Figuring out what to pack for a move is similar to packing up for a trip.
You aren’t going to treat a road trip across the country the same as a weekend trip down the road.
Similar to these circumstances, packing up your household requires different strategies depending on how far you will be heading.
A move down the street isn’t quite as demanding as something cross-country.
You might encounter long, bumpy roads and unexpected weather conditions when heading across the interstate.
So, planning things like a professional would come in handy when relocating your household, and we will give you tips on how to do it!
Why Distance Matters When It Comes to Packing
The further you have to travel, the more risks there are going to be along the way.
With long-distance moving, there are two points, and possibly more, where the items need to be transferred: longer transit and additional exposure to the elements.
This is why there are regulations on what companies can and cannot load onto the moving truck.
It requires quality boxes, specialty wrapping, and more detailed packing.
When you are moving across town, there is a quicker turnaround.
You will maintain direct access to your essentials, and your belongings are exposed to as much.
Distance will always play a significant role in how and what you pack.
The “Across Town” Move – Packing Light Like a Staycation
When you are moving locally, you can compare your packing to that of a staycation.
You will change your home and usual scenery, but you aren’t moving out of state and may maintain the same zip code.
You are not going to be heading into unknown territory.
It is easiest to work with local movers Denver for this process.
Regardless, you will want to heed the following tips when planning things out and packing:
- Essentials go on the truck last. This is to ensure that you have immediate access to them and know where they will be. You will be able to unpack on the same day.
- Care for fragile items. Fortunately, you will have more oversight over these things, and there is less risk associated with long-distance moves.
- Use personal vehicles for quick runs beforehand. If and when you can access your new place, you can make smaller runs to get the move started and organized in advance!
- There is less need for labeling and inventory. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t label things at all. You don’t need as many details, as everything will be fresh in your mind and easily accessible.
The “Cross-Country” Move–Pack Like You’re Flying Overseas
Cross-country moving requires a lot more detail and attention all at once.
Knowing how to pack when moving long distances can be compared to overseas travel or lengthy vacations away from home.
You can’t simply toss everything into boxes and make quick trips ahead of time.
Things will need to be well-organized and managed along the way.
You inevitably need more time to prepare for cross-country moves.
When you are packing, keep the following in mind:
- Labeling and inventory are critical. You must clearly label everything and include details. Some may even consider color-coding according to the room to stay organized.
- An essentials box is a must. You may not have access to your items for a few days or a couple of weeks, so setting aside a few boxes for your essentials is crucial.
- Avoid packing perishables, liquids, and valuables. These could damage your items in transit. These are also some things that movers cannot transport across the country.
- Use professional packing materials. The supplies you use to protect your items are immediate defenses against possible damage or loss. Take this even one step further and secure professional movers to pack for you!
Things You Can Get Away With in a Local Move (But Not Cross-Country)
You will need a legitimate packing checklist for moving, whether you are relocating locally or long-distance.
However, you have a lot more wiggle room when moving locally.
In local moves, you can piece together boxes that are not entirely secure, loose bags, and manage things last minute if needed.
You can also move your own food, perishables, plants, etc.
These are all things that are not realistic for long-distance and cross-country moves.
The longer you travel, the more details go into the packing process.
What Not to Pack for a Cross-Country Move
One of the most valuable cross-country moving tips is what you cannot pack.
Not everything needs to be brought with you, and some things are not transportable on a moving truck.
When working with professional movers, they are restricted on what they can and cannot transport by the FMCSA.
Generally speaking, it should likely stay behind if it is perishable, flammable, or leaky.
Here is what is on the “do not pack” list:
- Perishable food and drinks. This includes frozen, fresh, or refrigerated items, as they cannot survive the ride.
- Plants. These living items do not travel well and can bring unfriendly pests.
- Hazardous items. This may be things like paints, cleaning supplies, etc.
- Personal prescriptions or medications. You will likely want to have these with you anyway.
- Any liquids. This can lead to some severe damage should they leak.
- Weapons and ammunition. These are regulated to travel anywhere across state lines.
Must-Haves in Your Cross-Country Essentials Box
What to pack for a long-distance move starts with setting aside your own essentials.
Setting aside a few boxes dedicated to your daily or immediate needs is wise.
This is because you will likely not have access to them otherwise!
Consider this your everyday survival kit, composed of everything you may need the first week or two after you arrive at your new home.
You may consider setting aside any of the following items:
- Personal toiletries.
- Phones, laptops, and electronic devices. (Don’t forget the chargers!)
- Essential clothing.
- All important documents.
- Personal medications.
- Basic cookware and kitchen utensils.
- Your favorite personal items.
Pro Tips from the Pros on How to Pack for a Move
With professionals, packing and moving are extensively simplified.
Learning their moving and packing tips can set you up for success!
There are massive differences between local, long-distance, and cross-country moves and their packing logistics.
Yet, there are other things they all have in common.
Be Picky with Your Packing Materials
The quality of your packing supplies should be your primary concern.
When working with flimsy boxes or pre-used items, you may find damages at the end of the road.
While this is not as much of a concern with local moves, it will always matter.
Moving boxes, bubble wrap, and other padding materials are the greatest line of defense for your belongings.
They protect against bumps on the road, accidents when carrying things in or out of the home, and other hazards.
You should be picky and mindful of the packing materials you are using.
Use Things You Already Have When You Pack for a Move
While you should be picky about packing supplies, you likely already have things that can provide adequate support.
Storage bins are a great thing to reuse instead of moving boxes, as they are sturdy and provide protection in transit.
The same is true for padding with loose clothing and blankets.
You can actually use items throughout your household to prepare.
This is true for local and long-distance moves, but it is always best to consult a moving company for the most reliable packing solutions.
Take Everything One Room at a Time
Packing for trips and moves can be overwhelming, no matter where you are heading.
To manage the stress that comes with it, take everything one thing or room at a time.
This can also help with the general organization of packing.
If you plan things room by room, it is easier to set aside essentials and even declutter.
You may choose to donate or dispose of some items, and you aren’t stuck doing everything at once.
Pay Close Attention to Fragile and Valuable Items
Care is vital when transporting extremely fragile, sentimental, and high-value items.
With local moves, this is easy to control as you can choose to oversee everything throughout the process.
It is more challenging to manage when moving long-distance.
Enlisting the help of professionals is the easiest way to ensure the safety of all of these things.
With experienced movers and packers, they manage everything from the point of pickup through delivery.
FAQS on What to Pack for a Move
Whether you are moving forward with a search for professional movers near me, will be packing things up yourself, or a little bit of both, there are many moving parts.
Packing is time-consuming and can inevitably be stressful.
There may be lingering questions in your mind, many of which others have asked before.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about what to pack for a move!
What’s the most significant difference between local and long-distance moving?
The most glaring difference between local and long-distance moves is the length of time and travel.
This alludes to differences in prep, lead time, delivery time frame, etc.
Local moves are shorter distances, which leaves flexibility in the best way to pack for moving.
However, there is still a sense of organization and urgency to move quickly through the process.
Careful and meticulous planning is required on both ends when moving longer distances.
Typically, moving companies are a valid solution for either circumstance.
With professionals, renters and homeowners have a sense of peace, comfort, and convenience that is unrealistic with DIY measures.
Should I hire movers for a short-distance move?
People often consider doing their own thing when moving shorter distances because it doesn’t seem as challenging.
While the packing options are somewhat lenient, there is still a lot of physical labor and logistics involved.
You can complete a moving company comparison to review your options, but booking the professionals is a great choice.
Movers are skilled in everything from packing to loading and furniture disassembly.
This can smooth out the transition and get things done quickly.
How do I pack clothes for a cross-country move?
When creating your personalized moving packing list, getting together your clothes is likely a large piece of the puzzle.
With cross-country moves, there is a lot more involved in the packing procedures.
To get all of your clothes prepped and ready, you will want to adhere to the following tips:
- Sort, donate, and declutter. This is your first step, as you will want to get rid of things you don’t want to bring with you and organize the rest.
- Use wardrobe boxes. These are great options because you can take things from your closet and hang them up inside the box. This avoids wrinkles and helps maintain the quality of your clothing.
- Roll clothing if placed in a box. For clothes you are pulling out of a dresser, be sure to roll them instead of folding them. This will help to preserve space.
- Set aside essential clothing items. When you arrive and await delivery, you will need some things to wear, so set aside your everyday wardrobe and favorite picks.
Do I need to empty out all my drawers and dressers to pack?
Many wonder if they can leave things in their storage drawers and dressers to avoid additional work.
You won’t have to remove everything necessarily, but it is a good idea to do so.
The more packed and weighted an object is, the higher the chance of damage.
It will also be easier to handle once emptied into other boxes.
However, if only a few lightweight items are inside, it should not be an issue.
Same Destination, Different Journey: Book with Smart Movers and Packers in Denver
Whether you are stuck trying to figure out how to pack for a move locally in Denver or out of state, the journey is a part of the process.
Electing to have movers help in that process can significantly reduce your stress and anxiety around everything.
Choosing the right company is paramount to the transition.
At Denver City Movers, our crew is well-versed and has extensive experience helping clients pack, move, and store their belongings for local and long-distance relocation projects.
We won’t just show up with the boxes you need; we will take care of every aspect of the packing, loading, and unloading.
Call us for your next move and get a free quote for the journey!
We guarantee you will make it to your destination with ease.
