Quick! What’s the most stressful part of moving? You said packing, didn’t you? 40% of people find packing the most stressful aspect of relocating. Packing stress, however, can be managed using the most efficient method to save you time and energy, hiring a professional moving service named Maffucci Moving & Storage. 

Maffucci specializes in moving you from one place to the next. Our team has been thoroughly vetted, undergoing a careful screening and approval process so that you can rest assured that your items will be safe in our hands, literally. Whether you need help figuring out how to pack for a move, loading/unloading, or assembling furniture, we’re prepared to jump into action. 

Prepping for the move

Now, it’s time to start moving prep. The first step you should take is a ruthless decluttering of each room. Take an inventory of your house, noting things that need to go with you, things that may need to go, and items that don’t. Decluttering like this will allow you to keep track of your belongings more efficiently, use less space in the moving truck, and take less time to unload. For safe fabric packing, make sure to use appropriate materials and techniques to protect your items from damage and ensure they arrive in excellent condition. 

Once you’ve successfully decluttered and donated, start packing. Before you begin, we recommend using a moving supplies checklist to help you determine the number of boxes and other packing materials to purchase based on the size of your house. Here are a few supplies to consider using:

• Multi-sized boxes
• Packing paper
• Tape
• Bubble wrap
• Pens/markers
• Labels and stickers
• Scissors 
• Furniture pads
• Mattress bags
• Box cutter
• And more

Securing fragile items

Place breakable items in boxes last surrounded by cushions. Use your sturdiest boxes to avoid collapses and clearly label them as delicate. Add dividers to ensure a snug fit and to reduce the chance of items shifting during transport. If it’s a specialized item, like an electronic, it’s best practice to pack it back in the original box if you kept it. If not, wrap it in moving blankets, ensure the corners are protected, and place a barrier between the screen and any other items. 

How to get and stay organized 

When wondering how to pack for a move, you should first consider what room to start in. When you start packing without a system, it’s easy to lose track of items and get overwhelmed. Although tempting, try not to jump from room to room. Focus on one at a time and use a list of items that need to be packed to keep you on track. 

To save space and to minimize the number of boxes you need, we recommend the nesting technique. Put smaller items inside larger objects, put them in a box, and keep doing that until halfway full. Then, place lighter items on top to fill the remaining space (clothing or blankets). Use the clothing to wrap up items that could break during the move. This way, you’re killing two birds with one stone– packing your closet and keeping fragile items safe.

Packing the odd stuff: Kitchenware

You’ve finally made it to the kitchen. To ensure safety, line the bottom of the box with a cushion (towels, pot holders, packing paper). Pack your dishes on their sides to minimize the chance of breakage; stack bowls by twos, and wrap your cups up individually. Always have a barrier between items so they don’t clink against one another and chip. Group cutlery by 4s or 6s’ and lay them neatly on top. You’ll thank us later when you’re not getting stabbed by a rogue fork. 

The big three packing mistakes

You’re bound to make a mistake or two throughout the moving process. It’s practically unavoidable with so many different things happening simultaneously. But, if you pack carefully and review our list of common packing mistakes, you can save yourself from the worst of the worst. 

Mistake #1: Not expecting the unexpected

The worst thing you can do when packing is not plan for the unexpected. While it’s always best to stick to a schedule, sometimes things just aren’t in your control (like snow storms or natural disasters). Rough weather can be especially, well, rough. Pack items with extra protection and secure them in containers as best you can. 

Mistake #2: Heavy boxes

Another common mistake people make while packing is making the boxes too heavy. We’ve seen too many people overpack boxes, making them impossible to lift or the bottom to give out entirely. To reduce the weight of boxes, use small ones for heavier items, and larger boxes for lighter items, and be sure to fill empty spaces with packing paper or peanuts. Put simply, pack tight but light! You want your boxes to weigh at most 30 pounds for easy lifting. 

Mistake #3 Procrastinating 

“Oh, I’ve got plenty of time; I don’t have to start packing so soon,” said the hundreds of people crying on their moving day because they put off getting started. Packing is time-consuming, we know. But procrastination is your biggest enemy. If you get started early and do just a bit of time, we promise it won’t be so bad. 

Unpacking tips and tricks 

When packing up the truck, load items according to the location in the new house. Doing so will allow you to work your way through the house room by room instead of going all over the place. This will make the unloading process go so much smoother. For example, boxes in rooms at the back of the house should go together in the back of the truck. Items in the front rooms should be where they can be unloaded first.

We strongly recommend labeling everything and using matching boxes for each room. Clearly label boxes with where they belong, what’s inside, and if they should be prioritized when unpacking. This tip will be handy when it comes time to unload the truck.

Maffucci Moving & Storage. We like to move it, move it.

Moving can be a real headache if you’re not prepared. Even if you are, the unexpected may still wreak havoc on your nicely laid plan. Luckily, Maffucci Moving & Storage has more than 100 years of handling that very thing. As a full-service moving company, we’re committed to providing customers with the ultimate experience. From packing to storing, transporting, and delivering, we’ll handle all the heavy lifting for you. 

Contact Maffucci Moving & Storage for a free moving quote. Whether you’re in the planning stages or ready to move, our team offers personalized guidance and support to make your move as cost-effective as possible.