What to pack first when moving long distance

Often, the most challenging part of any relocation is packing. After all, you want your items to be safe and protected during transportation, which can only be ensured if they are correctly boxed up. Feeling overwhelmed mid-process is common, especially when preparing to cross hundreds of miles to reach the final destination. But, to prevent yourself from feeling blue, you need to plan what to pack first when moving long distance. And Good Neighbors Moving Company is here to help! Today, we will discuss some of the basic tips and tricks you can use to determine what should be packed primarily. So, strap in and enjoy the ride!

What steps should you take before packing?

Packing is anything but easy. And before you start doing it, there are several vital things that you must do. That said, the following key steps are the ones that will set you up for success:

  • Create an inventory list
  • Declutter your home
  • Gather the necessary packing supplies
  • Find reliable movers
A person writing what to pack first when moving long distance
A checklist gives you a clear insight into your belongings and the things you need to do before and during the move.

Create an inventory checklist

To know what to pack first when moving long distance, you need to have a good idea of all the items you have. But how do you do that? Simple! By creating an inventory list of everything you own. This way, you will get a good idea of the size of your inventory, its contents, and what should be packed first or last. Furthermore, a checklist ensures that your packing is well-organized and more efficient, and it even helps you figure out which moving services Los Angeles companies provide you should take.

Declutter your home

Another important thing that you should do before you start thinking about what to pack first when moving long distance is to declutter your home. By handling excess items, you will have an easier time packing. There are probably some items that you no longer want or need in your new home anyway. Getting rid of these will give you more time to focus on boxing up essential things. What’s more, after decluttering, you will have more space in your new home for new things, as you should.

But how do you go about decluttering? Well, after you’ve figured out what it is that you own, you will divide the belongings into three separate piles: keep, trash, and donate. On the other hand, if you own something precious that no longer serves your purpose, you might be better off organizing a garage sale instead of giving it away. That way, you can kill two birds with one stone, meaning you’ll still get to say goodbye to what you don’t need and earn some cash in the process.

Gather the necessary packing supplies

Packing materials and tools are there to help you safely pack your inventory. It is not enough to store your items inside a cardboard box. They need to be protected from any outside damages during transportation. So, some of the essential packing materials that you always need are:

  • Hard-cardboard boxes
  • Packing foam and tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Labeling material

However, you don’t have to search for these packing supplies alone. use our packing services Los Angeles residents choose, and ensure the safety of your belongings.

Find reliable movers

Your items need to be in safe hands during relocation. And while finding reliable and affordable movers isn’t easy, it’s extremely important. Lucky for you, there are trustworthy long distance movers Los Angeles is proud to be a home to that you can hire for the task. As a bonus, a well-organized crew will not only send some of the finest workers to help you out but can also provide necessary packing materials. Knowing that your items are in good hands during transportation will lower your stress during relocation. And in the unforeseen case of damage, reliable movers, thanks to the provided insurance, will be able to compensate you for it.

Professional mover putting boxes in a truck.
Finding reliable movers is the key to safely transporting your inventory and, overall, a successful and efficient relocation.

What things to pack first when moving long distance

So, we have listed several things you need to do before packing. Now is the time to look at the things you should pack first for your long-distance relocation. here’s our suggestion on what to pack first when moving long distance:

  • Pack easy stuff
  • Then, pack artwork since it requires a thorough approach
  • Next, pack entertainment items
  • Move on to rarely used dishes and chinaware

Start with the easy stuff

Items already in storage, garage, closets, etc., are perfect to start with. Chances are many of these will already be inside boxes and are, in a sense, already packed. This means there will be less for you to do. Plus, since these are typically things such as holiday decorations, older clothes, and surplus items that are not currently in use, there’s less of a chance you’ll need them anytime soon and, therefore, less of a chance you’ll have to unpack them before the move has even started only because you need to get something.

Artwork and decorations

Moving forward, you should focus on the various wall hangers you have in your home. This may include anything from miniature decorations, statues, and framed pictures, to souvenirs and heirlooms. However, bear in mind that artwork and decorations are not the most straightforward things to pack as they are fragile. That said, before you begin putting them in boxes, be sure that you have acquired the necessary packing supplies to keep these sensitive objects safe. If you are not sure just how to pack these, to be on the safe side of things, it’s always possible to book packing services Los Angeles companies provide. People working for these already have experience handling delicate stuff and will be able to prepare them adequately for the move.

A person wondering what to pack first while reading
Think about what to pack first when moving long distance. Use your inventory checklist as a guideline, and start with the easy stuff.

Entertainment items and collectibles

These should be the next items on your list, and you want them packed separately from the rest of your inventory. Truth be told, things such as books, discs, or vinyl records are not that difficult to pack. On the other hand, many of your collectibles, such as figurines, plastic models, miniatures, etc., require good care and proper protection to survive the trip. Still, since you won’t be actively using them before the move, they are best boxed up early.

Rarely used dishes and china

Packing rarely used glassware and china comes next, as you will also not likely use them in the coming period. But here’s the tricky part. Doing so isn’t that simple, considering the fragility of these. For that reason, while in the process, you must ensure they are well-cushioned inside the boxes with several layers of bubble wrap and packing foam wrapped around them.

Should you pack your plants first or last

When deciding whether to pack your plants first or last, consider these pros and cons. Packing plants first allows you to focus on other items later, ensuring everything is ready in advance. However, plants may wilt or suffer from lack of sunlight if packed too early. Packing them last keeps them healthier during the move, but it may add stress as you’re rushing to pack everything else. Ultimately, packing them last is generally better, as it minimizes their time in boxes and ensures they arrive in better condition. Just be prepared for some last-minute packing pressure. However, the best solution for handling plants for the move is to hire the services of white glove movers Los Angeles companies provide.

two women surrounded by boxes one carrying a plant after they decided what to pack first when moving long distance
Deal with the plants first.

What to pack first when moving a business long distance

When moving a business long distance, start by organizing the packing process to minimize disruptions. Here’s what to pack:

  • Documents and Records: Begin with important documents and records. Packing these early ensures they are securely stored and reduces the risk of misplacement. Include financial records, legal documents, employee files, and client contracts. Creating digital backups before packing is a good precaution.
  • Office Supplies: These items, such as pens, paper, and other small essentials, are less likely to be needed immediately during the move. Group similar items together in clearly labeled boxes to keep everything organized.
  • Non-Essential Furniture: Non-essential furniture, like extra chairs or tables, can be packed to free up space. This helps keep the office functional while still preparing for the move. Consider disassembling larger items if needed, and label parts to make reassembly easier.
  • Archived Files: Archived files are rarely accessed, making them ideal to pack early. These could include old client records or past financial statements. Organize these files in chronological order and label boxes for easy identification later.
  • Decorations and Non-Essential Electronics: Decorations and non-essential electronics can be packed after other items. Artwork, plants, clocks, and electronics that aren’t critical to daily operations should be carefully packed with protective materials to avoid damage.

However, in order notto deal with these items alone, hire commercial moves Los Angeles companies have and move like a pro.

Tips for packing a bag of essentials

The main thing to pack first when moving long distance is definitely a bag of essentials. This bag should include everything you need for the first few days at your new place without having to unpack boxes right away. Start with toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and any medications you regularly take. Next, pack a few changes of clothes, including sleepwear and undergarments. Don’t forget to include important documents such as identification, contracts, and any travel information. If you have electronics like a phone, laptop, or tablet, pack their chargers as well. Add basic kitchen items like a water bottle, snacks, and utensils. If you’re moving with children or pets, include their essentials too, like toys, food, or favorite blankets.

What to pack first in a storage unit

When it comes to settling storage units Los Angeles companies offer, do the following:

  1. Store bulky items first
  2. Store mattresses
  3. Deal with sturdy moving boxes
  4. Store fragile items last
  5. Finally, arrange storage according to a moving truck floor plan
a man in a storage unit thinking what to pack first when moving long distance
Arrange your storage unit as you arrange a moving truck for an easy loading.

Bonus tip: Pack a first-aid kit first

Having a first-aid kit readily accessible is essential, especially during a long-distance move. It can quickly address minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, or headaches that might happen during the packing or moving process. Include basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any specific medications you or your family may need. By packing this kit first and keeping it within easy reach, you’ll be prepared for any small emergencies, making the move smoother and less stressful.

Master the art of packing for a long-distance move

If you are still unsure of what to pack first when moving long distance, simply put, it’s everything you will use least or not at all. After all, packing non-essentials early can make the process more manageable and less chaotic. As the moving day approaches, you can then focus on daily necessities. And remember, while the process itself is not simple, it’s up to you to make the most of it. And following our tips, you’ll be one step closer to doing so! Also, if you don’t want to do this alone, you can always count on our professional packers.

first-aid kit
First-aid kit is the first thing to pack up when moving long distances

Pack with Good Neighbors Moving company

When you choose Good Neighbors Moving Company for your long-distance move, our experienced movers take the guesswork out of packing. Let us handle the details, from deciding what to pack first when moving long distance to ensuring your belongings are securely transported. Our team knows how to prioritize and protect your items so you can focus on the excitement of your new home. Trust our experts to make your move seamless and stress-free. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a quote, and let us take care of the rest. Use the finest moving services Los Angeles has ever had.