There are many techniques available to handle your relocation. For example, you can take the easiest and most relaxed approach, which is to hire a professional to pack, load, and unpack your belongings for you in a full-service move. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the DIY relocation, where you handle it all on your own. 

The middle route is the hybrid move, which is the route that most of us take when planning a household move. A hybrid move is about half DIY, half professional services, which can be a great choice for keeping costs and stress levels down to a manageable degree. 

Just as there are many ways to plan a move, there are also various ways to approach the most laborious part of any moving project—the packing process. In this article, our expert movers and packers at Thomas Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. will share some of our best packing tips that we’ve learned from over 75 years in business that will help to make your move a more efficient one.

Gather Your Packing Supplies Early

The first step in making sure that your move is going to be as efficient as possible is to make sure that you have all of the right packing supplies on-hand when needed. The last thing you will want to do during your move is to have to run to the store to get more boxes or tape, or to scramble to find sturdier boxes due to your boxes falling apart on moving day.

Before you start to pack up all of your belongings, go ahead and get enough high-quality moving boxes and packing tape to secure your items safely. You’ll also want to have extras on-hand in case you need them at the last minute. If you are packing fragile items like antiques or fine art, collect some newspaper or purchase bubble wrap to help secure these fragile items.

Gather Your Supplies

Kick your packing project off to an efficient start by gathering supplies. Visit local stores and outlets and ask for free or low-cost boxes of all sizes. Also look for cheap packing tape, markers, scissors, heavy-duty garbage bags, plastic baggies, and packing paper to wrap fragile items and packing peanuts and towels for cushioning. You’ll need all of these things (and a lot of them) to make it through your packing sessions. Use suitcases, backpacks, and anything else you can use to carry things and have them ready to fill. 

Make a Moving Calendar

The second important thing you should do is make a calendar. In the best-case scenario, you have at least a few weeks to prepare for your move, and you’ll want to use this time wisely. Write down the dates you need to know, like your relocation date, utility change deadlines, and other information. Then split your packing sessions into manageable sessions of 3-4 hours each, or however much time you can dedicate to getting it done, and assign dates for getting it all done little by little. Stick to the calendar and schedule to make the progress you need for a smooth and efficient move on moving day.

Consider Full-Service Packing and Unpacking Options

If you don’t have at least a few weeks to get organized, consider hiring professional moving companies that can pack (and unpack) for you. This can take a huge amount of work off your plate and will make your moving experience a lot less stressful. While this service is additional and will cost extra, it can be a lifesaver for those that are juggling work responsibilities, tight relocation deadlines, or for anyone that feels overwhelmed with the moving process.

Streamline Your Belongings as You Pack Them

There’s no sense in taking items with you that you have no use for. Old toys, dated clothing, trash, and junk can be thrown out, gifted, donated, or sold. Getting rid of things you no longer want or need is important for starting off fresh in a new home. You’ll experience an easier time packing and a less expensive relocation (most movers charge by weight or by the hour, so the less you have to move, the less it will cost). You’ll also have more space in your new home.

Label Your Boxes

This is old advice, but it’s still good. Label your boxes with the rooms in the house they belong to and according to what’s inside of them. This will make things easier to find should you need them right away in your new home. They’ll also be useful for the movers when they’re lifting and carrying them into your home, as they’ll know exactly where to put them for easier unpacking later.

Professional Packing & Moving Services

In Wichita and the surrounding areas, Thomas Transfer & Storage is your best bet for a quick, efficient, and affordable moving experience. Whether you’re planning a move down the street or a relocation across the country, our expert team of movers and packers are fully insured, equipped, and trained to handle it for you. 

For more information about relocating with us, feel free to give our friendly team a call now. Or, if you would like a free, in-home moving estimate, fill out our online form and we’ll get back to you with more details.