If you’re moving to DC Ranch, we see packing in your future – and you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that you can use these 17 packing tricks to make your move easier.
17 Packing Tricks to Simplify Your Move to DC Ranch
Check out these 17 packing tips from the pros to make your move less stressful and more streamlined.
Packing Tip #1: Create a Checklist
First things first: Create a checklist of everything you need to do. Head into each room and denote cabinets, drawers and shelves that need to be packed, and if you have special instructions for yourself to follow, include them.
Packing Tip #2: Declutter
Get rid of items you’re not using. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used something in the past six months, it’s probably not something you’re going to miss – so put it in a bin labeled “Donate,” “Trash” or “Sell.”
Related: How to stage your front porch to sell your home in autumn
Packing Tip #3: Physically Donate Items You Don’t Want to Bring
When you have enough items to make a trip to your favorite charity worthwhile, put them in the car and drop them off right away. That way, you won’t let time slip away and end up moving with boxes or bags of items you originally intended to donate (and you won’t have time to second-guess your decisions).
Packing Tip #4: Find High-Quality Moving Boxes
Though you can get boxes from the grocery store on the counter, they may not be made from the toughest materials – and they may not be in the best shape. It’s generally a good idea to buy your boxes and other packing materials from a moving company or your favorite home improvement store instead. Those boxes typically come with handles, and they haven’t been subjected to the wear and tear that second-hand boxes have.
Related: 6 tips to make your move a lot easier
Packing Tip #5: Set Aside an “Essentials” Box
Put a box on your counter (or somewhere else you won’t lose track of it) for your moving day essentials. Think about including:
- Pajamas
- Toiletries
- Paper plates and plasticware
- Cleaning supplies
- Clean bedding and pillows
- Phone chargers
- Pet food and dishes
Packing Tip #6: Time Yourself as You Pack
To make packing feel less overwhelming and more manageable, head into a room to pack and time yourself for an hour (or a time that seems reasonable to you). When the timer goes off, head out and get a break – even if you don’t feel like you need one immediately. Stretch your legs, breathe some fresh air and get some sun.
Packing Tip #7: Color-Code Your Boxes
Pick up some colored stickers and designate a particular color for each room. As you complete a box, put the right colored sticker on it so that when you arrive in your new home, you can put boxes exactly where they belong.
Related: 5 tips for a successful long-distance move with a dog
Packing Tip #8: Under-Pack, Don’t Over-Pack
Err on the side of lightness when you pack. A box full of linens and a box full of books weigh different amounts, so don’t make some boxes exceedingly heavy if you don’t have to. Mix things up so that some of your boxes aren’t overwhelmingly heavy.
Packing Tip #9: Choose Your Box Sizes Wisely
Place heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. That way, you won’t struggle while carrying them from Point A to Point B.
Packing Tip #10: Fill in the Gaps
Try not to leave empty spaces in your boxes. Fill the gaps with packing paper or linens, clothing or other packing materials so your items stay safe inside.
Related: 12 houseplants you need in your new home
Packing Tip #11: Keep Breakables Well-Insulated
Even if it feels like you’re going overboard, you can’t be too careful with breakables. Make sure you put them in boxes with plenty of extra cushioning.
Packing Tip #12: Use Your Luggage and Drawers
Keep your clothing in your drawers, remove the drawers from the dresser, and wrap them in clear packing wrap. There’s no need to move empty dresser drawers – or to fill boxes that you purchased with clothes that you can easily move in drawers. Likewise, fill up your luggage with clothing (or linens, breakables or valuables) to cut down on the amount of supplies you need and prevent yourself from moving empty suitcases.
Packing Tip #13: Roll Clothing
Clothing can take up a lot of space in a moving box, so as you pack, roll your clothes – don’t fold them. (This tutorial explains the best way to do it.)
Packing Tip #14: Label Furniture and Electronics Parts (and Take Photos)
As you take apart furnishings or remove cables from your electronics, label all the parts – but before you do, take photos of the way things are supposed to be set up. You can save yourself quite a bit of frustration by snapping pictures before you pack away all the parts, cords and plugs.
Pro Tip: Put screws, nuts and bolts, and other important parts in a plastic bag and use moving tape to affix them directly to the furniture they belong with.
Packing Tip #15: Pack Some Things Separately
Some things can be dangerous to pack with others, so put them in separate boxes. Tools, paint and cleaning chemicals should all be grouped and packed in their own boxes. Never pack fire extinguishers, ammonia and chlorine, heating agents or vehicle batteries with other items.
Pro Tip: Think about using clear plastic totes to move these items. You’ll be able to spot a mess from a mile away without opening the box – and the plastic will prevent the mess from working its way into your other belongings.
Packing Tip #16: Use Zippered Bags or Plastic Wrap on All Items That Could Leak
Put items like shampoo, soaps and other liquids inside zippered plastic bags. Alternatively, you can take off the cap, cover it with plastic wrap, and put the cap back on to help prevent leaks (though that won’t protect your other items if the bottle is crushed, squeezed or broken).
Packing Tip #17: Hand-Carry Valuables
Don’t trust your most valued possessions with movers. Pack them and hand-carry them yourself.
Related: 5 cleaning tips to help you sell your home fast
Are You Selling a Home in DC Ranch?
Thinking about selling your home in DC Ranch? Call us at 480-360-0281 to find out how we’ll market it to all the right buyers. If you’re also looking for a new home, we’d love show you any listing in the community. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to search for something that’s a perfect match for your needs.
While you’re here, check out our:
- Country Club Village homes for sale
- Desert Camp Village homes for sale
- Desert Parks Village homes for sale
- Silverleaf Village homes for sale
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
866-613-8356
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
