How To Pack Up An Apartment

Moving to a new apartment is an exciting time in your life but it could also be stressful. If you talk to anyone who has moved in the past, you’ll know that planning is crucial. Likewise, having a checklist and a few tips will help you during your move to your next new house or apartment!

Before the Moving Process Begins

Before you begin moving, it’s wise to start packing things a week or so before the move-in date so you’re not overwhelmed with everything.

We recommend that you start early! Here are a few tips to help you:

Donate and Declutter

Most people gather a ton of miscellaneous items they don’t need. It’s wise to get rid of them instead of packing them and moving them to the new home. You can declutter what you no longer require. Consider selling those things for extra cash or donating them to a local thrift shop.

Get Free Moving Boxes

Moving often includes unexpected costs, and you may not need them. Though most people will require packing tape, permanent markers, and the like, you don’t have to pay for moving boxes. Ask clothing and grocery stores to give you their old boxes; they often do it for free. Plus, you can check free-cycle places, such as Craigslist and even Facebook Marketplace, for help here.

Plan Meals and Think of Eating Out

Once you start packing the kitchen, you’ll have to plan meals that won’t use utensils, pots, and pans. Some people prepare meals and put them in the freezer so that they’re ready to heat and eat. Others will eat out a few times while they’re packing boxes.

Build a Moving Day Bag

An overnight bag is crucial for most people. Create a priority list of your requirements for a few days. This is similar to packing during a weekend trip. Therefore, you’ll have cleaning supplies, chargers, toiletries, and a few changes of clothes. Ensure you pack things you will need immediately, such as medications and other items.

Keep the bag in your car for the best results. Otherwise, it could be packed into the moving truck and get lost.

Have Accessible Snacks

Moving is stressful and tiring. Ensure you have plenty of water and snacks to refuel your energy levels when they get low. It’s not a bad idea to offer the movers some food if you have any to spare. They’ll be happier!

Get Fully Packed Before the Moving Day

Ensure that the bags and boxes are packed completely. Movers get paid by the hour, so if you pack boxes and they’re waiting, it will cost more to hire the moving company.

Measure Large Items

Many people make the mistake of getting to a new place and learning that the couch doesn’t fit through the doorway. Make sure you measure heavy items so that they will go easily into the new home.

Track Tax-Deductible Expenses

Moving expenses could be tax-deductible in some cases, such as for military members or those moving because of a job. Research your situation to see if you qualify, and make sure you record the costs.

Contact Companies About the Move

Before a big move, it’s wise to tell utility providers, the post office, and other companies that you’re heading to a new home. They will shut off services to the old place and be ready to start them up in the new one.

Tips for Packing

Most people dread packing, but it can be easy with these packing hacks. Check them out below:

Color Code Everything

It isn’t easy to keep the boxes organized while moving. Often, people can’t find all the items when they get to the new place. One way to combat that is by using a color-coding system. You can easily glance at every box and know where the contents should go.

Take Inventory

Though color coding is great, you should also create an inventory list of what’s in the box. Write it on the side. If you think it will take too much time, consider this easy-moving hack: photograph what’s in the box and look at the picture to find what you require.

Cut Handles for Boxes

It’s hard to pick up the box from the bottom, especially when it’s full of heavier items. Therefore, you can use a box cutter to add handles! It will be much easier!

Use Oven Mitts to Protect Knives

Knives are hard to pack, and the movers might get cut. Therefore, you can pack them in oven mitts and your other kitchen utensils!

Pack Plates Vertically

Broken dishes are often a scary proposition for any homeowner. Try to get all the plates in a single box and put them vertically. You can even put masking tape on them to protect them more.

Pack the Pots with Your Kitchen Supplies

Most homeowners gather kitchen supplies and have nowhere to put them when packing. Things like measuring cups and spices can go in pots and pans, making it easy to unpack in the next space.

Keep Lids on Pots with Rubber Bands

Storing pots and lids in the same box is often wise, but it’s tricky. You can prevent them from falling off with rubber bands. Wrap the band around the pot handle, twist it, and wrap it around the other pot handle.

Keep Hangers on Clothes

Most people remove their clothing from the hangers, fold them, and put them in boxes, but there’s an easier way to pack clothes! Simply keep the hangers, put them in a trash bag to protect them, and they’re ready for the new closet. Hanging clothes are faster to put away!

Use Plastic Wrap for Liquids

You’d feel horrible if you grabbed a box to take into the new place and noticed it was wet with shampoo. Avoid liquid spills by removing the lid and covering the top with plastic wrap. Then, put the lid back on!

Label Disassembled Furniture

Many people have to disassemble their belongings, such as a bed. If you remove the small parts, put them in Ziploc bags. Consider storing the large pieces in trash bags, as well.

Use Drawers for Storage

You don’t want to deal with more boxes than necessary. Therefore, you can put other bags and items in your dresser drawers. These can include clothing, small furniture, supplies, and more!

Use Bubble Wrap on Glass and Mirrors

You will have to be careful when dealing with glass photo frames and mirrors. It’s wise to wrap each in bubble wrap and mark the box as “fragile.”

Transport the Valuable Things Yourself (Outside the Moving Truck)

Important items shouldn’t be left to the movers. You may have valuable heirlooms you want to protect, and moving them personally is wise. Put them in the car and take them to the next apartment or house.

Keep Important Documents Safe and Accessible

Ensure you keep your passport, Social Security card, marriage license, and other important documents safe. Put them in a separate file and store them in your vehicle.

Use Toilet Paper Rolls to Organize Cords

You want to stay organized, and an easy way to do that is to take old toilet paper rolls and put your cords in them. They won’t get tangled, and you can easily get set up in the next apartment.

Use Sheets and Towels as Packing Paper

Linens will take up too much space in boxes, but they can be good for moving fragile items. Wrap things in them, and you won’t require bubble wrap. Another idea is to use paper towels, which might be expensive if you have many items to protect.

Use Your Suitcase

Pack a suitcase with heavy things. It will be much easier to move around if it has wheels than a heavy box.

Ask Movers to Put Boxes in the Right Rooms

When you get to the new space, ask the movers to put all color-coded items in one room. You will likely need to be there to help them, but it will make it easier for you during the unpacking process.

Tips for Unpacking

Unpacking is often as difficult as packing. Therefore, you should try these tips for the best result:

Take Photos Before Unpacking

Before unpacking everything, take pictures of the space. Document the scratches and other issues so that you’re not charged later.

Remove Boxes as You Go

Boxes take up space, so it’s wise to break them down when empty. Then, you can stack them and continue unpacking for the room.

Take the Time to Relax

Taking a break is okay, especially when dealing with furniture and multiple suitcases. Do a workout, visit the local coffee shop or nap!

Use These Moving Hacks and Contact a Professional Mover

Moving is intimidating, but the whole process is easier when you use these moving hacks. Hiring professional movers to take everything to the new place after you pack it all up might be wise. Valet Moving Services can help you and will ensure a happy moving process!

FAQs About Time Frames for the Moving Process

How Many Hours Does It Take to Pack an Apartment?

Packing up a one-bedroom apartment generally takes 10 to 12 hours. This jumps significantly when you add more bedrooms. Therefore, it could take up to 120 hours for a three-bedroom place.

How Many Days Does It Take to Pack an Apartment?

In most cases, it takes one day to pack a one-bedroom apartment, but it could be up to five days if you have three or more bedrooms.

How Do I Pack for a New Apartment?

Follow the tips above to pack and move to a new apartment. It’s generally wise to start with things you rarely use and pack the essentials last.

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