Moving Tips: How to Pack for a Move | Rachel Kendall Real Estate

Raleigh & The Triangle Moving Tips

Moving to a new place is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting task if not approached with careful planning and organization. To help you navigate this transition successfully, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide filled with expert advice and practical packing tips for moving.

The key to a stress-free move is early planning. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from decluttering and packing to important tasks leading up to moving day. So, let’s get started on making your move as seamless as possible!

Before You Move

Don’t wait until the last minute! Before the hustle and bustle of moving day arrives, there are several essential steps to take. By tackling these tasks in advance, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with relocating.

Organize and declutter

Start one room at a time and begin to organize and declutter. Set aside anything that can be donated, sold, or thrown away. The less stuff you have, the less you’ll have to pack!

Lighten the load

Host a yard sale to get rid of any unwanted clothing, furniture, or decor. You can also consider donating any shoes or clothing that are in good condition.

Change your address

It usually takes a few weeks for the post office to process your change of address and start forwarding your mail, so request it at least two weeks before the move.

Handy Packing Tips

Reinforce: Use sturdy, reinforced boxes. And don’t be afraid to get friendly with bubble wrap and other packing material for fragile items.
Innovate: Pack dishes, bowls, plates, and other glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. For extra padding, pack glasses and stemware inside socks.
Pack small: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes so they’re easier to carry.
Prevent leaks: Remove the tops and cover the openings of soaps, shampoos, and lotions with cling wrap, then twist the caps back on. You can also use cling wrap around dresser drawers or jewelry displays to keep them intact, or around furniture to prevent scratches.
Prepare: Create an “Open Me First” box containing personal items that you will need immediately, such as toilet paper, soap, instant coffee, tools and box cutters, and paper dishes. Make sure it’s one of the first things off the moving truck.
Label, label, label! There’s nothing worse than trying to unpack a disorganized mess! Make the transition to your new home seamless by carefully organizing and labeling boxes by room so you’ll know just where to put them in your new house. (Even better – color code!)

On Moving Day

It’s not just the packing that’s overwhelming—moving day itself can be very stressful if you’re not prepared. Here are some tips for a low-stress moving day.

Keep important information handy

Don’t pack your most important essentials and emergency prep items – like first aid supplies, medication, financial records, medical records, IDs, and other important documentation or high-value items. Always keep them with you.

Prepare an overnight bag

If you make it home before the moving truck, make sure you’re prepared with things like a change of clothes, your toiletries, and a phone charger.

Have essential phone numbers ready

Keep your moving foreman’s content information with you in case you need to contact your movers for any reason. It’s also handy to have your Bill of Loading and shipment registration number with you.

After You Move

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s time to shift your focus from the chaos of moving to the joy of settling in.

Start with a thorough cleaning

It’s much easier to deep-clean your bathrooms and kitchen before they’re loaded down with all your stuff (or before you’re too tired to clean!). Clean first, unpack second.

Unpack room by room

Make the seemingly endless process smaller by breaking it down into several smaller projects, and do them in order of importance.

Settle in and enjoy your new home!

Don’t forget to smile… Your new life in your new place just began. Welcome home.

Still Have Questions or Ready to Buy a Home in the Triangle?

If you’re ready to find the perfect home in the Triangle or you have any questions about buying a home or real estate in the Triangle, then it’s time to contact our team. We’re your local guide to all things in the Triangle and we’re more than happy to help! Want to learn more about buying a home in the Triangle? We’ve got plenty of resources to help you out!