7 Packing Tips for Long Distance Moving
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Whether you’re accepting a job a few states away, or finally saving up enough to pay for your first home, it’s important to make your move as seamless as possible. And one part of ensuring a smooth move is by packing with a plan.
With any move it’s important to pack your belongings carefully, but it’s really important to consider when moving long distances or even cross country. Packing efficiently means that you’ll be able to save on space, time, and even on gas (that is, if you’re renting a moving truck).
Wondering how to make the most of those moving boxes? Here are 7 things you need to know before packing up and heading out!
1. Invest in High Quality Supplies
Ever had a box break on you? It can be frustrating! But you can save yourself the trouble by purchasing high quality moving supplies. And believe it or not, you can get great supplies on a budget at a U-Haul center near you.
Here’s a list of some materials that you shouldn’t cheap out on:
- Tape
- Boxes
- Dollies and other Lifting Equipment
Consider Plastic Containers
U-Haul is known for its sturdy cardboard boxes, but sometimes you just need something sturdier. Plastic containers are a stronger option than traditional cardboard, and it doesn’t get sturdier than U-Haul’s Ready-To-Go Box!
Ready-To-Go Boxes are great for moving just about anything. They’re strong, waterproof, and easy to hold and stack. Want to learn more about what makes Ready-To-Go Boxes special? You can check out this quick video and become an expert in a minute or less!
2. Lighten the Load
When moving long distances, it’s important to declutter and rid yourself of the belongings that won’t serve you in your next home. This includes stuff like old, rickety furniture, tattered linens and blankets, or clothes you don’t wear anymore. If you don’t feel right tossing or donating away your stuff, you could even sell it all by holding a garage sale.
This not only saves you space while you pack, but it can also save you money in the long run, especially if you’re renting a moving truck. When you travel with a lighter load, it takes less gas to get to your destination (which means more money in your pocket).
Mattresses can take up a lot of space in a moving truck. Luckily, U-Haul can deliver high-quality, affordable mattresses right to your door. Still want to bring your mattress along? No problem! Just make sure you protect it with a mattress bag.
3. Hire Moving Help
Hey, we all need a hand sometimes! If you’re moving by yourself, or working with limited time, you should consider hiring a helping hand. And when you need local, trustworthy, and affordable moving labor, you’ll love Moving Help, powered by U-Haul.
Moving Helpers can assist you with packing, moving, and even unpacking your stuff. They’re great for moving bulky large items, like washers and dryers, or even a fishtank. But be sure to book your moving help early and remember to leave a tip!
4. Give Yourself Enough Time to Pack
You don’t need to pack everything months in advance, but you shouldn’t be leaving everything the night before you need to leave. If you’re the type of person that gets overwhelmed with packing, consider working in small bursts rather than trying to get it all done at once. Find a strategy that works for you so you can get everything sorted out before moving day.
Hey, sometimes life gets in the way, and we’re stuck with a shorter timeline than we thought. Don’t panic! Here are 8 last-minute moving tips for when you need to move in a hurry.
5. Pack Room-by-Room
When looking at your whole house, packing can seem daunting. But don’t look at the big picture, let’s break it all down room-by-room. Instead of trying to tackle it all at once, focus on packing one room at a time. Not sure how many boxes you’ll need for each room? U-Haul's Moving Supplies Calculator can help you figure out how many supplies you’ll need.
Start by packing up the rooms you use the least (but don’t pack away the stuff you use daily). From there, pack up one room at a time. This way, you won’t have to worry about tacking the entire house, just one room at a time. Depending on how many rooms you want to tackle, this could be a multi-day or even week-long process.
Pro Tip: Make sure you are labeling every box with what items are inside. Be as specific as you can! This will make unpacking much easier. If you’re the type that likes to keep track of things in your phone, consider downloading the free U-Haul app to use the My Belongings Organizer!
When you pack a full home’s worth, it can get daunting! But if you take it one step at a time, it’s a breeze. Looking for a breakdown of the best way to pack up every room in the house? Then you need to read this!
6. Take Big Furniture Apart
Trying to fit a table in a moving truck can be hard when you still have legs on it. By taking the legs off tables and chairs, disassembling your bed frame, and taking apart large furniture, you give yourself more space to work with. This also makes large furniture easier to move without the added safety risk.
Packing and moving can be serious physical labor, so it can be easy to get injured. But if you take the necessary safety precautions, you can get through it unscathed! Here are 15 safety tips you didn’t know you needed.
7. Wrap Up the Valuables
One of the riskiest parts of long-distance moves is making sure your belongings stay safe during the journey. This means that any delicate, easily breakable, or valuable objects should be treated with extra care.
You can take extra care of your items by making sure they’re wrapped snugly. You can do this with blankets, towels, or even biodegradable packing peanuts!
When it comes to moving cross country safely, you can trust U-Haul. From moving supplies, to trucks and trailers, to U-Box containers, U-Haul can help you every step of the way. And with over 20,000 U-Haul centers across North America, you’re bound to find a U-Haul center near you. Whenever you’re ready to get moving, be sure to visit your friendly neighborhood U-Haul!