What to pack last when moving

Moving day is fast approaching; according to your schedule, it is time to start packing. There's a science and an art to packing. You need to know what goes where and in what order to pack. In fact, knowing what to pack last when moving is essential. It can make the packing process more manageable.

Read on to learn packing tips for when you move house, the first items to start packing for move day, and things to pack last when moving. You can also learn more about considerations on packing and moving costs and timelines.

Packing Tips When Moving House

Following the right packing tips can help you to move more efficiently and confidently. You should know what items to start packing first and which you should pack last.

Items to pack first when moving

Although there is no strict rule on items to pack first when moving, you can follow a general rule of thumb.

Pack least used items

• First, pack those items that you use the least. For example, you can start packing out-of-season clothing and seasonal items a few weeks from move day.
• After that, sort out clothes you do not plan to wear in the next few weeks and pack them away. You can pack the few outfits you need immediately after move day in a last-minute duffel bag.
• This same principle applies to packing shoe collections. You can reserve some comfortable shoes for move day and pack the rest away.
  

Pack non-essential items

Before you move house, your next step in packing is to pack less frequently used items and memorabilia. This can include books, vinyl records, magazines, artwork, and decor.

Use small, sturdy moving boxes if you are considering the weight of these items. Books are easy to pack because of their uniform shape.

Pack extra kitchen items

It's now time to focus on some kitchen items. This includes rarely used kitchen utensils, infrequently used appliances and special cookware. Your daily essentials should be handy as something you pack last on moving. Start packing up the other things.

Items to pack last when moving

It's now the last stage of your packing. This is when you should pay attention to daily used items. For example, you need to keep your toiletries and medicines in a place that is easy to reach. Use an essentials box to pack things you will need, even at the final moment before and immediately after arriving at your new place.

Pack daily used items

An alternative to setting aside a daily essentials box is to use a small luggage or bag to pack your daily-use items. For example, you could pack clothes, shoes, toiletries, medications, first aid kit, and essential survival items. Likewise, you can place important documents within reach.

Pack bedding items

It's time to pack items that need to be immediately available in your new home. So pack your bedding, including your pillows, sheets, and blankets.

Pack bathroom essentials

Similarly, you can head to the bathroom and pack toiletries, towels, and shower curtains. You need to keep these items handy up till the move day.

Pack cleaning supplies

The ideal approach is to leave out the most essential cleaning supplies. Pack up those essential products and tools you will need for cleanups at your old and new places.

Pack electronics and valuables

Finally, you can pack up your valuables and electronics. This stage of the packing process has to be done with care. Remember to label the boxes for special treatment.

Meanwhile, remember to keep valuable documents, jewellery, and cash close to you for the entirety of your move.

Expert packing and moving tips

You can make use of the following packing tips and moving guide for a successful move:

• Give yourself enough time to pack for your move. It wouldn't do to start packing and moving in a rush and miss important things.
• Be sure to stock up on packing supplies before you start packing. Supplies include moving boxes, permanent markers, paper rolls, packing tape, and garbage bags.
• Clearly label and describe the content of moving boxes. You can include the room designation to ease up the unloading process.
• It is helpful to have a moving day essentials box. It should contain items you need for your first night at the new place, such as light bulbs and spare batteries. 
• Snap pictures before disassembling large furniture or electronics. It can help the reassembly process.
• Remember to inform the relevant bodies of your move. This includes schools, banks, employers, and utility services.
• You can get expert help from a professional moving company to guarantee a stress-free move.
  

Tips on Using Moving Boxes When Packing

• Use properly-sized moving boxes for different items.
• Use small boxes to pack heavy items. This reduces the chances of breaking them.
• Pack light items, such as pillows, in bigger moving boxes.
• Reserve the bottoms of boxes for heavy items and upper sections for lightweight items.
• Pack in the heaviest boxes before the lighter ones for truck loading. This improves balance.
• Use packing paper, towels, or clothing to fill gaps and empty spaces in moving boxes.
• Fill boxes according to rooms.
• Remember to label the boxes adequately
• A great packing tip is to keep an inventory list. A little notebook will do.
• Use packing tape to tape up moving boxes' top and bottom seams.
• Your moving company may provide special crating for delicate items.
• Do not wrap oil paintings on regular paper so it does not stick.
• Use bubble wrap to wrap pictures before placing them in a frame box. Insert a piece of cardboard between frames for protection.
• Use an essentials box (first-night box/open first box) to pack items - moving essentials - that you will likely use up until move day and 24 hours after.
• Add padding to boxes with fragile items to cushion and protect them.
• Examples of helpful packing materials include bubble wrap and butcher's paper.
  

How a Moving Company Can Help

The process of packing and moving can be complex. This applies to both local moves and long-distance moves. A moving company can make your packing and moving process easier.

Their services are comprehensive enough for an efficient move. You can get moving tips and ideas on how to pack boxes from them. More importantly, they can handle the entirety of the moving process in a safe, secure, and efficient way.

Considerations on Packing and Moving Costs

 You should consider the following costs of moving:

• Cost of moving boxes
• Car shipping costs
• Costs of move out cleaning
• Prices for storage units and moving containers
• The actual price of the move
  

Saving on packing and moving costs

• You may rent a truck to save money. However, hiring an experienced and qualified moving company ensures your items arrive safely.
• You can rent a mobile storage pod to transport the larger items. This also saves time.
• Your friends and family can help you pack and move. You can save money if a friend has a large vehicle for transporting some items.
• Great sources for packing materials include friends who recently moved, home depots, online stores, used linens and towels, and old suitcases.
• It is best to check the market for the best moving rates and choose the best deal.
• Take time to research the online reputations of packing and moving companies.
• Check the moving company's licensing to ensure they follow industry rules and regulations.
• You may ask your friends, families, or realtors for good referrals.
  

Packing and Moving Timelines

Working with a timeline for preparing for your move and the actual move can help ensure a stress-free and hassle-free move. Specifically, your move preparation process should begin at least 6-8 weeks before your projected move date. In addition, you should start packing at least three weeks before your projected move date.

Work with Professional Packers and Movers

This post has considered various tips for packing and what to pack last before moving. No doubt, the packing and moving process can be a complicated and stressful one. However, hiring a professional packing and moving company can remove much of the headache. They can efficiently handle office packing and home packing with ease.