When it comes to moving, the more tricks you have up your sleeve, the more…
If you’ve ever moved before, you know that it can be a stressful process. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be! If you’re planning a move to or from Seattle, there are ways to plan a successful move that’s efficient and will lend itself to a timely unpacking process. Continue reading to find out 9 Seattle packing tips that will help you pack like a pro for your big move.
Get Rid of Unused Items
You would be surprised how many people don’t make the time to throw things out before their move. Use moving as an opportunity to go through your belongings and purge what you don’t need. It’s often surprising the number of unused items we keep around just because we don’t know what exactly to do with them. Going through all of your drawers and closets and getting rid of what you don’t need will make packing easier. Plus, giving those items to charity or a thrift store can greatly help others who do need them. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Hang Clothes in Garbage Bags
Rather than pulling all of your clothes off their hangers, folding them, packing them, and then unpacking them, keep your clothing in a garbage bag instead. Simply take a garbage bag and make a small hole in the top and gather about 5-10 hangers of clothes. To secure them inside the bag, wrap a rubber band around the tops of the hangers to keep everything consolidated. Next, simply slip the bag over the clothes and poke the tops of the hangers through the hole. You can tie the bottom of the bag to make sure nothing falls out.
Pack a First Night Bag
This often overlooked step can be a real lifesaver, especially if you’re moving later in the day and don’t unpack right away. Simply think about what you will need in your new space overnight and put it all into a duffle bag. Be sure to keep tabs of its whereabouts when you move.
How to Pack Plates
It is best to keep your plates stacked vertically like you would with vinyl records. This way, they are less likely to break while in transit. Also, take disposable foam plates and put one (or more, for added protection) between each plate to act as a barrier.
Color Code Boxes
By color coding your boxes with tape or a marker, you’ll make it easier to unpack when you arrive. If you don’t have any colored markers, write on the outside of the box the room the box belongs. Just be sure to only put items for a particular room in said box.
Cut Holes in the Boxes
This will make heavy lifting a breeze. Simply take a box cutter and cut out hand holes in the sides of your moving boxes. This way, you’ll actually have a way to pick up the box rather than have to get your fingers beneath a heavy box from the floor.
Use Towels for Packing Material
This may seem like a no-brainer, but using towels, blankets, and sheets as packing material will save you money and is less wasteful than packing foam.
How to Pack your Flat Screen TV
If you own a large flat screen TV, try packing it with the following method. First, cover the screen with a bedsheet or towel. Try to pad it as much as possible. Then, wrap the entire TV with bubble wrap. After it is adequately covered, wrap it again with plastic wrap. At this point, it should be very secure. If you want to go another level, you could make your own custom box with cardboard from different boxes and lots of packing tape. Make sure that you keep your TV standing right side up for the duration of the move.
Wrap Drawers with Plastic Wrap
A great way to move a large dresser full of clothing or other items is to keep everything inside. To keep everything in and to avoid getting the drawer scratched, simply wrap the furniture with plastic wrap. Make sure to take extra care on the corners to ensure they don’t have the opportunity to scratch other pieces of furniture during the move. By using this method, you’ll save time and boxes.
We hope these Seattle packing tips have helped! If you have some larger or more difficult items you need help packing, consider having On The Go Moving and Storage pack for you. For any of your other moving or storage needs, we’re here to help you through it with ease.
