Moving Out Made Easy Tips and Tricks to Pack Like a Pro

Mohsina Fatemah

May 13, 2025
21 min read

Introduction
How to Prepare for Moving?
- Gather Supplies
- Pro-tip: Free Moving Boxes
- Download Inventory App
- Donate Unwanted Stuff
Book Early
- Importance of Early Booking
- Booking Tips
- Reputable Packers and Movers

1. Packing Tips for Moving: Dos and Don’ts
  - Do’s
    - Plan & Organise
    - Non-Essential Items
    - Pack First-day Essentials Separately
    - Packing Important Documents
    - Protect Fragile Items
    - Safely Pack Electronics
    - Jewelry and Accessory Packing
    - Colour Code
  - Don’t’s
    - Don’t Pack Hazardous Material
    - Don’t Overfill Boxes
    - Don’t Use Low-Quality Packing Materials
    - Don’t Neglect to Notify Utilities and Services
2. Tips for Moving with Children and Pets
3. What are the Best Strategies for Packing Room by Room?
4. A Step-by-Step Unpacking Guide
5. Conclusion

How to Prepare for Moving?

1. - Gather Supplies :
    
    Stock up on boxes (various sizes), packing tape, a utility knife, permanent markers, plastic bags, blankets, bubble wrap/newspaper, and a handcart for heavy lifting.
    Create a moving binder to stay organised throughout the process. Use it to keep track of estimates, receipts, and a detailed inventory of everything you’re moving. This will help you effortlessly track your packing progress.
  - Donate Unwanted Stuff :
    
    Use the KonMari* method to tidy up your space! Sort through your belongings and donate items that no longer bring you joy. Not only will this create more room in your new home, but it can also reduce your moving costs. Consider giving to NGOs like Goonj, HappieeSouls, Bangalore Hospice Trust, Swanthana, and Mrithunjay Foundation, or find a local organisation in need. Don’t let unused clothes, books, and bags take up valuable space; instead you can bring happiness to someone in need.

1. - Pro-tip :
    
    Free Boxes: Start collecting free moving boxes by reaching out to local grocery and furniture stores, as many often have surplus boxes available at no cost. By planning ahead, you can likely acquire most of the boxes you need without any cost. This Indian jugaad can save you money, delight your mom, and ensure you’re fully prepared for your move. Also, try to use Styrofoam and cushion foam sheets inside the boxes to keep items from breaking.

Book Early

Booking your packers and movers well in advance is crucial for a stress-free move. Popular moving dates, especially those before auspicious Griha Pravesh dates and during Magha (January-February), Phalguna (February-March), Vaisakha (April-May), and Jyeshtha (May-June), tend to get booked quickly so plan ahead and book earlier to avoid disappointment.
Another way to increase your chances of securing a good deal is to consider moving on weekdays or mid-months when these periods are less busy. This flexibility can often lead to lower rates, as moving companies may offer more competitive prices. Additionally, booking early often comes with discounts or better rates, giving you more time to plan and compare quotes.
While there are many reputable packers and movers, here are a few well-known options to get you started:

2. - Pro-Tip :
    
    Check for reviews and references: Look for online reviews and ask for references from friends or family who have recently moved. This can help you assess the reputation and reliability of different moving companies.

Packing Tips for Moving: Dos and Don’ts

Do’s

- Plan & Organise :
  
  Start by creating a detailed packing schedule and categorising items by room. For example, put together pots and pans in the same box and label them clearly as kitchen items. This approach helps in organisation and makes unpacking easier in your new home.
- Non-Essential Items :
  
  Pack as far in advance as possible and begin with non-essential items like books, magazines, festive decorations, home decor items, and other random stuff that you rarely use.
- Pack First-day Essentials Separately :
  
  Label the essential items you need right away with clear, visible tags. Prioritise easy access to things like sheets, blankets, towels, toiletries, and everyday kitchen tools such as a coffee maker or tea kettle.
- Packing Important Documents :
  
  When you’re moving, it’s super important to keep your essential documents safe like property papers, passports, bank statements, credit cards, medical records, and any legal documents. Don’t just pack them away with other boxes, keep them handy with you at all times. Trust me, it’s one less thing to stress about!
- Pro-Tip :
  
  Copy & Scan: Make photocopies of essential documents like passports, driver’s licences, birth certificates, and bank statements. For added security, scan these documents and store them on Digi-locker.*
  *DigiLocker is a secure digital storage platform launched by the Government of India as part of its Digital India initiative. It allows users to store and access important documents electronically, reducing the need for physical copies.
  
  How to Protect Fragile Items during a Move?
  
  Packing delicate items can be stressful, but it’s easier if you follow these steps:
  - Prevent breakage by using small, sturdy boxes filled with ample padding.
  - Wrap each item individually, securing it with tape.
  - Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box and use dividers for glassware.
  - Label boxes as “fragile” and handle them with care.
  - Remember, patience is key when packing delicate belongings.
  - Pro-Tip :
    
    Wrap Fragile Items in Towels and T-shirts: Use towels and T-shirts to wrap fragile items like glassware. This provides extra cushioning and saves space by reducing the need for bulky packing materials. It’s an eco-friendly way to protect your valuables while making the most of your clothing and linens.
  How to Safely Pack Electronics?
  
  Moving your electronics without damage is all about preparation. Start by removing batteries from devices to prevent leaks, charging all rechargeables, and ejecting printer cartridges.
  - Label cables with coloured stickers and white labels for easy identification.
  - Assign specific colours to different types of cables (e.g., red for power, blue for HDMI, green for audio).
  - Quickly identify cables when multiple connections are needed for the same device.
  - Backup computer data and secure internal components before moving electronics.
  - Use original packaging for electronics, or If you don’t have the original packaging, use bubble wrap to cushion your electronics. Wrap the device thoroughly in several layers of bubble wrap to absorb shocks and protect against impacts.
  - Unpack and set up one device at a time, using photos and labels as a guide.
  - Test each item before moving on to the next.
  - Use zip ties to secure cables and keep them tidy during setup.
  Jewellery and Accessory Packing: Protect your precious pieces with a travel jewellery box. Its compartments prevent tangles and scratches. For extra security, use small pouches and carry your box as hand luggage.
  - Pro-Tip: :
    
    Prevent Necklace Knots and Organise Jewellery: To prevent necklace knots, use the zip-lock bag trick: place your necklace in a small zip-lock bag, leaving a small loop of the chain outside before sealing it. This keeps the necklace from tangling inside the bag and helps maintain its untangled state. Pill organisers are ideal for storing small jewellery items like earrings and rings, helping you keep them organised and easy to find.
  Colour code: Simplify your move by assigning a distinct hue to each room using waterproof markers and coloured tape. Pack one room at a time, sealing boxes with the corresponding colour. Create a colour-coded legend for easy reference, ensuring a stress-free unpacking experience.
  Colour coding quickly identifies a box’s destination room, while detailed labelling reveals its contents. Use bold colours and clear descriptions, including weight and fragility indicators.
  
  Don’t’s
  - Don’t Pack Hazardous Materials :
    - Items such as flammable liquids, explosives, or corrosive substances should not be packed with your other belongings.
    - Check with your moving company for a list of prohibited items and dispose of them safely before the move.
  - Don’t Overfill Boxes :
    - Overloading boxes can make them too heavy to lift and increase the risk of items getting damaged.
    - Keep boxes to a manageable weight and use multiple boxes for heavy items.
  - Don’t Use Low-Quality Packing Materials :
    - Using flimsy boxes and insufficient padding can lead to damaged items.
    - Invest in high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings.
  - Don’t Neglect to Notify Utilities and Services :
    - Forgetting to inform the gas agency, internet company, and other relevant businesses about your move can lead to disruptions. So notify them in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
  - Pro-Tip :
    
    First Day Essential: For all rooms, consider creating a “First Day Essential” box that has essentials you’ll need immediately after the move, such as toiletries for the bathroom, a basic kitchen set-up (including a few utensils, a pot, and a pan), a few changes of clothes, and basic tools for assembly. This will help you avoid the hassle of searching through multiple boxes for crucial items during your first night in the new home.
  Tips for Moving with Children and Pets
  
  How to Move with Children?
  - Pack a Moving Day Bag :
    
    Prepare a bag with essentials like snacks, drinks, favourite toys, books, essential medicine and a change of clothes to keep them comfortable and entertained.
  - Assign a Safe Space :
    
    Set up a designated area in the new home where they can play safely while the moving process is underway. If possible, ask a family member or babysitter to help supervise them during this time.
  - Involve Them in Small Tasks :
    
    Give them simple, age-appropriate tasks, like labelling boxes or packing their toys, to keep them engaged.
  - Maintain Routine :
    
    Try to keep their routine as normal as possible, with regular meal and nap times to reduce stress.
  - Plan a Fun Activity :
    
    Once you arrive at the new home, plan a small, fun activity like a movie or picnic in the living room to help them feel more settled.
  How to Move with Pets?
  - Secure in a Quiet Space :
    
    Keep pets in a quiet, enclosed space with their bedding, toys, and water, away from the commotion of the move. A familiar room or crate can help reduce anxiety.
  - Take Regular Breaks :
    
    If you’re travelling with your pet, schedule regular breaks for walks and bathroom needs.
  - Comfort Items :
    
    Bring along their favourite blanket, toy, or bed to keep them calm and comfortable during the transition.
  - Plan for Arrival :
    
    Set up a quiet space in the new home for your pets to adjust gradually. Introduce them slowly to the new environment to reduce anxiety.
  - Schedule a Visit :
    
    If possible, take your pets to your new home before the move and give them a tour to help them become familiar with the new space.
  What are the Best Strategies for Packing Room by Room?
  - Kitchen & Pantry :
    - Donate unopened food and dispose of opened packages to avoid spills.
    - Empty, clean, and pack kitchen appliances with cords secured in plastic bags.
    - Use original boxes for appliances if available.
    - Use bubble wrap to separate and protect dishes during transport.
  - Dining Room :
    - Line boxes with towels, newspaper, or linens to cushion plates and fragile dinner sets.
    - Roll rugs up securely with plastic ties or rope.
  - Living Room or Family Room :
    - Remove light bulbs and lampshades, wrapping them separately.
    - Keep precious photos and videos with you during the move.
    - Wrap mirrors and paintings with blankets or towels. Use masking tape to form an “X” on large mirrors for added security.
  - Bedroom :
    - Before packing, wash any dirty items to avoid laundry piles in your new home.
    - Leave clothes on hangers and place them directly in wardrobe boxes.
    - Pack loose items in suitcases or luggage for quick organisation.
    - Pack shoes in their original boxes or larger designated boxes.
    - Protect mattresses and furniture with old sheets and blankets.
    - Bag bedding and pillows in labelled boxes to keep dust at bay.
  - Bathroom :
    
    Frequent Use: Bathrooms are used multiple times a day, every day. You’ll need access to the bathroom up until the moving day and even on the day of the move. Plan your packing to ensure you have access to essential bathroom items until the last possible moment.
  When should I pack my stuff from the bathroom?
  - Timing is crucial :
    
    Packing too early means you won’t have access to essential items in the days leading up to the move. Packing at the last minute can result in a rushed and poorly executed packing job. Aim for perfect timing to balance access and preparation.
    - Bathrooms contain many fragile and breakable items so be extra careful while packing them.
    - Items like glass bottles, flasks, vials, jars, and various containers need careful handling to avoid breakage.
    - Many bathroom items contain liquids, posing a risk of spills and leaks during transportation. Ensure all lids are tightly closed. For added protection, place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening before screwing the lid back on. This creates a secondary barrier against leaks.
  - Home Office :
    - Avoid overloading boxes with heavy office supplies.
    - Label cords with coloured tape for easy reassembly.
    - Keep important documents in a secure, designated box.
    - Take photos of electronics before disassembly for easier setup later.
  A Step-by-Step Unpacking Guide
  - Step 1 – Create a Plan :
    
    Before diving into unpacking, develop a clear plan. Prioritise essential items like kitchenware, toiletries, and bedding to keep your daily routines running smoothly.
  - Step 2 – Unpack Room by Room :
    
    Focus on one room at a time, starting with high-usage areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. This approach helps you stay organised and see progress as you go.
  - Step 3 – Set Up Essential Furniture :
    
    Begin by arranging essential furniture like beds, sofas, and dining tables. Having these pieces in place creates functional spaces where you can relax and unwind during the unpacking process.
  - Step 4 – Organise as You Go :
    
    As you unpack, take the opportunity to organise your belongings. Use storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves to keep items neatly arranged and easily accessible.
  - Step 5 – Involve the Whole Family :
    
    Make unpacking a team effort by assigning tasks to family members or roommates. Working together can lighten the workload and foster a sense of togetherness.
  - Step 6 – Celebrate Your Progress :
    
    Moving and unpacking is a significant task, so celebrate your milestones. Take time to appreciate the progress you’ve made and the new memories you’re creating in your home.
  Conclusion
  
  Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, organisation, and teamwork, the process can be smooth and rewarding. By following this room-by-room guide, you’ll ensure that your belongings are safely packed, efficiently organised, and quickly accessible in your new space. Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the excitement of settling into your dream home.