As experienced Pembroke movers, we know that packing can sometimes be a chore, and when you have to do it in a short time, it’s always stressful. However, whether you have a week to pack or only have one day, there are some things you can do to make the process more efficient and ensure that everything gets where it needs to go.
We have some great packing tips to share with you, but our best advice is to hire a great Ottawa moving company with tight timelines and a long to-do list – a great long-distance moving company is worth every penny.
Packing Tips for Moving in a Hurry:
Don’t Panic!
Remember to breathe. It may seem like a lot, and you will never be able to pack a house in one day. But, trust us, you will. Just because it seems impossible doesn’t mean it is. The key is to take it step by step.
Free Ultimate Moving Checklist
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Download NowHat tip: Thanks to our friends at Rockbrune movers in Toronto for suggesting this one!
Make a Checklist
This all depends on whether you’re looking to move yourself or hire movers. There may be a lot more to add depending.
Having a checklist of things you need to get done can help your packing process run as smoothly as possible.
A checklist will help you keep track of your priority packing goals, when specific tasks need to be completed, and where things need to go. It will also serve as a reminder in case you forget something.
While you can decide how detailed you want it to be, a checklist can be an essential part of staying motivated and getting everything done on time, especially if you are moving in a hurry.
Not sure where to start? Get a free copy of our ultimate moving checklist.
Organize, Organize, Organize
Before you start popping the bubble wrap and pulling out the tape, we recommend organizing everything you pack, especially packing your garage. Even papers, pen caps, lone socks; it all needs to go somewhere.
Make piles based on where the object is going. Are you keeping it? Throwing it away? Donating or storing it? Put it in the corresponding pile.
Packing tip: If you can’t decide on the fate of some items, make a ‘Maybe’ pile. This will allow you to keep moving, saving you valuable minutes of packing time.
The pile doesn’t have to be neat and tidy, and it just has to have a designation. When you have clearly defined piles, you get a better idea of how much you have.
Be Ruthless – Donate or Throw Away
Moving in a hurry can be a blessing in disguise. The deadline means that you will be more decisive about what stays and what goes.
When you pick something up, follow your gut—never going to use it again? If the item is still in good condition, find a place to donate it. Otherwise, throw it away.
Kanata’s trusted moving company recommends bagging the items you are getting rid of as you go, so you aren’t tempted to try and take something back.
Packing tip: There are some things that you aren’t allowed to move in a moving van vs. a U-Haul. Find out what you can’t pack in a move and why you can’t pack it.
Get Proper Packing Materials
While most people recommend more eco-friendly options like used boxes or plastic bins, you don’t want to be scrambling for a properly sized packing container for a sudden move.
We can make it even easier for you. Get everything you need to streamline your packing process, including boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, plastic wrap, and packing tape – delivered right to your door!
Don’t skimp on packing supplies, especially for your fragile items. Ideally, all your boxes should be packed without any loose items. The right supplies are essential no matter how much time you have. To prevent damaging your belongings, give special care to your fragile items before loading them into the moving truck.
Now when you need that really big box, you’ll be able to find it with much less hassle.
Packing tip: Don’t make any boxes too heavy. If you can’t easily lift it, try spreading the contents to other, lighter boxes. There are specialty boxes for moving and packing home gym equipment or moving and packing appliances that you can use to move the items safely and securely.
Pack Clothes in a Snap
Finding places for all of your commemorative shirts can often be one of the most daunting moving challenges. Here are a few tips to make moving your clothes a breeze.
- Try moving your dresser as is. If the clothing is light enough, you may not have to remove it, saving time and energy.
- Use wardrobe boxes or bags to pack clothes, hangers and all. This can save you packing time and post-moving ironing. A garbage bag and some twist-ties can also do the trick in a pinch.
- Use your clothes to wrap your breakables to minimize the amount of packing material and the number of boxes you need to move.
There are several ways to pack your clothes for a big move.
Efficiently Pack Your Books
They may not be your most fragile items, but they are the most precious to many. Begin sorting through all your books and deciding which you will keep and which you will be donating. Many libraries and charities accept book donations. Then, sort them by size for easy packing. You’ll want these to go in smaller boxes to prevent you from boxes being overweight when you finish packing. It will help fill extra space with packing paper or soft items to avoid getting too heavy.
Be sure to double layer your tape and reinforce the bottom by adding tape in an “X” pattern from corner to corner. Moving boxes are great, but they aren’t indestructible!
Get Your Artwork Packed Up Pronto
A last-minute move doesn’t mean skipping steps! Take care to pack your decorative items and artwork before moving day to ensure you get them securely wrapped ahead of time. Mark an “X” in tape on the glass to prevent it from moving or getting broken. Purchase or make cardboard corners to keep your piece protected, and cover in bubble wrap and plastic wrap. If your artworks are valuable, you may want to pack one into a box. If it wouldn’t be the end of the world if they were damaged, you can try fitting a few in the box. If you do this, use extra bubble wrap between the paintings.
Ask for Help
Many hands do make light work, which is why we recommend calling your friends or hiring professional packers to give you theirs for your last-minute packing.
If you take this route, make sure that you have some idea of what you need them to do. Consult your checklist to help keep everyone organized. Start packing earlier than you think is required and as family members, for help packing or with childcare so you can focus on the moving process. And don’t forget to give them a big thank you for all the help!
Gather Your Essentials
The infamous moving day box is one of the most common and most important moving tips- whether you’re moving in a hurry or not. Be sure to gather all the items you will need within reach on moving day: toothbrush and paste, change of clothes, fresh sheets and towels, shower curtain, toilet paper, garbage bags, and anything else your family may need on day one. Then, keep that box in the car with you and never on the moving truck- you want it with you at all times, along with your important documents.
Ready to Move? Hire Professionals
As you can see, there are plenty of packing tips for moving in a hurry, but when time is of the essence, a professional can make all the difference. If you are all packed up and ready to go, hiring professional Ottawa from Kelowna movers will continue to keep the process organized and efficient. We’ll provide you with a free moving estimate and help you pick the moving option that will work best for you, leaving you free to enjoy the prospect of your new home.
Call us at 613-836-4225 to find out about our moving services.
