Packing for a move is a herculean task, regardless of whether you plan to do the move yourself or hire one of the many interstate moving companies. Hiring interstate moving companies takes some of the weight off your shoulders, as you get to leave transporting to someone else. But you still have to be smart about how you pack. Doing so will save you time, money and stress.
1.) Do not move things you no longer need. Hold a garage sale or donate those items to an organization you know needs them. As you pack, have a box or place set aside where you can collect those items. Interstate moving companies will charge you for the time and resources it takes to move your belongings, so it benefits you to lighten your load.
2.) Start packing as soon as you know you are moving, even if you have not yet decided which of the interstate moving companies you plan to hire. Packing always takes longer than you think.
3.) Tackle one room at a time, so you can stay on track.
4.) Start with non essential items and things that are out of season.
5.) Label every box with the contents and the room in which it belongs. This will save time during unloading and makes the teams from interstate moving companies more efficient.
6.) Think ahead regarding what you will need immediately when you move in. Mark those boxes "open first" and with the contents. This will save you time and money, so you do not have to run to the store for toiletries and cleaning supplies, for example.
7.) Set aside suitcases that you and your family will live out of right before moving day and right after. Have these ready a week before moving day.
8.) Collect all personal files and other documentation and put them somewhere safe and in a place where they will not be accidentally moved.
9.) Label furniture, artwork and appliances that are not to be moved. The teams from interstate moving companies move fast and you cannot always catch everything as it is loaded onto the truck.
10.) Know and follow the rules of what you are allowed to pack (interstate moving companies give this list to all their customers). For example, do not pack flammable liquids.
11.) Number all your boxes and make an inventory list as they are loaded and unloaded, so you can easily determine if something is missing.
12.) Ask what the insurance policy of the company you hire covers. Obtain an additional policy, if necessary, to cover expensive items.