9 Packing Tips to Boost Your Odds of a Smooth Move 
By Jonas Bordo, CEO and co-founder of Dwellsy

ItÕs true that packing for a move usually isnÕt a complex process, but if you want your move to go as smoothly as possible (and your belongings to survive intact), thereÕs a little more to packing than simply loading your stuff 
into boxes and hoping for 
the best.

Here are some packing best practices:
 
1. Declutter. Do this well before the big day! If you have any belongings you donÕt need or want anymore, nowÕs the time to set them aside, donate them or dispose of them. This isnÕt a task youÕll want to deal with when youÕre in the throes of moving. 

2. Assemble your packing materials. You also donÕt want to realize youÕve run out of boxes or tape midway through packing up your kitchen. In addition to boxes, make sure you have packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, newspapers or other materials handy.

3. Pack one room at a time. Not only is this more time efficient, but it will also make the process of unpacking much easier. 

4. Allow enough time for disassembly. Remember that youÕll have to unhook electrical appliances, take nails out of the walls and remove lightbulbs from lamps. You may also need to disassemble large pieces of furniture, like your bed frame or bookshelves.

5. Consider leaving clothing in drawers and on hangers. If your dresser drawers are full of non-breakable clothing, why not leave these items where they are? Secure the drawers in place with tape or straps so that they donÕt slide open or fall out in transit. You can also leave clothing on hangers. 

6. Label everything. Playing the ÒwhatÕs in which boxÓ game is not how you want to spend your first few days in your new home. Label each box in detail as you pack it. For example, donÕt just write ÒKitchen.Ó Write ÒKitchen: toaster, tea kettle, spatulas, immersion blender and oven mitts.Ó 

7. Save the essentials until last. These are items youÕll want to use while moving out and moving in, as well as belongings you donÕt want to take any chances with. 

8. Make sure to rent the right size truck. ItÕs easy to underestimate how much space your belongings will take up, so if youÕre renting a truck or trailer, err on the side of Òtoo big.Ó This is especially important if youÕre moving 
a long distance. 

9. And donÕt forget to include appropriate equipment. Plan to use moving blankets or furniture pads to protect non-boxed items and straps to secure large items so they wonÕt shift in transit. DonÕt forget items like hand trucks, dollies and ramps.

Jonas Bordo is the co-author, along with Hannah Hildebolt, of the book ÒEverything You Need to Know About Renting But DidnÕt Know to Ask: All the Insider Dirt to Help You Get the Best Deal and Avoid Disaster.Ó