoes (but pack a suitcase to get you through
the rest of the move)
Toys and games
Mirrors
Clocks, photos, shelves, art and wall decor
Small electronics including stereos, DVD players and video game systems
Small appliances including irons, ironing boards, toasters, blenders, microwaves,
vacuum cleaners, hair dryers
Area rugs, curtains and blinds
Clothes hampers
Enlist Help With Furniture and Bulky Items
Extra hands make light work when moving heavy items.
Hire movers or enlist friends to help move these items on moving day:
Bed frames and mattresses
Dressers
Nightstands
Desks
Couches
Tables and chairs
Bookcases
Media centers

Televisions
Large appliances, including washers, dryers, stoves and refrigerators
Pack Last, Unpack First.
"Fill several 'open me first' boxes," recommends Tamera Ferguson, a real estate
agent.
You'll want to pack these essential items last and unpack them first at your new
home:
Snacks
Air mattresses or sleeping bags
Bed linens and pillows
Towels
Soap
Toothpaste and brushes
Toilet paper
Shower curtain
Dishes, silverware and glasses
A few pots and pans
Scissors and tape
Pen and paper
Trash bags
Paper towels and cleaning supplies
Basic tools
Baby and pet care needs
Do not Pack
"Set up a 'do not pack' staging area," real estate agent Brenda Freeman suggests.
Download a blank "do not pack" list from House for Five and transport these items
yourself:
Important documents, including Social Security cards, and school, medical, dental
and veterinarian records
Moving binder
Valuables including jewelry, cash and credit cards
Purse and children's travel backpacks
Children's favorite blankets and stuffed animals
Financial information
Medications
Plants
Suitcases filled with a few days' clothing
Small electronics, including laptops, tablets, cameras, cell phones and charging
cables.
Stay Focused
Power through the final stretch. Continue to label boxes. Resist the urge to put
what's left in miscellaneous boxes.
Don't Forget

Change your address with the post office, shut off and turn on utilities, take photos
at both houses and have cash on hand.
IV.
How to pack furniture for moving?
It’s no secret that packing is the most laborious, time-consuming, and challenging
moving task of them all. However, packing is quite a general term – packing books, for
example, is a completely different experience from packing glasses, or pictures, or
electronics, etc. So, when it comes to packing rules and strategies, it is the type of items
to be packed that will define your course of actions. As, of course, the methods that work
best when packing small items in cardboard boxes have nothing in common with the
packing techniques that yield best results when packing heavy furniture, or bulky
appliances, or specialized equipment, and so on. It is the large household items that
present the greatest packing challenge, so you need to make sure that you will be able
to successfully cope with this difficult task when the time comes to move house.
So, think about it – you may know well enough how to pack your clothes, but do you
really know how to pack your furniture pieces for a move? How to prepare them for
shipment and ensure their safety?
Keep the packing supplies ready to avoid delays.
The list should include sofa and mattress covers, packing tape, markers, scissors, bubble
wrap, plastic wrap, sheets of cardboard, furniture blankets and old towels and rags.
Clean out all the drawers, cabinets or anything inside the furniture you are moving to
make your furniture light and easy to handle.

When handling the furniture or bulky objects in your house like moving a pool table,
disassemble it well in advance and don’t forget to take photographs of each step as you
have to assemble them again in your new location.
Also, nuts and bolts of each furniture piece should be packed separately, clearly labelled
and then attached to the furniture piece they belong to, with the help of a tape. This will
help save you time and avoid confusion when you unpack.
Securely tape or tie the bubble wrap, plastic or other materials around the detached
pieces as you would not like any part of your furniture pieces to become exposed during
transit. Now pack them in boxes and label them.
Hire large, spacious moving trucks for your furniture and hire equipment like furniture
dolly to carry them out of the house. Place furniture blankets on the floor of the vehicle
to save furniture pieces which cannot be packed in the cardboard boxes.
Fill empty spaces between furniture pieces with crushed newspaper, bubble wrap or old
rugs to avoid a collision.
How to develop an efficient furniture moving strategy?
If you want to have a smooth and trouble-free moving experience, you need to plan
everything in advance – especially in regard to the larger household items that are so
difficult to move, such as heavy furniture pieces. To be able to make the right decisions
about your furniture, you are recommended to:
Make an inventory of your furniture – note down the type of furniture pieces you
own, their number, and current condition and mark any duplicate, outdated, or
worn-out items you won’t be able to use in your new home. Then, you will be
able to figure out what kind of packing materials (and how much of them) you
are going to need to pack the furniture that’s worth taking with you and to
determine how long it will take you to properly pack the pieces, as well as how
much extra help will be required for their actual relocation;
Make a floor plan of your new home – you need to assess the available space and
the layout of your new house or apartment to find out which of your old furniture
pieces are going to fit in. Any items that can’t fit through the doors, don’t match
the interior design, or need to be replaced soon are not worth moving to your
new place;
Measure your furniture for moving – take accurate measures of the width, depth,
height, and diagonal dimensions of your furniture pieces to calculate how much
space you will need to get each of them out of your old property and into your
new one (don’t forget to take into account any protruding parts and odd shapes
as well). Of course, you need to measure the entryways, doors, height clearances,
and stairways too;
Take care of unwanted furniture – find a way to get rid of the old furniture pieces
you are not taking with you for any of the above-mentioned reasons – sell them
to pocket some extra money, donate them to charity, or give them away to family
and friends;
Secure help – book the professional services of a trustworthy moving company
to ship your furniture across the country or ask several reliable friends to lend
you a hand on moving day if you intend to perform a DIY move. Have in mind

though that moving large furniture at a long distance by yourself is very difficult
and risky. If you want your cherished pieces to be properly packed, safely
shipped, and delivered to your new home in excellent condition, your best bet is
to hire experienced movers to do the job for you;
Gather appropriate packing supplies – you are going to need corrugated
cardboard sheets, bubble wrap, packing tape, plastic stretch wrap, moving
blankets, sealable plastic bags, sofa covers, and mattress bags. Some special
equipment (a dolly, furniture pads, moving straps, hand tools, personal
protection gear, and property protection materials) may also be required,
especially in the event of a self-move.
How to prepare furniture for moving?
In order to make the relocation process as safe, easy, and simple as possible, you need
to prepare your furniture really well:
Empty and clean the pieces you are going to relocate
Remove all the items from your furniture pieces to make them lighter and safer to lift
and carry around (pack the contents of your furniture separately, according to their type
and handling requirements, to provide them with adequate protection). You are advised
to give the empty pieces a good cleaning before packing them in order to get rid of any
dust, dirt, mold spores, or bacteria that might have accumulated on your furniture over
time.
Disassemble your furniture for moving
Remove any detachable parts from your furniture pieces to make them easier to move
and to prevent potential damage. Make sure you:
Strictly follow the appropriate instructions for (dis)assembling a certain piece –
refer to its manual or find directions online;

Keep the screws and other small hardware parts from every furniture piece into
a separate sealable plastic bag;
Mark the exact location of every detached part to be able to reassemble the
corresponding furniture piece quickly and correctly;
Safely pack any larger disassembled parts in appropriate boxes (don’t forget to
clearly label each box so that you can easily find the pieces you need).
Take your furniture apart (except for your bed) the day before moving day or
even earlier (when possible) to save some valuable time.
How to pack furniture for shipping?
As long as you stick to the following efficient tips for packing furniture, you have every
chance to have your pieces delivered to your new home in excellent condition:
1) Use bubble wrap to protect protruding and/or delicate parts of your furniture;
2) Wrap the entire piece in moving blankets or other clean and soft fabric materials;
3) Put paper or cloth padding in hollow spaces, over intricate ornaments, and around
fragile parts for added protection;
4) Tape the wrapping materials securely in place (be careful not to tape directly on
painted or polished surfaces);
5) Use shrink wrap to keep the padding in place and prevent dust and dirt from getting
to your furniture;
6) Tape large pieces of corrugated cardboard around the corners of your furniture pieces;
7) Cover glass surfaces (tabletops, showcases and others) with flat cardboard pieces,
wrap them in bubble wrap and packing paper, and place them between two sheets of
corrugated cardboard, securely taped around the glass;
8) Pack mattresses and sofas in plastic covers that are specially designed for the purpose
to provide maximum protection against dust, rips, stains, and moisture.
How to protect furniture when moving?
The best way to protect furniture when moving is to take effective precautionary
measures:
Apply wax on fine wooden surfaces to protect them against scratches;
Do not fully seal the furniture in shrink wrap – leave some air holes to allow the
furniture to breathe and to prevent moisture from building up and causing mold
growth;
Do not use plastic wrap directly on wooden or leather furniture as it may adhere
to the delicate surfaces and damage them (you can safely use plastic wrap
directly on upholstered furniture though);
Make sure there is enough free space around a furniture piece when packing it,
so that no other items get in the way and cause damage;
Clear obstacles to reduce the risk of slipping, tripping, or falling while carrying
furniture pieces;
Make sure your furniture pieces are well secured on the dolly and, then, into the
moving truck;
Always plan your actions a few steps ahead and never rush things!

Your properly packed and well protected furniture is ready for shipment!
V. How to Avoid the Most Common Moving Mistakes
When we moved last year, the majority of our belongings made it to the new place
unscathed. The only casualty of note was my bed frame, an IKEA buy from a few years
earlier that we were incapable of taking apart on our own and the mover claimed could
be moved as is. It could not, and shortly after they left our place we discovered that it
had essentially been ripped in half in their attempts to get it into our second-floor
walkup.
So, what is the “right” way to move? The New York Times recently talked to a few
professional movers to get their thoughts on the matter, some of which echo my own.
Plan in Advance
Before this move, my official moving strategy had been “throw everything in a box”
typically seconds before I threw it in the back of my friend’s car to move to my new
home. While there were definitely some last-minute packing adventures with this most
recent re-location, I actually started packing a month before the move and paid special
care to how I was packing up my belongings.
In general, unsurprisingly, you want to pack things in such a way that they won’t get
damaged, and will be easy to locate once you’re in your new place.
We divided my old apartment up into sectors and packed in sections, making sure that
the boxes we packed were both light and contained like items. Yes, your bedroom stuff

might fit in the kitchen box, but you’re really just making things complicated for yourself
down the line.
Come up with a packing “plan” and stick to it. I hate packing, but when we broke it up
into sections it didn’t seem nearly as bad. Packing for an hour each night is a heck of a
lot easier than frantically packing for the 12 hours leading up to the movers’ arrival.
Wrap Those Breakables
Wrapping every dish in your cabinet, and especially every pint glass (I think I have 100)
is obnoxious. It’s also necessary. Pack those boxes with the idea that they’re going to get
thrown around. They might get dropped. They might get dropped down a flight of stairs.
Wrap things in bubble wrap, or kitchen towels, or something. We used liquor boxes with
dividends to move some glassware which made things a tiny bit easier. The idea is to not
leave anything up to chance. If it’s important enough to move then it’s probably
important enough to protect.
The New York Times also suggests that dishes should be packed on their sides, not flat.
You’ll want to remove the coffee pot from your coffee machine, as well (seems obvious
to me, but apparently some people don’t do it), and you need to secure the swinging
arm in that grandfather clock you want to move. The big mirror you have? Move it
between a few mattresses.
Come Up With a System
Two friends of mine just made the trek from New York to San Francisco. Two of the most
organized people I know, they had created a spreadsheet of what was in each box they
moved. For instance, “Box 12” might be “dishes and the punch bowl.”
When it came time to unpack, they weren’t digging through the 45 “kitchen” boxes to
find what they were looking for, they just had to look for the right box number. This
method also makes it super obvious if the movers lose a box, and lets you know exactly
what was lost. I aspire to be this organized.
Divide Ahead of Time
The New York Times article also brings up the hazards in moving when you’re moving
away from the person you’re currently living with. Whether it’s a significant other or just
a roommate, make sure you’ve successfully divided up your property before the movers
arrive, not after. It’s not their job to take sides in who really owns that coffee table, and
if you don’t have things figured out ahead of time you’re setting everyone up for a huge
headache.
VI.
Conclusion
Moving is the most tiring and exhausting job! Packing and unpacking all those little things
from the bedroom or bathroom is a problem, but the real task is to pack and wrap your
expensive furniture pieces, which have cost you a fortune. It is advised to start planning
months before the D-day to avoid any confusion and mishandling of your valuable
possessions.

VII. References:
MovingTeam. (2017) Packing for Your Move| moving. Retrieved 10 June, 2019, from
https://www.moving.com/tips/packing-for-your-move/
Diane Schmidt. (2018) A Beginner's Guide to Packing Your Home for a Household Move|
thespruce. Retrieved 10 June, 2019, from
https://www.thespruce.com/packing-your-home-for-household-move-2436497
Sandy Wallace. (2015) A Family Packing Checklist to Simplify Your Move| care.com. Retrieved
10 June, 2019, from
https://www.care.com/c/stories/6004/a-family-packing-checklist-to-simplify-your-m/
Ethan Greenfield. (2016) How to pack furniture for moving?| moving.tips. Retrieved 10 June,
2019, from
https://moving.tips/packing-tips/how-to-pack-furniture/
BetterRemovalistsSunshineCoast. (2017) Tips for Packing Your Expensive Furniture When
Moving| Retrieved 10 June, 2019, from
https://www.betterremovalistssunshinecoast.com.au/tips-packing-expensive-furniture-moving/
Emily Price. (2018) How to Avoid the Most Common Moving Mistakes | lifehacker. Retrieved
10 June, 2019, from
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-avoid-the-most-common-moving-mistakes-1829228813