Tips for Packing for a Long-Distance Move

Imagine this: you are planning to move 500 miles away to go work in another state. To make this move, you will need to pack up all of your belongings into a moving truck.

During the move, you can only keep with you items that you absolutely need. What do you do? How do you pack all of your belongings for a move that big? What if it takes longer than a week to pack? Fret not! Here are some tips to help you pack for your long-distance move and make moving easier.

Make an inventory list.

Write a list of everything you are moving in an app or with pen and paper. Make sure the list is comprehensive and all in one place. Your boxes may not all arrive at one time so it is important to have this list so that you know when everything has been delivered and if anything goes missing. This is your checklist to help make sure that all your belongings get to their destination. 

Prioritize.

The first things you should pack are the things you need to keep with you. You will need things from different places throughout your home, such as clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, and food. The things you are going to want to use while you are packing and moving should be packed first so that they are separated from the stuff you are going to pack into boxes and put in the truck. 

Downsize.

Get rid of things you don’t need. This will help you stay organized while you pack and make unpacking easier. Things that you don’t want to move can be thrown away, donated, or sold. If you have belongings that you don’t use, it is highly recommended that you get rid of them. Long distance moves are expensive and the more stuff you have to move, the more it will cost.

Organize while you pack.

Keep things organized while you are packing. Organize based on the room you want the objects to go to so that when you are unpacking the box can be taken to one room and unpacked easily. Objects that are alike should also be put into the same box where possible.

Label every box.

Make sure to label your boxes with your name, the room that they should be unpacked in, and the objects that are inside the box. For a box that has books in it, label it something like “Jane-office-books”. 

Give yourself plenty of time.

Make a schedule and start packing weeks ahead of time. Packing and cleaning for a move often takes longer than you expect it to. Plan for extra time so you are on schedule for the movers. 

Pack one room at a time.

Once you have packed the things you need to keep with you, you can start packing one room at a time. Breaking it up into pieces will help you see progress along the way. By focusing on one room at a time, you will finish that room and be able to check it off your list. You can do one room a week or a day depending on how much time you have given yourself. 

If you are making a long distance move, give Big Boy Movers a call. We would love to be of service!