An interstate relocation is highly stressful, and a lot of that pressure comes from the impending packaging process. So, when to start packing for a move to avoid this? You’ll need to have the answers to this as soon as you start organizing a cross-country relocation. Luckily for you, we are here to help. All you have to do is go through our simple guide – and apply what you’ve learned when the time comes.
The right time to begin with the packaging process depends on several different factors, such as the relocation date, the free time you have on your hands, the amount and type of belongings you wish to bring, and the relocation services you’ll use. On average, first things should be packed four to six weeks before the big day.
However, boxing up is a process that lasts – and it will last until the morning of your move. That’s why it’s necessary that you first start with non-essential belongings on your list and progress toward items you use the most.
Relocating to a new home is an action that takes a lot of time and effort. For it to be executed flawlessly, your organizational skills need to be put to the full use. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with a much larger amount of relocation stress than necessary – and nobody wants that. One of the most important tasks on your to-do list will be packing.
As one of the most demanding relocation assignments, you’ll need to set enough time to complete it correctly. After all, it’s no secret that last-minute packaging is a recipe for numerous relocation mistakes – you may forget some of your relocation essentials or rush through boxing up and risk damaging your breakables. Not to mention the added frustration you’ll experience if you have to rush through everything to make it on time.
At the same time, you don’t want to start too early. That way, you’ll surely disrupt your daily life since most of the things you need would already be packed. Therefore, to pack efficiently, you need to find the right time for the beginning of your packaging process, the one that fits perfectly to your specific situation.
While everyone has a rough estimate of how long the preparation process can take, figuring out the perfect starting date will prove to be much more complex than what you originally thought. To determine the right timing, you’ll need to know:
The rule of thumb is to start boxing up around four to six weeks before the big day. However, this is not set in stone, and you should adapt the start date to your needs based on the previously mentioned factors.
If you want to avoid anxiety about relocating to another state, it’s best to determine a lot more than just the beginning of the packaging process. When planning a move, setting a timeline would ensure you stay on track with all that needs to be completed. Stop looking at packing as just one of the tasks on your relocation checklist.
Instead, organize packing for the move so that it’s broken down into smaller and more manageable assignments – and set a timetable for each of them. It will allow you to go through all of the belongings without a hurry, protect them, and box them up so they arrive at your new destination without a scratch.
Boxing up all of the belongings is probably the biggest task you’ll deal with during the relocation, but it’s not the only one. There are some pre-packing steps you should complete before you start placing your life in boxes – approximately two months before the big day. Not only are they crucial for the relocation as a whole, but they can also greatly influence the packaging process. Here’s what you need to do:
Become familiar with the location you’ve chosen for a new home. Make sure to check whether the new home can fit everything you plan to pack and move. Get informed about the dominant weather so you can decide which clothes should be on your packing list.
Interstate moving is logistically very complicated, so it’s a job better left to reliable professionals such as USA Auto Transport. Once you get moving and auto transport quotes, choose a company that fits your needs, schedule your relocation date, and decide whether you’ll go with additional services or stick to the basic ones.
Before you start packaging, you’ll need to come up with a list of things you want to bring. This is also the time when you should start decluttering and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. Many of us own numerous items we no longer want or need – it would be foolish to spend money on relocating them. Take a good look at your household inventory and decide what to bring and what to toss, sell, or donate to Goodwill or some other charity.
There is no packing without packaging materials. You’ll need best-sized boxes, wrapping materials such as packing paper and bubble wrap, adhesive tape, scissors, and markers for relocation labels. Make sure to use quality materials to secure fragile items and valuables so they arrive at your new destination unharmed.
It takes around one week to pack up a medium-sized home if you spend about eight hours a day on this task. Therefore, there is no way you’ll manage to box up all of your belongings at once. So, you’ll need to prioritize – and the non-essentials need to go first. Depending on the time you have on hand, it should be done between four and two weeks prior to the set date.
The beginning of packaging is set for items you won’t need for the next several weeks. Think about all the stuff located in your storage rooms, such as basements and attics, or those in your spare rooms. Seasonal clothes, decorations, books, rarely used dishes, and extra bedding are all also items that should be packed first.
The last two weeks before the move are reserved for more frequently used items, but those you can live without for a couple of days. Think about belongings such as most of your clothing pieces, kitchenware, and small kitchen appliances. Once they are packed, make sure to label them correctly. You’ll need them soon enough, so make finding them after the relocation easier.
The last few days (or even a night) before the relocation date are reserved for preparing a survival kit. It is a bag with all of the things you need to bring with you, so it should not be packed and loaded into the truck with the rest of your belongings.
Some of those items are important documents, basic toiletries, medications, change of clothes, phone and charger, snacks and water, and so on. It’s important to make these belongings easily accessible at any time given since most of these items are usually ones you can’t spend a day without.
Of course, you can’t wrap a vehicle in bubble wrap and place it in a box. However, if you want to drive all over to your new destination or hire a reliable auto transport company, your vehicle must be properly prepared.
Therefore, make sure to check for damage and potential mechanical problems at least a few weeks before the relocation day. You should also clean the inside and outside of your car before you hit the road.
If you’re afraid relocation fatigue will affect your driving or simply don’t want to cause more wear and tear to your car, opt for a company that specializes in shipping cars in the USA. However, in that case, there will be some additional tasks you’ll need to complete.
For example, when using open or enclosed auto transport, you’ll need to reduce the gas level (¼ of the tank’s capacity is what most professionals ask for). You should also make sure to have two sets of keys, so you can give away one, and remove unnecessary objects or personal belongings from your vehicle.
As with relocation itself, transporting a car to another state is better done by experienced professionals. Not only is it much safer for both you and your vehicle, but car shipping companies offer many convenient options that fit everybody’s needs. You can choose between door-to-door auto transport and terminal-to-terminal car shipping, for example, as well as pick an open trailer or go with enclosed auto shipping. However, whichever option you end up choosing, it’s vital to prepare your car on time.
Why go through all the fuss of organizing a cross-country move on your own when professional help is at your fingertips? With a team of reliable and experienced movers, USA Auto Transport can and will save your energy, time, and nerves. Moving and vehicle shipping across the country has never been easier! All you have to do is contact us and ask for a moving and car transport quote – and we’ll organize a completely problem-free relocation.
