To start packing, however, consider a few of these tips. One, color code your boxes based on the room. If you don’t pack up each room all at once (and you shouldn’t), this will make it easier to stay organized as you unpack. Two, use small boxes for heavy items and big boxes for lighter items (you’ll thank us later). And three, fill up any empty space with newspaper, bubble wrap, or even a throw pillow. This will keep your things tight and secure, no matter which way the box is flipped.
Our best tip, however, is to pack a little each day leading up to your move. To stay motivated, you can set a timer for at least one hour a day, and use that time strictly for packing. In the end, it will all be worth it. However, as you pack, consider the order in which you put things into boxes and even into the portable storage container. The things you use least should go in the back, while the things you use every day should go in last for faster unpacking. Below is a checklist for moving and packing your portable storage container, so when you get to your new home, unpacking is a breeze.
What to Pack First
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First things first, you’ll want to pack up the things you don’t use every day, like home decor, seasonal items, extra linens, and guest room furniture. Pack these things up as soon as you can, days to even weeks before your move. You’ll feel good once you start, and the earlier the better. You’ll have more time to get organized and will feel less stressed than if you had to do it all at once.
Here are some examples of what to pack first:
- Picture Frames
-
Fine China
-
Books
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Extra Linens and Towels
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Seasonal Clothing
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Knick Knacks, Candles, and Other Home Decor
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Throw Pillows and Blankets
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Backstock of Beauty Products, Office Supplies, Etc.
-
Junk Drawers
What to Pack Next
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Your next phase of packing will actually be the bulk of your stuff. Start packing items like your furniture, your televisions, and your small kitchen appliances one to three days before your move. You’ll be surprised how much you can live without for a few days.
Here are some examples of what to pack second:
- Electronic Devices (TV, Speakers, Etc.)
- Bedroom Furniture (Chests, Drawers, and Tables — No bed yet!)
- Dining Room and Kitchen Furniture
- Living Room Furniture
- Office Furniture
- Kitchen Appliances and Gadgets
- Dishes and Dining Utensils
- Lamps and Light Fixtures
What to Pack In a Suitcase
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When you get to your new home, there are a few things you’ll probably need right away. These are things like hand soap for washing your hands or toilet paper, because, well you know. Even if you get in pretty early, moving is tiring! Just like you didn’t pack it all up at once, you shouldn’t try to unpack it all in one day either.
So, you can pack a suitcase of just the necessities — the things you can’t live without for at least a few hours or the important stuff you need to keep track of. Keep the suitcase with you rather than tossing it into the portable storage container.
Here are some examples of what to pack in your suitcase:
- Medication
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Clothing
- Snacks
- Everyday Toiletries
- Laptop
- Important Documents
What to Pack The Morning of Your Move
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The big day is finally here! The morning you’re ready to move, you should, of course, pack all of your remaining necessities. This is the mattress you slept on and the towels you used to take a shower. However, this is also a few bulkier items you may need right away when you get to your new home, like cleaning supplies and tools for putting furniture back together.
Food is also on this list. If you have a pantry or fridge full of food, pack it into coolers to take to your new home. However, if you don’t want to take it with you, consider donating it a few days in advance to a food bank and purging anything about to expire.
Here are some examples of what to pack the morning of your move:
- Mattresses
- Bedding
- Towels
- Cleaning Supplies
- Tools
- Coffee Machine
- Food and Snacks
There’s a lot to think about when you’re moving to a new home. But, you shouldn’t have to think about it all at once. Take packing day by day, a little at a time, and you’ll feel much less stressed the day of your move.
And once you’re packed, let us take your stuff to your new home or store for as long as you need. Our goal at The Box Portable Storage is to make moving and portable storage easy, and we won’t let you down.
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