Many people create a checklist before a big move. It might include buying packing tape, saving cardboard boxes, and calling the top local movers in Montgomery County, PA. However, your move will go smoother if you learn efficient packing strategies for different rooms in your home. If you need help packing and moving your stuff, the team at O’Malley Moving Services can help. From completing pre-move checklists to ensuring your items arrive safely, we have you covered. With the following tips, you can tackle each room with a unique game plan, making your move easier and less stressful.
Start With the Hardest Room to Pack: The Kitchen
What is the hardest room to pack when moving? The kitchen presents unique challenges for packers. There may be hundreds of items to organize, from sharp knives to heavy pans. For that reason, we recommend that you start your packing here. You can get a head start by packing stuff you don’t use daily a few weeks ahead of the move. That’s a great time to discard, donate, or give away utensils, plates, and other items you don’t need.
You’ll probably use your microwave, coffee maker, and dishes right up to the day you move. Are you taking your refrigerator or other appliance with you? You’ll need to prepare them for the trip, which takes some advanced planning.
Here are some strategies to keep the move on track:
- Defrost the fridge for at least two days before moving. (Eat out or order in if it simplifies life during this busy time.)
- Dismantle small appliances such as toasters and blenders. Wrap components with sharp edges in bubble wrap to avoid injury and ensure all the parts are packed together for each appliance.
- Use or dispose of perishable items. If you have a lot of canned goods and don’t want to pack them, consider donating them to a local charity. The more you eliminate, the less stuff you have to unpack later.
- Wrap dishes and glasses in a newspaper or use sectioned boxes to avoid breakage.
- Nest smaller pans inside larger ones to save space.
- Wrap knives carefully to avoid puncture wounds and damage to fragile objects.
Smart Dining Room Packing Strategies
Your dining room table and chairs will occupy a lot of space on the moving truck. However, removing the legs from tables and chairs can make them more compact. To protect expensive area rugs, roll them up, wrap them in plastic, and tie the bundle together securely. This also makes your rugs easier to carry. If you have expensive or sentimental decor, take the necessary steps to protect it. Knickknacks, artwork, and clocks often have fragile components. Wrap them carefully and label fragile items.
Tip: Put your heavy dining room furniture (along with your living room furniture) in the moving van first. This will make filling in gaps with smaller items easier, potentially saving you a few trips.
Must-Know Living Room Packing Strategies
Place your couch, end tables, and other furniture on the moving truck first. You can cover them with blankets to prevent damage before placing boxes on them. When it comes to electronics, detach wires and attachments and place them in the same bag. This will make them easy to find and sort through. Remove lightbulbs from lamps for safety purposes. Don’t forget to wrap delicate decor and frames to protect them during the journey.
Bedroom Packing Tips for a Smooth Move
Bedding, clothing, and other soft items can take up a lot of space. Vacuum pack these items to reduce their bulk. You can also use pillows and mattresses to protect furniture and fragile items. If you have a mattress bag, put it on to keep dirt and grime away. Pack your standing mirror, vases, and wall decor tightly to minimize jostling on the road.
Bathroom and Laundry Tips
If you’re taking your washer and dryer, tape the hoses and vents to the appliance to keep them secure. Organize your bathroom towels by room if you have more than one bathroom in your new home. Organize your toiletries, such as shampoo and toothpaste, for easy access. You’ll need these on the first day in your new home, so ensure they are within reach. Fill your laundry baskets and hampers with clothes and lightweight items to maximize space in the moving truck.
Outdoor Furniture and Equipment
Remove wood and charcoal from your grill a few weeks before the move, and clean it thoroughly. Avoid traveling with propane tanks that still have fuel inside. Clean your outdoor furniture and break it down to save space. Cardboard and beach towels make great padding for sharp or fragile items.
Contact A Professional
Would you like more strategies for packing up each room of your home? Let the experts at O’Malley Moving Services help you. We are a respected Chester County moving company ready to help get packed and moved today!
