How to Pack for a Long Distance Move?

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but when the destination is far away, like a new city or even a new state, knowing how you pack for a long distance move becomes paramount. The way you pack your belongings can significantly impact the success of your relocation. Why? Proper packing ensures that your cherished possessions arrive at your new home safe and sound. That said, allow a trusted moving company Los Angeles locals are fond of to explain the ins and outs of adequate packing. One that makes the difference between a move well done and a move gone wrong.

Prep early

You cannot hope for a successful relocation without putting some serious thought into it. Start the process well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. This is also the perfect opportunity to declutter your belongings. Go through each room, sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Not only will this help lighten your load, but it will also save you time and money. By minimizing unnecessary items, you’re setting the stage for a streamlined and cost-effective move. When hiring long distance movers Los Angeles residents turn to, this step is particularly crucial as it impacts the overall moving cost.

pack for a long distance move after you make donation of canned and packed food
Consider donating surplus items to lighten your load and give back.

Gather the right supplies

Quality packing supplies are your best friends during a long-distance move, so don’t shy away from investing in them. While at it, remember that certain items require more than standardized supplies. For instance, fragile items such as TVs and artwork require specialized boxes for safe transport. That begs the question, what do you need to preserve your belongings during the long-distance venture? Here’s a detailed list!

  • Sturdy boxes in various sizes for items of all shapes and sizes.
  • Quality packing tape to secure boxes and prevent shifting.
  • Bubble wrap to cushion fragile items like glassware and electronics.
  • Markers for clear labeling of boxes to aid in organized unpacking.
  • Specialized boxes for delicate items such as artwork and mirrors.
  • Clothes and towels to use as protective padding for breakables.

Tackling furniture and bulky items

Handling furniture and oversized items requires a systematic approach. For instance, you’ll want to disassemble furniture to save space and prevent damage during transit. Then, you should protect upholstered items from sustaining scratches and tears by using moving blankets or plastic wrap. For valuable or fragile belongings such as mirrors and glass tables, it’s wise to consider obtaining packing services Los Angeles companies provide. Additionally, if you’re concerned about assembling your furniture at your new location, inquire whether the chosen moving company offers furniture reassembly services as well. This can save you valuable time and effort.

man and woman lifting the sofa
Disassemble large furniture before you begin to pack for a long distance move.

How to pack fragile items when moving long distances

First and foremost, categorize items before packing. You can categorize by packing requirements, level of fragility, or urgency of packing.

  1. Mirrors: Use painter’s tape to create an “X” or a grid pattern on the glass to prevent shattering. Then, wrap the mirror in bubble wrap or foam sheets. Place the wrapped mirror in a mirror box, ensuring a snug fit. Lastly, fill any gaps with packing paper or peanuts to prevent movement.
  2. Lamps: Remove lampshades and bulbs before packing. Wrap the base and stand in bubble wrap or foam padding. Place each part in separate boxes if necessary, filling gaps with packing paper. Pack lampshades separately in a box with ample padding around them to avoid dents.
  3. Glassware: Place wrapped items in a cell pack or dish pack box for added protection. Fill gaps with packing paper or peanuts to prevent movement.
  4. Artwork: Cover the artwork with glassine or acid-free paper to protect the surface. Use a flat picture box to store the artwork, ensuring a snug fit. Fill gaps with packing paper or peanuts to avoid movement.
  5. Fine Art: Handle with clean gloves to avoid damaging the surface. Wrap in acid-free tissue paper or glassine for protection. Use bubble wrap or foam padding around the wrapped art. Pack in a sturdy, reinforced box designed for fine art.
  6. Luxury Items: Use jewelry boxes or small, sturdy containers for added protection.

For luxury items, hiring moving professionals is a must, especially when you pack for a long distance move. Our recommendation is to hire white glove movers Los Angeles offers.

How to pack with kids when moving long distances

Packing and kids. Sounds like mission impossible. However, this process doesn’t have to be demanding. It is certainly challenging but entirely manageable with not much stress. All you have to do is organize and include kids in the whole process. Children can be of great help, though. So, how to organize such a packing process? Firstly, assign age-appropriate tasks, such as sorting their toys or books.

Additionally, older kids can help with more complex tasks like labeling boxes. Furthermore, involve them in wrapping non-fragile items, like their stuffed animals or soft toys, using packing paper or bubble wrap. By teaching them to wrap items carefully and place them in boxes, you ensure they contribute effectively. Moreover, create a designated packing station to keep all supplies handy, helping kids stay focused and organized. Finally, turn packing into a game by timing tasks or offering small rewards for completed jobs.

a family about to pack for a long distance move
Involve your kids in packing process.

Pack for a long distance move according to a new home floor plan

use your new home’s floor plan as a guide. Label each box with its destination room based on the floor plan. This helps movers place boxes directly where they belong, making unpacking easier. Pack items room by room, and list contents on each box. Use color-coded labels or markers for quick identification.

How to pack for long distance move when moving a business

Here are some key steps to ensure a smooth transition:

  • Sorting: Begin by sorting all items in your office. Separate them into categories such as documents, electronic items, furniture, and supplies. Discard or donate items that are no longer needed. This reduces the load and makes the move more efficient.
  • Assigning Roles: Assign specific roles to employees to manage different aspects of the move. For example, designate one team to handle documents and another to oversee electronic items. Ensure each team understands their responsibilities and has the necessary packing materials. However, the best option is to hire the services of commercial movers Los Angeles companies provide. This way, you won’t have to assign anything to your employees.
  • Dealing with Documents: Pack important documents in labeled file boxes. Use folders to keep related documents together. For extra security, consider using locked file boxes or a secure transport service.
  • Dealing with Electronic Items: Disconnect and label all cables and devices. Pack electronic items in their original boxes if possible, or use padded moving boxes. Back up all data before the move to prevent any loss.
  • Furniture: Disassemble large furniture pieces and keep screws and small parts in labeled bags. Wrap furniture in moving blankets to prevent damage. Label each piece for easy reassembly at the new location.

How to pack items for storage

If you are moving long distances, you will probably need to use storage units in Los Angels. And packing for storage is not the same as packing for transport. However, if you are going to store and then transport, you will pack in a third way. When packing for storage, focus on long-term protection. Use sturdy, airtight containers to prevent moisture and pests. Wrap items in blankets and bubble wrap for extra protection, and label boxes clearly for easy retrieval. Avoid using plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause damage. For transport, prioritize secure packing to withstand movement and vibrations. Use strong moving boxes and reinforce them with packing tape. Cushion fragile items with packing peanuts or bubble wrap.

a storage unit
Storage requires long-lasting packing materials, such as water and moisture-proof.

Stay organized

Maintaining order throughout the packing process is essential. Pack room by room to keep items organized. Also, as you pack for a long distance move, remember to prepare an essentials box. This box should include necessities you’ll require right upon arrival, such as cooking utensils, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Utilize suitcases and drawers for clothing, maximizing space and minimizing the number of boxes. This strategy streamlines your packing and ensures a smoother unpacking process in your new home. Plus, did you know that creating a detailed inventory list can help you keep track of your belongings and make unpacking even more manageable? Applications such as Sortly are ideal for creating lists of various sorts. Sortly, in particular, has a user-friendly interface and features that allow users to categorize and document their belongings room by room.

Prioritizing safety and protection

When packing, it’s essential to strike a balance between box weight and protection. Boxes that are too heavy pose a safety hazard during lifting and moving. Conversely, containers that are too light might collapse or be easily damaged during transport. Furthermore, to safeguard your belongings, especially valuable ones, moving insurance is worth considering. Reputable moving services Los Angeles providers have additional insurance options for peace of mind throughout your journey. Additionally, it might be wise to inquire about the moving company’s safety practices and protocols, as that way, you’ll be absolutely sure your belongings are in capable hands.

pack glasses in a cardboard box filled with packing peanuts when you pack for a long distance move
Safeguard your delicates during a long distance move by using proper packing techniques.

Key considerations

If packing seems like too much of a hassle, it’s absolutely fine to delegate it to professionals. There are many moving companies out there that provide packing services that can make everything a hundred times simpler. Of course, you cannot just hire the first crew you stumble upon. Instead, take the time to research at least three companies. The one you end up choosing should have a proven track record and positive customer reviews. Furthermore, to make informed decisions about protecting your belongings, you must understand the difference between moving insurance and valuation. Additionally, be aware of items that cannot be transported due to regulations, as this knowledge can save you time and trouble during the packing process.

If you decide to pack on your own, when gathering fragile items, take the time to cushion and secure them within the boxes properly. Believe it or not, this small effort can go a long way in ensuring the safe arrival of your cherished possessions at your new home.

Pack for a long distance move like a pro!

When you pack for a long distance move, it’s all about being strategic. Prioritize essentials, declutter, and use quality packing materials. While at it, keep in mind that packing is not just about fitting everything in; it’s about ensuring items arrive safely. So, always label boxes and keep an inventory. With these steps, your move can be smooth and stress-free. So, don’t shy away from following them, and you’ll be one step closer to enjoying your new home and all of its contents, just like you were meant to!

two people about to pack for a long distance move
Leave packing and heavy lifting to nus.

Contact us and schedule the safest packing services

Experience the safest, most innovative packing services for your long-distance move. Our expert team uses cutting-edge techniques to pack for a long distance move for both storage and transport. Whether you’re storing items in Los Angeles or moving across the country, we’ve got you covered with our moving services. Contact us today to schedule our top-notch packing services and discover how stress-free moving can be. Let us handle the packing so you can focus on the excitement of your new journey. Reach out now, get your moving quote, and make your move with confidence!