How to Pack and Prepare for a Move with a Professional Moving Company

Packing and unpacking is the most tedious and time-consuming part of moving, which typically then becomes the most procrastinated step. If you’re using a professional moving company, like RT Relocation, but don’t want to splurge for a full-service move, then here are some important tips to make sure you keep your sanity—and ensure your items arrive safely at your new location.

Below are our top tips for a successful move:

Declutter and Downsize

When you decide you are going to move, you should start decluttering and downsizing right away – getting rid of the things you don’t need or no longer want. You can sell or donate your unwanted items. Not only will you feel accomplished, but you will be grateful when packing – and unpacking in your new home.

Be sure you have the proper supplies before you start packing

First, you will need boxes, lots of boxes. You can buy them, but most people who move don’t know what to do with them once they are unpacked, which means you can more than likely find used boxes for free (check Craigslist, Facebook, Nextdoor, etc.). It’s best to use professional packing boxes, but if you’re in a pinch – and you’re an Amazon Prime member – you, more than likely, have a stash of Amazon boxes laying around! In addition, you will need paper (for wrapping), markers and packing tape.

Try to avoid using plastic crates or totes for breakables 

Crates and totes can be hard to stack and can easily crack under normal amounts of weight. Temperature and time can cause them to become brittle, which will increase the likelihood of damage to your items. It is much better to use moving boxes, as they absorb the weight better and allow for a tighter load.

Pack one room at a time, as early as possible

We suggest that you pack, at minimum, one to two boxes per day – starting well ahead of your move. Packing room by room will help keep you organized and not overwhelm you.

Determine what you should pack and what the movers should pack

Obviously, not everything will fit in boxes. Generally, all of your furniture and major appliances will be wrapped and padded by our moving team. Additionally, items that require professional disassembly and/or crating (i.e., pool tables, chandeliers, glass table tops, etc.) are best left to the professionals.

Carry your own medications, valuables, and important documents

It is highly recommended that you carry any important paperwork, cash, jewelry and/or prescription medications with you. Moving day can get pretty hectic- so hold onto your valuables in the car, and let the moving crew take care of the rest.

Know what professional movers will NOT move:

Aerosol Cans, Ammunition, Batteries, Charcoal, Kerosene, Lighter Fluid and Propane, Chemicals, Fertilizer, Fire Extinguishers, Fireworks, Gasoline, Oil or Propane Tanks, Matches, Oxygen, Paint, Pesticides, Live Plants, and Pool Chemicals.

Be sure to label everything clearly

We suggest that you mark your boxes with the name of the desired destination room, and note its contents, on the top and at least one side of the box.

Pack your boxes carefully and clearly label fragile items

Use plenty of packing material (i.e., packing paper) in your boxes; when in doubt, use more.

Careless packing and skimping on packing filler, is the most common cause of breakage and damage during a move. Additionally, try to keep your boxes under 50lbs. Pack the heavier items on the bottom and keep the lighter items on top. Be sure to notify the movers of any fragile items. Additionally, it is in your best interest to clearly label any boxes that contain fragile items.

Pack a box of essentials

Moving is stressful and often chaotic. To ensure you have what you need when you arrive at your new home, be sure to pack a box or two of essentials, such as; toothbrushes, toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, a first aid kit, and maybe some paper plates, cups and cutlery. Keep this box front and center so you will be sure to have the things you need when you arrive.

Pack your dishes vertically

You should not stack your dishes horizontally on top of each other, inside a box. Instead, wrap your plates and bowls in packing paper, gently place them into a box on their sides like records, and then fill the empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent cracking and breaking. Also, we highly recommend using a dishpack, a tall and sturdy double walled box for your breakables and china to ensure they arrive unharmed at your new home.

Pack your clothes

If you have the means to transport them, consider purchasing some wardrobe boxes. Wardrobe boxes have bars so you can easily move your clothes from your closet to the box. This makes packing and unpacking much faster and easier. If you don’t want to go out and get the boxes, we can easily pack a few for you on move day.

Check your boxes

Make sure that boxes are secured well, taped shut on both the top and bottom, and that they are adequately filled with paper to prevent shifting or caving.

Finish packing before moving day

This is important for both you and your professional movers. If you are paying by the hour, this will help expedite your move and keep you on track and on budget.

Planning for your move is key. If you find yourself falling behind, and you realize you don’t have the time to properly prepare for your move, give us a call to discuss our full service options.

We have specialized, dedicated staff that are skilled in packing your belongings in the safest, most efficient manner possible. We will keep everything organized and on target for your moving date. Using our packing services will eliminate the additional stress of packing and leave you time to focus on other important and necessary tasks.

Call us today to discuss your options, (833) 668-3978.