Packing for a move often starts off feeling organized and manageable. At the beginning it’s easy to group similar items together and neatly fill box after box. But as moving day gets closer, things can become more complicated. Suddenly you’re juggling what you can pack and what you still need for everyday life.
After moving several times over the years, I’ve picked up a few packing strategies that make the process easier and less stressful. If you’re preparing for a move, these tips may help keep things organized from start to finish.
Start With the Right Packing Supplies
One of the first things you’ll need is a good supply of boxes and packing materials. While many people try to collect boxes from grocery stores, you often end up with a mix of sizes and strengths that don’t stack well.
A great alternative is checking online marketplaces or local community groups. Many people sell or give away moving boxes and packing paper once they’ve finished their own move. Sometimes you may pay a small amount, but it can save a lot of time compared to driving around trying to gather mismatched boxes.
Having boxes that are similar in size also makes stacking and loading much easier on moving day.
Don’t Make Boxes Too Heavy
It can be tempting to pack as much as possible into each box to reduce the total number of boxes. However, overpacking quickly makes boxes too heavy to lift safely.
Heavy boxes are harder to carry, more likely to break, and can even lead to injuries during a move.
At the same time, try not to leave boxes half empty either. When boxes aren’t filled properly, items can shift during transport and increase the risk of damage. A good rule of thumb is to fill boxes completely but keep the weight manageable.
Use Smaller Boxes for Heavy Items
Certain household items can become extremely heavy if packed incorrectly. Books are a good example.
I always pack books in smaller boxes. This keeps the weight manageable and makes them much easier for movers—or friends helping you—to carry.
This same approach works well for other dense items such as tools, canned goods, and small appliances.
Wrap Breakables the Right Way
Protecting fragile items is one of the most important parts of packing.
For delicate or valuable items, bubble wrap provides extra cushioning and protection. This works well for things like decorative glassware, collectibles, or picture frames.
For everyday dishes, mugs, and glasses, packing paper is usually perfectly fine. Wrapping items individually and placing them carefully in the box helps prevent chips or cracks during the move.
Adding a layer of crumpled packing paper at the bottom and top of the box also provides additional protection.
Pack Items Together When Possible
Packing can be much easier if you keep certain items assembled rather than taking everything apart.
For example, instead of emptying a cutlery tray and packing each piece separately, you can simply lift the tray out of the drawer and place it directly into a box. This keeps everything organized and makes unpacking much quicker.
The same idea works for things like desk organizers, small storage bins, and bathroom trays.
Label Boxes Clearly
Labeling is one of the simplest ways to make unpacking easier.
You don’t necessarily need to list every item inside a box, but having a general idea of what’s inside can save a lot of time when you arrive at your new home.
It helps to clearly mark boxes that contain important items you’ll want right away, such as the coffee maker, bedding for the first night, toiletries, or basic kitchen supplies.
Being able to quickly find those essentials can make your first night in your new home much more comfortable.
Use Room Labels to Help Movers
One system that worked particularly well during our last move was labeling boxes by room number.
Each family member had their own room number, and we placed signs with those numbers on the doors in the new house. That way, movers knew exactly where each box needed to go.
We used the same idea for shared spaces as well—labeling boxes for areas like the living room upstairs or the family room downstairs.
This simple system reduced confusion and saved us from answering constant questions during the move.
Plan Ahead for Moving Day Meals
Moving day is always busy, and cooking is usually the last thing anyone wants to think about.
It helps to plan ahead with simple meal options. In our case, we used paper plates and cutlery and ordered pizza for dinner.
The following evening, my mother-in-law brought us a wonderful chicken casserole. Of course, not everyone has that option, but preparing a meal ahead of time and freezing it can be a big help. Having something ready to simply heat up in the oven can make the first couple of days in your new home much easier.
Be Prepared for a Few Emotions Along the Way
While moving is often an exciting time, it’s also helpful to remember that not everything will go perfectly. Even with careful planning, there can be a few bumps along the way. Something might not get packed when you expected, boxes might end up in the wrong room, or the day may simply feel more stressful than anticipated.
It’s also very normal to experience some unexpected emotions when leaving a home. A house often holds many memories, and saying goodbye can feel bittersweet. Even when you’re looking forward to the next chapter, there can still be moments of reflection about the time spent in your previous home.
Giving yourself a little grace during the process can help. Moving is a big transition, and it’s okay if the day feels overwhelming at times. Once you begin settling into your new space, things usually start to fall into place.
A Few Lessons From Our Own Moves
These tips have worked well for us over the years. Many of them are especially helpful for local moves where you’re settling into your new home right away.
The farthest we’ve moved so far has been from Parksville to Courtenay, and even with a relatively short distance, staying organized made a big difference.
Moving can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and some practical packing habits, the process can go much more smoothly.
Tricia Dol
Unlicensed assistant to the Comox Valley Homes Team
Planning a Move in the Comox Valley?
If you're thinking about buying or selling in the Comox Valley, having a plan for your move is just one piece of the puzzle. The Comox Valley Homes Team can help guide you through the entire process—from preparing your home for sale to finding the right property for your next chapter.
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