Packing for a move has a way of making everything feel essential—until you’re staring at an inflated shipping quote or standing in your new home, wondering why you packed all this stuff. Our take on a smooth move is simple: it starts with the right approach to packing. With over a century of expertise in domestic moving, here are five mistakes to avoid when packing for a move, along with solutions that will save you time and money.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Packing for a Move
Not Decluttering
Go through all your belongings and review what’s viable. Then get rid of as much as possible before you start packing. Donate, gift, or sell anything that’s duplicate, old, and cheap, and doesn’t have sentimental value. Get rid of things that are cheaper to replace with new ones and might be of better quality. Anything from Ikea has got to go.
Packing Items Not Compatible with the Next Destination
Do extensive research on your destination, weather, and seasons, and build a timeline of your arrival versus your shipment (the moving company can help with that). Think through the kinds of situations you will face.
If you’re moving to a warmer climate, leave your winter clothes behind. On the contrary, cull your summer clothes if you’re moving somewhere like Washington, and make sure you pack a variety of clothing to have on hand when needed.
In destinations where the housing inventories are low, reviewing local listings can help you decide what to pack and prevent bringing items that won’t fit, such as oversized furniture that may be impractical in an apartment.
Bringing Things You Can Find at the Destination
With a cross-country move, big changes are ahead, and many people feel the need to be prepared for everything so they can hit the ground running. As a result, some start buying everything they think they’ll need at the destination before they move. This only inflates your shipping volume—and your costs. In most cases, you can buy the essentials new once you arrive.
Not Bringing Things You Can’t Find at the Destination
This is something that usually only comes with experience. After living at your destination for some time, you may realize that the coffee syrup available in New England areas just doesn’t exist in the local grocery stores. That’s often when, on your next visit home, you stock up on all the things you miss. If you’re moving with children, we recommend checking forums and Facebook groups to see what people from your new destination typically miss most. If any of those items fall into a category your kids can’t live without, bring a small supply with you to help ease the transition period.
Letting Go of Belongings that Make You Feel at Home
Serial movers will tell you to sell everything before you move. But even they eventually admit to missing items with sentimental value. It’s these comfort items that will make you feel at home during the uncertain times of a move. So go ahead and back your bulky quilt, your collection of books, paintings, and even mugs. If you are moving for a short period, we recommend storing belongings you are unsure about in a local facility. For a permanent move, bring the valuable items with you.
Final Thoughts on Packing for a Move
Finally, hire a professional moving company that is qualified to evaluate your move, guide you through the moving process, and help you pack. More importantly, pack your belongings properly to avoid damage during shipment. Reach out to FastPAC Forwarding for a free consultation.
