Intro

Often viewed as the most time-consuming and tedious portion of the entire moving process, packing can feel like an insurmountable challenge. The mountain of belongings one has to gather, pack, and transport needs meticulous attention to detail which in itself can feel overwhelming. The good news is, packing can be made far easier by employing a few useful techniques and strategies.

Almost all successful packing experiences begin with an individual’s decision to maintain a positive attitude, strategize, and prepare ahead of time. By bringing the right mindset to the task, which in this case is ‘packing’, it can serve as a productive session aimed at organizing possessions.

Items Needed For Packing

You can’t effectively begin packing if you don’t gather all of the necessary items first.

• Moving Boxes: Acquire a set of boxes of differing sizes to accommodate items for easier storage. Books can be placed in smaller boxes whilst lighter items such as blankets and pillows can be stored in bigger boxes. Furthermore, consider purchasing boxes particularly designed for artwork, dishes, or even televisions.
  
  
• Packing Tape and a Dispenser: Make sure to keep packing tape that is sturdy so that your boxes don’t fall apart during the move. It is integral to have packing tape of good quality as broken or low-quality tape which doesn’t stick can easily lead to disaster when transporting boxes to and fro.
  
  
• Bubble Wrap: Great for protecting fragile items from delicate bumps or shocks. Glass items, ceramics as well as electronics should be protected with multiple layers of bubble wrap.
  
  
• Packing Paper: Unlike newspapers, packing paper does not leave ink stains, and it fills voids while cushioning items.
  
  
• Markers and Labels: Markers can be used for clear labeling of boxes, and for writing the label on multiple sides of the boxes for easy identification during unloading.
  
  
• Colored Tape: Boxes can be designated for specific rooms using different colored tapes. Assigning a separate color per room will help movers or family members place boxes in the correct areas.
  
  

Optional but helpful supplies include stretch wrap for bundling furniture parts, securing drawers and doors, and furniture sliders to assist with moving heavy items without damaging floors. Additionally, plastic zip bags can be used to store hardware such as screws and bolts from disassembled furniture.

Packing Strategies

Start Early

Scheduling non-essential packing for weeks in advance makes the load a lot easier on moving day. Waiting until the last minute or moving last season during off periods can be hectic, make it work!

One Room at a Time

While waiting for rooms to finish packing, focus on one area at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Focus means keeping the house liveable, while label stickers make keeping track of checklists easy.

Start with Heavy Objects

To reduce strain on your back, pack heavy objects in smaller boxes which are easier to lift. This also reduces the likelihood of box breakage. Always put heavyweight items in the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top.

Use Detailed Labels

Using room identifiers such as “This Side Up” or “Unpack First” helps with box handling. With each box label containing contents, room identifiers, and special handling notes, one saves confusion when settling into the new house.

Avoid Overpacking Boxes

Moving over packed boxes increases chances of injury while greatly hindering mobility. Each box should not exceed fifty pounds. If your box feels heavy, consider splitting the contents into two or more boxes.

Maximize Use of Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes help keep clothes on hangers neat, thus preventing wrinkles, in addition to saving on time when unpacking and during transport. Use the bottom portion for lightweight items such as shoes and belts.

Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and double box the highly delicate items for extra protection. Use packing peanuts or crumpled paper to fill gaps for cushioning.

Disassemble Furniture

Disassembling furniture helps to save space and lowers the likelihood of damage being incurred. Label and wrap all parts, and put screws and bolts in a sealed plastic bag that is taped to the item. To assist in reassembly, take photos before disassembly.

Tips for Specific Items

Kitchen

To reduce the chances of breakage, pack dishes and glassware vertically. Use cell boxes specially made for stemware and plates. Fill the bottom of the box with crumpled paper, and make sure that all items are secure and cannot shift during movement.

Electronics

Unplug and disconnect all cords. Bundle cords using zip ties or twist ties and mark them for convenient setup. Whenever possible, use the original packaging. If it’s not available, wrap the electronics in anti-static bubble wrap.

Books

To avoid making the boxes overly heavy, pack books in small sized boxes. Store heavy hard cover books flat to keep the spines intact. Consider donating books that you do not require any more to reduce the overall weight.

Artwork and Mirrors

Wrap all mirrors and paintings with bubble wrap, securing them with cardboard or foam sheets. Use corner protectors to avoid frame damage and label boxes as “Fragile” and “Glass.”

Clothes and Shoes

Use duffel bags and suitcases to pack clothing. Store shoes in pairs or their original boxes. Soft items can be packed in garbage bags to save box space.

Making Packing Easier

Listen to Music or Podcasts

Make a playlist or an audiobook can motivate and sustain energy levels through the tedious process. Try Spotify or Audible for engaging content.

Take Breaks

Avoid attempting to work non-stop. Constant breaks, like a stretch every hour, coupled with proper hydration improves productivity.

Reward Yourself

Celebrate progress with small wins. Whether that’s a favorite snack, walk, or bath, acknowledge the effort put in.

Ask for Help

For those feeling overwhelmed, calling in reinforcements is perfectly reasonable. Friends, family, or even professional movers like Shifty UAE can be summoned to make the process smoother.

Final Thoughts

The process of packing does not need to be a source of stress. By having everything planned out in advance, using the proper tools, and having a systematic plan, you can make this often-dreaded task into an unexpectedly rewarding segment of the moving process. Always remember that being organized is critical in ensuring a successful relocation to your new place.

If you’re planning a move across the UAE, explore our full moving checklist or contact Shifty UAE for expert relocation services.