Top 10 Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Move

1. Start Early—Like, Before You Even Think You Need To

If your move is in three weeks, you should’ve started yesterday. No shame, just facts. Packing always takes longer than it should, especially when you “accidentally” get stuck flipping through your high school yearbooks for an hour.

2. Declutter Like a Savage

This is your moment. Toss the jeans you haven’t worn since college. Donate. Recycle. Trash. Less stuff = fewer boxes = less headache. (And we’re all about that less-headache life.)

3. Label Like a Control Freak

Be obnoxiously specific. “Kitchen” is fine. But “Kitchen – Plates & Mugs” is better. Slap labels on the top and sides of boxes. Future You (aka Tired Unpacking You) will want to send Past You a thank-you card.

4. Pack a “First Night” Box

Imagine: You’re exhausted, sweaty, and can’t find your toothbrush. Nope. Pack a box with essentials—change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, phone charger, toilet paper, and maybe a adult beverage. Just sayin’.

5. Don’t Overpack Boxes Like You’re Playing Jenga

Your back isn’t a forklift. Keep boxes under 50 pounds. Heavy stuff (books, tools, etc.) goes in small boxes. Light stuff (pillows, bedding) gets the big ones. It’s basic physics, but smarter.

6. Wrap Fragile Stuff Like It’s Your Grandma’s China—Because It Might Be

Bubble wrap, packing paper, socks, towels—use it all. Don’t skimp. And for the love of moving trucks, label it “fragile.” Bonus: plates are safest packed vertically like vinyl records.

7. Ziploc Bags Are Secret Weapons

Need to keep screws, bolts, and little random doodads from your furniture? Ziploc ‘em and tape the bag right to the item or put them in a “parts box.” This will save your sanity when it’s time to reassemble your IKEA masterpieces.

8. Suitcases Are More Than Just Travel Buddies

Roll your clothes and shove ‘em in your suitcases. It saves box space, keeps things wrinkle-free(ish), and makes use of what you already have.

9. Take Photos of Complicated Setups

TV wiring. Computer setups. Shelf arrangements. Snap a pic before unplugging. Future You will thank Past You when your entertainment center isn’t held together by a prayer and confusion.

10. Hire Movers Who Know What They’re Doing (Hey, That’s Us)

Here’s the truth: even with all the packing hacks in the world, nothing beats having a team that knows how to move like pros. That’s us. Elite Movers, Inc. We make moves feel less like chaos and more like “Wow, that was surprisingly smooth.”

Want help with packing and moving?

Book your move with Elite Movers, Inc. We bring the muscle and the know-how.

Need a quote? Just holler. Or click the shiny button on our site. Either works.

Because moving doesn’t have to be a mess. Not when you’ve got the Elite team on your side.