The last article of our moving series was focused on the hidden costs of moving. This time, our focus will be how to pack your things before the relocation itself. Packing your belongings before moving out of your home is an activity which most people dread. To be successful with this operation, you will need a sufficient amount of time, boxes, various wrapping material and a system in place. If you don't want to waste time and energy for any planning, just be ready for more problems that are likely to occur during the relocation. Time Starting the night before the actual move, even if you're only moving from a one bedroom apartment, isn't the perfect way. It would be perfect if you could finish all the packing one day before the moving, so that there is some time left to pack all the last things lying around – there are usually some, as well as the food from the fridge and all the personal stuff you use daily.

Boxes and packing material

You might have some suitcases and bags – it's a great idea to use these, but usually it's not enough. Make sure you get enough boxes, bubble wrap and newspaper for securing your kitchenware. Also think about getting some permanent markers, packing tapes, polyfoam wraps, polystyrene beads, plastic bags and other packing necessities, they will be very practical.

There are two primary ways how to get some boxes. Either just go and buy them (their price starts around $1.50 and can be up to $5 per one box), or if you want to save some cash from your moving budget, try to go around the shops in your neighbourhood and ask for some empty boxes. Another option is purchasing or renting boxes directly from a moving company, most of them offer this possibility. As for the quantity – of course that depends on the size of your home, number of rooms, number of family members and their habit of hoarding redundant belongings accumulated over a number of years. But most often it is recommended to get some 100 boxes to move a standard 5-bedroom house. It might sound a lot, but consider how many boxes will be used for the kitchen and living room alone! It is not important how you get your boxes, only it is practical to have a rich selection of all sizes and formats. Professional moving companies who offer the renting option, will be happy to come and inspect your home and give you an estimate of the amount of boxes needed.

More practical tips and tricks are included in the complete article Packing before moving.