December 12, 2022 Posted in How-to
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

How to Pack an Apartment Without Losing Your Mind?

When you have a lot of possessions or are relocating to a smaller space, packing an apartment can suddenly become a daunting task. So, how to pack an apartment without going insane – and is it possible? It most certainly is! With the help of our tips and some careful planning and organization on your side, you’ll be able to do it swiftly and without too much stress. Read on to learn more.

girl taping the box overlay
Let this guide be the basis for your upcoming relocation - and be worry-free

Make sure you create a detailed plan of what needs to be packed and when – and start packaging with a room-by-room system. The packaging process should also include decluttering, setting aside essentials, labeling, and making sure you have all of the suitable packing supplies you need on hand. In the end, don’t forget to get some help if needed, whether it’s your friends and family or professional movers.

Start on Time and Prep Ahead

Relocating to a new state can be an overwhelming and stressful process – but it will get even more so if you’re not adequately prepared. One of the most important things you can do to make sure your move goes smoothly is to start organizing your packing on time. Here are some relocation tips on how to prepare for boxing your apartment.

Make a packing list

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to start with a list so that you don’t forget anything and see how many packing materials you’re going to need. Make sure to include everything, from clothes and linens to dishes and small appliances.

Start packing early

The sooner you start, the better. That way, you’re not scrambling at the last minute and adding unnecessary relocation stress to the already complicated process. Start with items that you won’t need on a daily basis, such as seasonal clothing or decor, and work your way up to the essentials.

Enlist help

It can be daunting to pack up your entire place, especially if you have a lot of other tasks on your to-do list. That said, note that you shouldn’t challenge yourself by trying to do everything on your own. Instead, enlist the help of friends or family members who might be willing to lend a hand. Not only will this make the process go more quickly and easily, but it can help you avoid injury or other mishaps as well.

Of course, keep in mind that you can finish with packaging within a day without breaking a sweat (if your relocation budget allows it). So, how to pack an apartment in one day? It’s simple – get packing services and let skilled cross-country movers deal with your household items. However, if you’re against getting an additional cross-country moving service, the following apartment packing tips will help you do it as efficiently as possible on your own.

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Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need

Go through your belongings and decide what to keep and what you can get rid of when relocating. This is a great opportunity to declutter your home and leave behind anything you don’t need or use anymore and reduce costs. Don’t forget – the fewer items you have on your packaging list, the more affordable the relocation will get.

Be ruthless! If you haven’t worn it/used it/looked at it in over a year, chances are you don’t need it. Still, note that there will be certain things that you know you’re going to want to keep, no matter what. Maybe it’s an heirloom piece of jewelry or furniture, or maybe it’s just something that has sentimental value. Whatever it is, make sure to set some ground rules for yourself so that you don’t end up keeping more than you need.

You might be surprised at how much stuff you own that you don’t actually need or use. But trust us, getting rid of all the clutter in your life will make relocating to a new city much easier and more enjoyable.

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Getting rid of unnecessary clutter can be beneficial for your mental health, as well

What to Do With Unwanted Items After Decluttering?

It can be tough to let go of things you have been holding onto for years, but it is important to do a purge before you move. After all, decluttering will make boxing up and unpacking after the move easier. Here are some suggestions on what to do with unwanted items after decluttering:

  • Have a garage sale – having a successful garage sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra money for your move. Just be sure to price your items fairly so that they will sell quickly.
  • DonateSalvation Army is a great organization that accepts donations, but you can always look at some other charity organizations.
  • Recycle – many items can be recycled instead of thrown away. If you are unsure about whether or not an item can be recycled, check with your local recycling center or look it up online.
  • Throw it away – if an item is broken beyond repair or too old to be reused, it belongs in the trash. Be sure to dispose of items properly so that they do not end up in landfill sites where they will take up space and pollute the environment.

If you are planning to move to another city soon and have some items that you no longer want or need, it is also a good idea to give them to your loved ones. This can be a great way to not only reduce the amount of stuff that needs to be moved but also help your family and friends out.

Use Boxes of Various Sizes

One of the most frustrating parts of boxing up possess is trying to figure out what are the best-sized boxes for your move. Here are some packing tips for moving apartments you should follow so that everything fits snugly and securely:

  • Small boxes – the dimensions of a small box are typically around 16x10x10 inches, which is perfect for packing books, garage tools, canned goods, and so on.
  • Medium boxes – try somewhat larger containers of around 18x14x12 inches for items like pots and pans. Additionally, you can pack electronics and your clothing in this box type.
  • Large boxes – this one is ideal for transporting bedding, small pillows, cushions, and kitchen equipment. Typically, the dimensions are 20x20x15 inches.
  • Extra large boxes – they measure approximately 23x23x16 inches and are designed for bulky yet lightweight items like comforters, pillows, and blankets.

In addition to boxing up by item size, you should also pack strategically. For example, if you have a lot of small items, it might be helpful to put them all in one box, so you don’t have to search through multiple boxes when you’re looking for something specific. At the same time, if you have fragile items, remember to place them on top of other boxes so they don’t get crushed during the move.

Make Use of Different Padding Wrapping Materials

By using bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts, you can better protect your belongings and make sure they arrive at your new home safe and sound. Bubble wrap is one of the most popular materials for protecting items during a move. It’s great for dishes, glassware, picture frames, and other fragile items. However, note that thicker bubble wrap will offer more protection, but it will also be more expensive.

Packing paper is another great option for protecting items during a move. It’s especially useful for protecting items that are irregularly shaped or delicate. Foam peanuts are an excellent choice for cushioning and padding, useful for filling empty spaces in boxes and preventing items from shifting during transport. However, keep in mind that bubble wrap or packing paper can be used for the same purpose, and so can your old towels, linens, or clothes.

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Gather all the essential supplies before you even start with the packing

How to Pack an Apartment? Use Room-By-Room System and Do It Efficiently

This method is not only efficient, but it will also save you time and energy in the long run. Start with the rooms that are least used first, such as the guest bedroom or the home office, then work your way through each room systematically until everything is packed. If you own a studio apartment, use the same technique – just treat different areas as separate rooms.

Besides cluttered storage spaces, the kitchen is often one of the most difficult rooms to pack because of all the small appliances and fragile items. Therefore, ensure you have enough time to handle each of these items with care. On the other hand, the bathroom should be one of the easier rooms because there are simply fewer items to pack up – and most of them are toiletries.

Remember to Pack the Essentials

Some things that are essential to keep with you at all times, even if you decide to hire long-distance movers. These items include a change of clothes, electronics, important papers, medications, and things alike, and they need to be easily accessible from your first day in a new home.

However, since these are relocation essentials, people tend to use them right until the relocation day, so they can sometimes be overlooked and end up forgotten. Therefore, make sure you create a list of essentials you’re going to need, pack them in separate boxes, and be certain they stay by your side during the move.

To get a better idea of what your relocation essentials may be, take a look at the video below:

Don’t Forget to Label Everything

One of the most important things to do when relocating is to use relocation labels for boxes. Label each box in some way to make it easy for everyone involved in the move. To help with the labeling process, use a permanent marker or name tag stickers. This is especially important if you have a lot of fragile or expensive items, so anyone handling the box knows they need to do so with extra care. Additionally, if you label the room in which items in the box belong, it will be easy to discover where each item should go.

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Labeling each box won't take much time - but make sure you remember it

Book Movers Early and Secure a Smooth Move

If you plan to get long-distance moving services in order to transport your belongings to the new location, know that you need to do it on time. Remember – the best cross-country moving companies get booked up quickly. If you wait until the last minute, you may be left with inferior options.

Not every long-distance moving company is the same, and you want to make sure you’re working with a reputable, reliable team that will take good care of the belongings you worked so hard to pack. In addition, when moving cross-country, booking early gives you more time to research different companies and get quotes. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Moving Out of an Apartment Will Be Easier With the Help of Experienced Movers

When leaving your apartment, you may be apprehensive about everything going smoothly and without any problems. However, with the help of reliable cross-country moving services, you can rest assured that your move will go as planned. Professional movers have all the necessary equipment to carefully pack and transport your belongings, which will make transporting items between floors much easier and safer. By choosing to work with a reputable cross-country moving company, the professionals will be left to deal with all the logistics and heavy lifting your move brings – and you can focus on other important tasks.

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