Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it also requires careful planning and organization. Packing efficiently can make the process smoother and less stressful. This guide will walk you through the best tips and strategies for packing and preparing for a move. Linked below are some useful YouTube videos to guide you through the packing and moving process. Click on the picture and it will take you to that video!

Step 1: Hire Movers

Plan to hire movers at least four weeks in advance of your move. Moving companies book quickly during the spring, summer, and fall. Booking your mover sooner rather than later will ensure that you have movers on your moving day. If you wait till the last minute there is a good chance you will not be able to hire a licensed, professional, and reputable moving company. This is one of the biggest reasons people have issues on moving day.

1. Do not rely on the internet to find the first mover that pops up, scams are real! Ask family and friends for recommendations regarding moving companies. Check out the moving company's online reputation and visit their business in person.
2. Obtain at least three estimates for the move before choosing a mover.
3. Hire the moving company several weeks to a month in advance of your move!
4. Do not schedule your closing for the day of your move!
5. Plan to be there the entire time. Someone must be on site during your move the entire time.
6. Have everything packed and be prepared for the movers to arrive. If you did not hire the movers to pack your belongings, don't expect them to come prepared with boxes. Being prepared for your move is your responsibility and will ensure the move goes smoothly and timely.

Step 2: Create a Moving Checklist

A well-organized moving checklist will help you stay on track. Include tasks such as:

1. Decluttering and donating unwanted items
2. Gathering packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, etc.)
3. Notifying utilities and updating your address

Step 3: Declutter Before You Pack

Before you start packing, go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will reduce the number of items you need to move and make unpacking easier.

Step 4: Gather Packing Supplies

To pack efficiently, make sure you have the following supplies:

1. Sturdy moving boxes in various sizes.
2. Packing tape and dispensers.
3. Bubble wrap & packing paper for fragile items.
4. Permanent markers for labeling.
5. Furniture covers & moving blankets.

Step 5: Pack Room by Room

Tackle one room at a time to stay organized:

1. Kitchen: Wrap fragile dishes with packing paper and use packing paper for glassware.
2. Bedrooms: Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and medium boxes for other clothing.
3. Living Room: Protect electronics with packing paper or bubble wrap. Lable all cords.
4. Bathroom: Pack toiletries separately and ensure liquids are sealed tightly.

Step 6: Label Everything Clearly

Label each box on its side with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. Labeling boxes on their sides will allow you to see the contents when the boxes are stacked in the truck and in the house.

Step 7: Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a separate box with necessities like toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes so you can access them immediately upon arrival.

Step 8: Documents and Valuables

Prepare to pack and take any important documents and valuables with you to your new home. Taking them with you instead of having the movers take them will ensure you know exactly where they are before, during, and after the move.

Step 9: Moving Day

On the moving day:

1. Do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind.
2. Keep important documents and valuables with you.
3. Communicate clearly with movers about the location you would like your furniture in the new home. Being present and able to answer any questions will avoid any confusion while your furniture is being moved into your new home.

Step 10: Unpacking and Settling In

Once you arrive at your new home:

1. Start with the essentials box.
2. Unpack room by room.
3. Take your time to organize and make your new space comfortable.