Moving is always a stressful time, no matter how happy you are about it. Make it simpler by utilizing these tips for packing to move.

Plan ahead

Start as early as you can. Allow days of dedicated packing time for an average sized home. If you can't dedicate whole days of packing time, allow more time to do it in more packing sessions. Don't think you have to try to put everything in boxes in one go; you can work in individual rooms and pack the items you don't need every day first.

Giving yourself time to pack without rushing allows you to think about what you're doing, be more careful with your belongings, and reduce stress.

Stock up on supplies

Make sure you have everything you need for packing at the ready so you don't find yourself mentally prepared to pack but lacking the tools.

You'll need:

·  boxes

·  tape

·  markers or labels

·  paper and bubble wrap to wrap breakables (breakables must go in a double wall box!)

You might also want to purchase storage boxes specifically for hard to pack items like Christmas ornaments. These boxes will protect your ornaments during the move and when storing from here on out.

Buy boxes from your mover or home depot for packing. Save yourself some aggravation and do not use used boxes. They will crush during the stress of a move. Heavy items may still require specially-purchased moving boxes – check with your mover on these items.

You need the markers and labels to clearly mark which boxes contain what. Don't believe this isn't necessary. You'll be very frustrated when you get to your new home realizing you have to unpack every box just to get to the towels or blankets you need that day. So Label your location on the side of the boxes, not the tops! You will thank me when you are moving in. this is so much easier to catch misplaced boxes as the move is happening. At Harrington Movers we suggest to put clean bed sheets of in the dressers for each room. This way when your bed is set up you can simply open the dresser in that room and make the bed!

Also make sure you have your packing materials together and in the space where you're currently packing so you don't have to search for them or make many time-consuming and irritating trips to get them.

Be strategic

Designate one room to start in. Declutter that room as you go and pack everything in the room that you rarely use.

Then go through again to pack the things you use often but do not expect to need in the amount of time you have left before you move.

At the end, you'll only have the items you use every day left to pack and you can put them in boxes labeled to be opened immediately.

When you get to your new home, you can unpack just the boxes labelled "open immediately", relax, and tackle the other boxes as you need them or want to deal with them.

What to pack first when moving

Whenever we get ready to tackle a seemingly daunting task, the first thing we wonder is where to start.

Safe items to pack first include:

·  holiday decorations

·  off-season clothing

·  sentimental items

·  books, movies, and cds (yes we know you have some somewhere) you aren't planning to use during your move

·  furniture and decorations in guest rooms

·  purely decorative items

·  bedding and linens you aren't currently using

·  files you won't be needing any time soon (great time to shred)

·  things that are breakable, because they take longer to pack

·  anything in storage

Declutter

As you go through the items in your home, you'll discover many things you don't care to keep. They may be junk, not your taste anymore, or broken. Have boxes designated in the room you're currently working in for donating, recycling, and throwing away so you can quickly sort these items and easily take care of them when the boxes are full or you leave home the next time.

Label

We mentioned labeling above, but more detail may be useful to you.

Definitely mark what type of items are in the box. This is crucial. Ensuring you pack more similar items in the box will make this easier.

It is also advisable to mark boxes that contain fragile items and to even mark which side needs to be "UP".  Whether you are moving yourself or have hired a professional mover, you'll be thankful for these labels. Even you and the other members of your household may not remember to take care with the appropriate boxes when you are in a hurry.

Save time by using containers you already have

Yes, you can save time and money by making use of boxes and box-like things you already have. Your dressers are already organized into box-like shapes perfect for moving as is. Clean laundry hampers and other such items can also be used. Just be sure you cover the top so items can't fall out. And make sure to label these containers too.

Be mindful of box weight

You can easily start cramming belongings into a box until it's full and think you're quite pleased with your work until you get ready to lift it. Boxes can get too heavy really fast. Books, paper, decoratives, heavy clothing like jackets, and more can get much heavier than you expect.

Fill the space

Fill your boxes so there is as little space left inside as possible, use packing paper if you must. You must make sure the integrity of the box will last for the move, no empty spaces. This saves you boxes to acquire and move and protects your belongings from breakage. Often, this means putting clothing, pillows, or blankets in around awkwardly shaped items.

Avoid loose items

Put small items like toys, pencils, and other such things in bags or boxes so they don't roll around.

Place long, awkward things like curtain rods and brooms together and attach them to each other with tape or large rubber bands.

Seal

Seal the boxes, and seal any items inside that can spill.

Avoid chemicals

Any combustible or potentially hazardous material should be disposed of rather than moved. It is too dangerous.

Wrap breakable items separately

You have to individually wrap your plates in paper or bubble. Dismantle shelves full of curios, and wrap each item individually. And take apart lamps to wrap and box the lamp, bulb, and shade separately. Lamp shades should go into their own boxes, not nestled. Should you choose to nestle them use paper in between them and be gentle!

With these tips in mind, your moving day should be much easier.