Tips for Packing Your Whole Apartment

You may think your apartment is small, but once you need to move you’ll discover how much stuff you were able to fit in it- a lot! While packing an apartment may not be fun, it doesn’t have to be difficult. These tips for packing will help make your move as smooth as possible.

Packing Supplies:

You’ll want to make sure you have the right supplies before you get started. If you don’t have all of these items at home, a home supply store will allow you to gather everything you need.

Packing boxes: You will be surprised how many you really need. Get an assortment of sizes and shapes.

Packing Tape: Regular scotch or duct tape won’t do. You’ll need clear packing tape to seal and reinforce boxes.

Bubble wrap, packing peanuts or shredded newspaper: You’ll need to nestle delicate items in one of these for protection. You can also wrap fragile things in towels, sheets and clothing that you don’t mind wrinkling.

Newspaper or Brown Paper: Dishes need to be wrapped to protect them from each other. A few sheets of paper between the dishes should be sufficient

Garment Bags: These are great for storing and carrying clothes that you’d rather not wrinkle, such as suits, dresses and slacks.

Packing Tips:

Like almost everything else in life, packing will be easier if you start early. Start packing items that you rarely use first and save your essentials for last. If the moving process is already feeling stressful, aim to pack just a few boxes a day so you aren’t overwhelmed.

As you place things in boxes, maintain a packing checklist recording the contents of each box. You’ll thank yourself when you get to your new place and know what to unpack first. Label each box with a short list of its contents as well as the room where the items belong.

Heavy items should be packed in smaller boxes and should always be placed at the bottom of the box. Reserve the larger boxes for light, bulky items like towels and sheets.

Reinforce the bottoms of heavy boxes with extra packing tape.

If you anticipate that unpacking will take a while, cover clothing with plastic to protect it from mold, moisture and dust.

Should You Hire a Mover?

Moving with help only from friends or family will save you money, but it will probably be more difficult. Consider a moving service if you have a lot of heavy furniture or if your new apartment is a walk-up. Moving companies can also help pack your things. While the movers are packing, make sure that you keep a packing list of what has been packed where. Get recommendations for a moving company from family, friends or coworkers to avoid unreliable and untrustworthy moving companies. Or check MoverReviews.com to see which movers are rated highly in your area.

If you decide to rely on the help of friends and family instead, enlist help early. Commitments and last minute trips may pop up once they learn you need their assistance. Let them know that you’ll have food and a few six packs on hand for the job- they’ll appreciate it. Before you ask your friends to give up their Saturday for you, make sure that you have a vehicle available for your use. U-Haul trucks and other moving vans are in demand at the end of the month when leases end so reserve yours early. If your move requires a lot of travel, make sure that you understand the conditions of your rental. You may be charged for the number of miles you put on the truck.

Your Most Important Box:

When you arrive at your new place you’ll probably be too tired to go digging through boxes in search of the things you will need. The unpacking process can be much less hurried if your important items are easily accessible. Create a box for items that will be unpacked first. This box should also be one of the things you pack last and should include:

• Medications
• First aid kit
• A sharp knife (to help open boxes)
• A set of sheets
• Toiletries and towel
• Change of clothes a comfortable shoes
• Alarm clock
• Cell phone charger
• Cleaning products and paper towels
• Important documents relating to your move

If you are traveling separate from your things, make sure you take your crucial items with you, including medications and important papers. If your moving truck is delayed, you’ll want to have your essentials with you.