Essential Packing Tips for a Smooth Local Move

Declutter and Organize:

Sort and Purge:

Before you start packing, take the opportunity to organize your possessions. Categorize items into categories like keep, give away, sell, or discard. Cutting down on unnecessary items will reduce the packing workload and help establish a fresh start in your new home.

Create a Packing Plan:

Create a packing plan to keep things organized throughout the process. Start with non-essential items and steadily pack the necessary things closer to the moving day. Prioritize packing room by room, labeling each box with what is inside and the specific room it belongs to.

Gather Packing Supplies:

Sturdy Boxes and Containers:

Collect an ample supply of strong moving boxes in assorted sizes. Opt for premium boxes that can handle the weight of your stuff and resist crushing during transport. Many of Corrigan’s offices offer free secondhand boxes to our customers, which can be an excellent way to reduce waste and minimize your cost of acquiring materials. Remember that previously-used inventory can fluctuate from day to day, so plan ahead and leave yourself plenty of time to pack.

Protective Packing Materials:

Get protective packing materials such as packing paper, packing peanuts, foam sheets, or bubble wrap to provide protection and cushioning for your things. Use these materials to encase breakables, occupy vacant gaps within boxes, and avert shifting during transit. Start stockpiling the packing material from existing shipments, that material can be used again for your move!

Essential Packing Tools:

Equip yourself with essential packing tools, including tape, scissors, markers, labels, and small storage bags. These tools will assist you in securely sealing boxes, labeling them for easy identification, and keeping small items organized (such as the pegs from a bookshelf, or other small pieces and parts).

Packing Techniques:

Room-by-Room Packing:

Focus on packing one room at a time to stay organized and avoid mix-ups during unpacking. Start by tackling rooms and belongings you rarely use, then slowly move on to more crucial spaces.

Categorize and Label:

Sort items within each room into simple categories. Clearly label each box with its contents, the corresponding area, and any special handling instructions. This will facilitate efficient unpacking and help local movers place boxes in their assigned rooms.

Protect Fragile Items:

Wrap fragile items separately with cushioning bubble wrap or packing paper. Use dividers or individual containers for fragile items like glass items, china, or tech gadgets. Fill empty areas in boxes with protective peanuts or wrinkled paper to stop shifting and reduce the chance of harm.

Disassemble and Secure Furniture:

Disassemble furniture, whenever possible, to make packing easier and optimized use of space. Keep screws, bolts, and other small parts together by placing them in labeled bags or taping them securely to the furniture. Take pictures of items before you disassemble them, so you can have an simple reference for putting it back together!

Efficient Loading and Unloading:

Create a Pathway:

Ensure open pathways in your home on moving day. Get rid of obstacles and anything someone could trip over to ensure safe and efficient movement for local movers.

Heavy Items First:

Load heavier and bulkier items onto the moving truck first. Place them as the base and against the truck's walls to create a solid foundation. Smaller containers and delicate belongings should be loaded on top to prevent crushing.

Essential Items in Easy Access:

Pack a separate "essentials" box with things you will need immediately upon arrival, like toiletries, fresh clothing, important documents, and cooking essentials. Keep this box handy for a smooth transition into your new home.

Partnering with Local Movers:

Research and Choose Reputable Local Movers:

Spend time exploring and choosing reputable local movers with a history of dependability and top-notch customer service. Go through reviews, ask for recommendations, and compare moving quotes to make an knowledgeable decision.

Communication and Coordination:

Maintain open communication with your chosen local moving company. Give them correct information about your inventory, packing requirements, and any unusual items that may require special attention during the move.

Seek Professional Packing Assistance:

If you choose to concentrate on different areas of your move, inquire about packing services offered by local movers. Experienced packers can effectively and securely pack your belongings, saving you time and ensuring maximum protection during this important phase. At Corrigan Moving Systems, we can customize our services to accommodate your needs. We can pack your entire house, or just certain fragile pieces. Your expert move consultant can provide details on how to best protect specific items, and formulate a custom quote for these services.