7 Tips on How to Pack for Movers and Save Big
Deciding how to prepare your place for the moving truck and having a plan ensures everything runs efficiently. With a few thoughtful strategies, you’ll help the moving team work faster, and more effectively, ultimately saving you money on total hours.
Still searching for the perfect movers? Contact Gilbert’s Mountain Movers for your next move.
1. The First Step: Stay Organized by Starting Early
Packing for movers doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you start early and stay organized. Tackling the task weeks ahead of time gives you control over the process. Ensures movers can work efficiently on your moving day. Follow these steps to set the foundation for a stress-free move:
Pack Non-Essentials First: Use this opportunity to declutter your home. Go through your appliances, furniture, and clothing and decide to keep, donate, or trash them. Starting with these items clears up space and helps you focus on essentials closer to moving day.
Color-Code Boxes: Assign each room a specific color and use matching labels or tape. For instance, blue for the kitchen and green for the bedroom. This visual system makes it easier for movers to identify where each box belongs.
Label Boxes Clearly: Write down the contents of each box and the room it’s destined for. This ensures movers can unload efficiently and saves you from rummaging through boxes later.
Create a Packing Schedule: If you’re planning a long-distance move, start planning 8 weeks in advance. For local moves, begin at least 4 weeks out. Break the process into manageable steps by organizing room by room. This gives you plenty of time to pack thoughtfully and avoid last-minute stress.
2. Gather the Right Packing Supplies for Efficiency
Having all the right materials before packing will make your life easier. Using high-quality moving supplies will protect your belongings and make the entire process faster and more efficient for your movers. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sturdy Boxes in Various Sizes
Invest in durable boxes that can handle heavy items without breaking. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and cookware, and larger boxes for lighter but bulkier items like bedding.Packing Tape and Dispensers
Secure boxes tightly with strong packing tape to avoid accidents during loading and unloading.
Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper
Protect fragile items like dishes, glasses, and electronics with cushioning materials.Markers or Labels
Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room to help movers unload quickly and accurately.
Pro Tip: Having the right packing supplies at your fingertips reduces the risk of damage and ensures a smoother moving process. If you need help handling delicate items, check out 7 Hacks for Packing and Moving Fragile Items.
3. How to Pack Heavy Items for Movers and Save Their Backs
One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing is overloading large boxes with heavy items. While it might seem efficient to fit everything into fewer boxes, it creates challenges for movers and increases the risk of damage or injury. Here’s how to pack for movers when it comes to heavy items the right way:
Keep Heavy Items Manageable
Smaller, sturdy boxes for heavy items make the process much smoother. Pack heavy items, such as books, tools, and cookware, into these boxes. This makes them easier to lift and carry, reducing the strain on your movers and preventing accidents.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Avoid putting all heavy items in one box. Distribute the weight evenly across multiple boxes and use lightweight items, like pillows or towels, to fill in gaps and provide balance.Label Boxes Clearly
Mark these boxes as “HEAVY” so movers know to handle them with extra care. Also, indicate which room they belong to for easy unloading.
Pro Tip: If you're moving fragile but heavy items, such as electronics or glass cookware, wrap them in packing paper or towels to add a layer of protection.
4. Protect Fragile Items with these Packing Hacks
Fragile items are often the trickiest to pack, but with the right techniques, you can ensure they arrive at your new home intact. Movers will appreciate the extra care, and you’ll avoid unnecessary stress. Here’s how to pack your fragile items for movers:
Use Soft Items as Padding
Save money and space by wrapping fragile items in towels, blankets, or clothing. For instance, use a thick sweater to cushion a glass vase or wrap plates in kitchen towels.Double-Layer Boxes for Extra Protection
Line the bottom of boxes with a layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to absorb shocks. Place a second layer between each fragile item to prevent direct contact.
Don’t Leave Empty Spaces
Fill any gaps in the box with packing materials like crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or soft items. This prevents items from shifting during transit.Stack Fragile Items Vertically
Items like plates or dishes, stack them vertically to reduce the likelihood of cracking or breaking.Clearly Label Fragile Boxes
Mark boxes containing breakables as “FRAGILE” on all sides and include “This Side Up” where necessary. This ensures movers know how to handle these boxes with extra care.
Pro Tip: Place the heaviest fragile items, like glass bakeware, at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing.
5. Clear Labels Are the Key to an Efficient Move
Proper labeling is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to make moving day a breeze. It helps movers quickly identify where each box belongs, saving time and minimizing confusion. Here’s how to master the art of labeling:
Be Specific About Contents
Instead of labeling a box “Kitchen,” write “Kitchen – Pots, Pans, and Utensils.” This helps movers and you identify items more quickly when unpacking.Include the Destination Room
Indicate the room each box should go to. For instance, “Bedroom – Closet Items” or “Living Room – Books.” This prevents movers from having to ask for directions. Keep all items for the same rooms in the same box to further streamline the unpacking process.
Use a Color-Coding System
Assign each room a unique color. For example, use blue tape or stickers for the kitchen and green for the bedroom. Apply these labels to the top and sides of the box so they’re visible from any angle.Mark Fragile Items
Label boxes containing breakables as “FRAGILE.” Use bold lettering or bright stickers so movers know to handle them with extra care.Add Priority Indicators
If certain boxes need to be unpacked first, mark them with “Open First” or “Priority.” This way, movers can place these boxes in easily accessible spots.
Pro Tip: Keep a master list or digital spreadsheet of all your boxes and their labels. This ensures that everything has arrived at your new home.
6. Pack a Moving Day Essentials Box to Save Time for Everyone
Amid the chaos of moving day, having a well-packed essentials box makes the moving process easier. If you have a toddler, having their essentials ready reduces stress and keeps everyone calm. Setting aside items you’ll need immediately also saves movers from digging through boxes if you require something last minute. Here’s how it helps movers move faster and what to include in your box:
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Keeps Movers Focused on Loading and Unloading
When essentials like toiletries, snacks, and documents are packed separately, movers don’t waste time searching for “just in case” items. They can focus solely on safely handling your boxes. -
Reduces Last-Minute Confusion
Having your priority items organized and labeled as “Essentials” ensures movers won’t accidentally pack or misplace them on the truck. -
Prevents Interruptions
With tools and basic supplies already on hand, you won’t need to interrupt movers to retrieve a box cutter, tape, or cleaning items mid-move.
What to Include in Your Essentials Box:
- Toiletries and Medications: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and any critical medications.
- Clothing and Linens: A change of clothes and basic linens, like towels or a bedsheet.
- Snacks and Water: Easy-to-grab food and drinks for energy throughout the day.
- Tools and Cleaning Supplies: A box cutter, scissors, wipes, spray cleaner, and trash bags.
- Important Documents: Moving contracts, passports, IDs, and any other essential paperwork.
Pro Tip: Label this box “Essentials” and keep it with you rather than loading it on the truck. This avoids any delays and ensures quick access when you arrive at your new home.
7. Help Movers Work Faster with these Smart Tricks
These simple tricks like clearing pathways and grouping items can significantly speed up the process and reduce costs. Here’s how to streamline the moving process for when you hire professional movers:
Clear Hallways, Doorways, and Pathways
Before movers arrive, ensure that all pathways are free of clutter. Salt the pavement of any ice if it’s during the winter season. This allows them to move heavy items and large boxes without delays or risks of tripping.Disassemble Furniture in Advance
Take apart furniture like bed frames, tables, and shelves before moving day. Store the screws and small parts in labeled bags taped securely to the furniture. This not only saves movers time but also ensures no parts get lost.
Group Similar Items Together
Keep boxes from the same room or similar categories in one area. For instance, place all kitchen items together in the dining area. This helps movers load the truck in an organized manner, making unloading more efficient.Communicate Clearly
Let movers know if there are fragile items, heavy boxes, or specific preferences for how items should be loaded. A quick walkthrough of your home before they start can eliminate guesswork.Be Available for Quick Questions
While movers are experienced, they may occasionally need your input. Stay accessible during the move to answer questions quickly and avoid delays.
Pro Tip: Movers appreciate when everything is ready to go, so double-check that all boxes are sealed, labeled, and in an accessible areas before they arrive.
How To Pack For Movers - FAQ
Use removable labels or painter’s tape to avoid damage or residue on furniture surfaces. Avoid duct tape, as it can cause marks. Place labels in visible, non-obstructive areas like the back or underside of furniture. Write in bold, capital letters for clarity, and include instructions like “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” for delicate furniture.
When movers arrive, stay available to answer questions and provide a quick walkthrough of your home. Clear pathways for easy navigation and point out fragile or priority items. Keep your essentials box handy to avoid it being loaded. Before they leave, double-check that nothing is left behind and confirm all items are loaded properly.
Place heavier items at the bottom and delicate items at the top. Keep boxes under 50 pounds—if it’s hard to lift, it’s too heavy. Avoid mixing items from different rooms to stay organized.