Top Packing Tips from Professional Long-Distance Movers

Top Packing Tips from Professional Long-Distance Movers

Long-distance movers, whether across the state or the country, are tasked with packing their entire lives into boxes. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be stressful! Today, we are excited to provide practical packing tips on how to pack efficiently and securely for a long-distance move, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and organized.

7 Packing Tips from Professional Long-Distance Movers:

#1: Start Early

The greatest piece of advice we can give you as professional long-distance movers is to start early! Whatever day you have in your mind to get started, start even earlier! Packing always takes way more time than anyone anticipates, leading to frustration and unease if you are on a tight deadline. 

#2: Stay Organized:

Next in our vital packing tips is to stay organized! Before you put a single item in a box, devise a strategy for how you will organize, inventory, and pack each room. We highly suggest creating an inventoried, color-coated, numbered list. This list should include every item you intend to pack and provide it with a category and box number. For example, we recommend categorizing your list by room, such as bedroom (green), bathroom (blue), or kitchen (red). Then, you want to provide each box with a number so that you can easily figure out if one is missing. 

Here is an example. You are packing the kitchen. You have already packed the living room and bathroom and are moving on to boxes 7-15 for the kitchen. Box 14 is full of dishware. You would give this box a red sticker, write “kitchen” in big letters on the top and sides of the box, write a box number such as “14”, and then write in small font, “dishware.”  Then, on your inventory list, you would write:

Keeping an organized and easy-to-understand list makes sorting and identifying boxes far easier. Not only will you be able to pack your items strategically, but they will also be easy to place inside your new home once you arrive and open up when you need something. So, always remember to label everything!

#3: Use High-Quality Packing Materials: 

Another one of our top packing tips, especially for long-distance movers, is to use high-quality packing materials. Why? Sturdy boxes, strong packing tape, thick bubble wrap, and durable packing paper are essential for keeping belongings safe during transit.

This is certainly not a place to use cheap supplies, as it is never worth having a box rip from the bottom and have all your items tumble out. If you aren’t sure what kind or how much packing supplies you need, click HERE to view our Box Calculator or packing supply list. 

#4: Pack Fragile Items with Care:

When initiating the packing process, we suggest starting with the fragile items first – as they take the most time and care to complete. Delicate items can include everything from dishware to antiques.

We suggest wrapping each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, ensuring all sides and corners are well protected. Then, if your item has its original box (most typically electronics), pack it in there, as it ensures a secure fit. Alternatively, in some cases, like with dishes, there are special boxes you can buy that come with dividers to isolate each piece. 

Then, place cushioning materials, such as foam peanuts or crumpled paper, in empty spaces to prevent movement inside the boxes. 

Lastly, of course, is to seal and label the box. We suggest labeling those boxes clearly with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” to alert movers to handle these boxes with extra care.

#5: Maximize Space and Minimize Risk:

When packing the rest of your items, maximizing your space and minimizing damage risk is vital. There is a strategy to fill moving boxes to their optimum capacity while ensuring they aren’t too heavy. 

First, place heavier items on the bottom and light ones on top to avoid overpacking. This prevents items from getting crushed. For example, books are great to place on the bottom of a box, and pillows are excellent on top. 

Second, never overfill the box. You want to avoid cramming too much into one box, as this can strain the seams and make the box difficult to carry. Instead, aim for a snug fit that keeps items secure without straining the box. 

Third, fill any gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap, preventing the contents from shifting during transport. 

Fourth, always seal each box securely with packing tape. If the box is heavy or strained, reinforce the bottom and any stress points on the box to ensure it holds together.

Lastly, make sure to label the box and add the contents to your inventory list!

#6: Pack Your Personal Bag: 

Long-distance movers have to pack a little differently from those moving locally. Due to transportation time, you will likely need your daily essentials on hand, such as clothes, toiletries, and sensitive or highly expensive items. While it is rare for items to get lost in transit, it is possible. So, always hand-carry something you can’t live without.

When planning for your packing, we recommend setting aside a personal bag and boxes for what you plan to carry with you. If you are flying to your destination, it will likely just be a couple of suitcases. However, if you are driving, you may be able to take a half dozen small boxes in addition to your luggage. 

When setting aside your hand-carry items, we recommend including the following:

• Clothing and Toiletries: Enough to last you until your items arrive (plus a few extra day’s worth, just in case)
• Important Documents: Passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and medical records.
• Financial Records: Checkbooks, credit cards, and recent bank statements.
• Property Documents: Lease or rental agreement, house deed, and car title.
• Valuables: Jewelry, family heirlooms, and other irreplaceable items.
• Emergency Contacts and Lists: Family, friends, and emergency services phone numbers.
• Medications: Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and a first aid kit.
• Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, chargers, and adapters.
• Kids’ Items: Toys, books, and any comfort items to keep children content.
• Pet Supplies: Pet food, leash, carrier, and any medications for your pets
• Snacks and Water: Bottled water and non-perishable snacks for the journey.
• Keys: House, new home, car, and office keys.

#7: Consider Professional Packing Services:

While packing one’s house may be an option for some long-distance movers, others may not have the time, skill, or desire to do it. Professional movers like us at Speedy Movers can take the stress out of packing by providing expert packing services. Not only do we ensure that all items are properly protected and organized, but our services save you time and reduce the hassle of preparing for a long-distance move.

Why Choose Speedy Movers for Long-Distance Packing and Moving:

At Speedy Movers, we offer our customers professional packing services from just down the street to across the country. Our extensive experience with long-distance movers and commitment to customer satisfaction has made us a town favorite you can trust. So, whether you need simple transport for your move or a full service of packing, transport, and unpacking, we are here to help!

Ready for a stress-free long-distance move? Contact Speedy Movers today to learn more about our professional packing services and ensure your belongings are safe and secure for the journey.