How to Make Packing Easier

At a glance

There are a few facets of moving that simply can’t be avoided, and packing up your stuff is one of them. While very few people get excited about packing (especially if they haven't hired help from a packing service or from their moving company), it doesn’t have to be an entirely awful process either.

Armed with the right information, you can save time and streamline any packing task. Learn how to make packing easy with these pro tips, packing hacks, and more.

How to make packing easier

1. Sort and declutter
2. Get the right supplies
3. Pack your boxes correctly
4. Stay organized
5. Try these packing hacks
6. Recruit (or hire) helpers
7. The takeaway
8. Easy packing tips FAQs

6 packing tips to make your move easier

1. Sort and declutter

When packing to move, one easy way to save money on your move is to go through your items and donate or get rid of anything you don’t need. This means your load will be lighter—and if you’re DIYing your move, that could mean a lot fewer boxes to haul. You won’t have to buy as many boxes, and packing will take less time.

Start by selling, donating, or recycling usable items that you don’t want or need. Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are good places to sell your stuff, and some local thrift stores will come to your house to pick up large items for donation.

If your trash pile ends up full of larger items (like that ratty old sofa you’ve had since college or the fridge that finally gave up the ghost), you might need help clearing off your curb. Our favorite junk removal companies can lend a hand, or you can rent a dumpster for DIY trash removal.

2. Get the right packing supplies

Here are a few items you’ll definitely want to have on hand:

• Moving Boxes. You’ll certainly need moving boxes in small, medium, and large sizes.
• Packing tape. Invest in quality packing tape to ensure your boxes hold up during the move.
• Bubble wrap. Use bubble wrap to help secure fragile items.
• Plastic bags. Useful for organizing smaller items.
• Sharpies or thick markers. Essential for labeling your moving boxes.
• Labels. For a more organized approach, consider color-coordinated moving box labels to keep your boxes orderly.
• Moving blankets. Protect furniture from scratches.
• Stretch wrap. Helpful for securing drawer contents.
• Mattress bag. Protect your mattress from dust.
• Rope. Helpful for securing larger items.
• Utility knife. For breaking down boxes.
• Furniture dolly. For heavy lifting.

3. Pack your boxes properly

Here are some moving ideas for packing:

• Use small boxes for heavy items.
• Use larger boxes for light items.
• Put heavy items on the bottom.
• Fill in empty spaces.
• Tape boxes securely.
• Invest in specialty moving boxes.

4. Stay organized

Taking extra time to keep your stuff organized at the outset will make unpacking much more pleasant. Here’s how to take an inventory:

1. Make a spreadsheet.
2. Number your boxes.
3. Track boxes. Note rooms, contents, and fragility on an inventory sheet.
4. Label boxes. Clearly label each box's contents and destination room.

5. Try these packing hacks

• Keep clothes on hangers.
• Avoid spills. Use plastic wrap over liquid containers.
• Pack an overnight bag.
• Make labels visible. Label on sides.
• Disperse packing supplies.
• Protect fragile items.
• Pack by room.
• Don’t box up valuables.

6. Recruit (or hire) helpers

Invite friends to help with packing. Assign tasks to minimize duplication and maximize efficiency.

The takeaway

Following these ideas for packing will require a little extra effort, but it will be worth your time! When you’re armed with the right supplies and helpers, unpacking is likely to be short and sweet.

How to make packing easier: FAQs

How do I make packing for moving easier?

You can simplify the packing process by decluttering and getting rid of unwanted items before you start loading up your boxes. Then, invest in the right packing materials, including a variety of cardboard box sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and permanent markers.

How do you make packing less stressful?

Packing will be far less stressful if you have the right packing materials and strategies. Set yourself up for success by decluttering, keeping similar items together, and labeling boxes properly.

How do I make packing less boring?

Liven up the process by playing music, inviting friends to help, and fueling the activity with snacks.

How long before you move should you start packing?

If you have advanced notice before a move, the best time to start packing is about six weeks before your departure date.