How to Pack for a Move: Ultimate Packing Guide & Apartment Moving Tips

Moving can be an exciting change with a lot to look forward to at the end of the process. But let's be honest; no matter how much you love your new place, moving can be incredibly stressful. The planning, the packing, the time and money spent can all be a lot for anyone to deal with. 

The good news is that with the right steps and preparation, you can make sure things go as smoothly as possible and avoid many of the issues that make moving so hectic and nerve-wracking. We'll go over proper planning and organization, discuss how to pack for a move, and provide moving tips and tricks, including specific apartment moving tips for renters. 

How to Pack for a Move: Preparation & Organization 

The best thing you can do to set yourself up for a successful move is to take the time to create a plan beforehand. Making sure that you plan ahead, prepare for each step, and keep the process organized will ensure the best possible outcome. 

Get the Right Supplies 

The right supplies can make or break a move. When discussing how to pack for a move, there's no one right answer. Some people prefer using bubble wrap and packing paper, while others prefer kitchen towels and newspaper. 

However, having a comprehensive list of supplies will keep you from realizing you need something you don't have at the last minute. This article has a great list of suggestions, including vital moving tips many people don't know about. 

Set Aside Enough Time 

The time it takes to pack and move will vary widely depending on the size of your house, how much stuff you have, how much help you have, and other factors. However, if you want to be completely sure you set aside enough time, don't have to rush, and have room for things to come up, start six weeks to two months before the move. 

That gives you plenty of time to spend only a couple of hours a day max, allows you to take plenty of breaks, and makes the process less stressful. If you want to be more specific based on your particular factors, this moving company breaks it down by size, rooms, hours, and days. 

Go KonMari on Your Stuff 

There's no reason to pack and move things you don't really want or need. Go through every room and use the KonMari Method to decide what to keep, toss, sell, or donate. 

Do One Room at a Time 

Start with the rooms you use the least, like storage spaces. Then, go KonMari on each room. Next, begin packing the items you're least likely to need. You can pack storage spaces, garages, basements, and hall closets weeks before the move, leaving the rooms you use the most for the last push before moving day.   

Organize Like Items Together 

Try to keep similar items together. If you're packing the family room, don't go corner by corner. Start with books from all the shelves in the room. Then pack all the decorative odds and ends. Next, get all the linens and pillows together. This approach makes it easier to find items you need and keeps labeling boxes simple. 

Label Boxes with Care and Forethought 

Speaking of labeling boxes, think before you Sharpie. If you have a box with several things or types of things inside, write them all on the box. If you just write "kitchen stuff" instead of "cooking, cutting, and serving utensils," then when you need a specific item, you'll have a much harder time finding the right box. 

Use the Right Supplies and Method for Each Item 

It can be tedious to put something between each plate and inside every cup, but that extra effort can be the difference between unpacking your tableware slowly and replacing it after your move. If you aren't sure how to pack an item, look it up. There are guides for protecting even the most delicate items for a move or shipping.  

Create an "Unpack First" Box 

One of the best moving tips we can give you is to create an "unpack first" or "first night" box. This will contain everything you will need the day/night of the move and the next morning. You want to have all your sheets, toilet paper, shower supplies, toothbrush, and anything else you need access to well before you start unpacking in earnest. This is one of the most important moving day tips to remember. 

Specific Moving Tips to Reduce Stress Later 

There are some essential packing and moving tips that can make unpacking so much easier.  A little extra care in the packing stage can protect your property and your future peace of mind! 

Moving Tips & Tricks to Reduce Stress: 

• Consider Box Sizes: It's tempting to use the biggest boxes available and load them up to save time, until it's time to move them and they weigh a ton. Use small boxes for heavy items and medium for most others. Leave large boxes for pillows and linens. 
• Pack on the Hanger: Keeping clothes on the hanger and using wardrobe boxes or garment bags saves so much time later. 
• Use Your Shoe Boxes: When it comes to how to pack shoes to move, keeping them in their shoe boxes and stacking those in a moving box keeps them from getting crushed. Sneakerheads may feel vindicated that the boxes they’ve saved finally serve a practical purpose! 

Specific Apartment Moving Tips 

Moving to a new apartment requires careful organization and effort to avoid inconveniencing your new neighbors. Here are some apartment moving tips to make sure you don't forget some vital steps.  

Apartment Moving Tips: 

• Read your lease carefully. 
• Inventory any property issues before bringing in boxes or unpacking. 
• Clean any marks on walls and floors. 
• Fill any little holes in walls. 
• Avoid moving furniture in the late evening/early morning. 
• Clean appliances that are staying. 
• Ask your property manager for their expectations. 
  
  
  

Consider Moving to Minot 

Moving can be a real headache, but it doesn't have to be. Taking the time to do things right can really make a huge difference. It takes some extra time and effort upfront, but it's completely worth it.  If you're thinking of moving to Minot or want to upgrade your current home in Minot, consider the Wyatt at Northern Lights. Our pet-friendly community is in a calm, peaceful residential neighborhood close to all the best attractions the city has to offer.  

When you live here, you'll enjoy our indoor swimming pool, Finnish-Style Dry Sauna, hot tub, and fenced dog park. In your apartment, you'll have cupboards, a pantry, and an island for kitchen storage, as well as walk-in closets and a private entry to make moving that much easier. If you like how that sounds, contact our team to schedule a tour and check things out firsthand!