How to Pack for a Long Distance Move: Advice from the Pros

Are you gearing up for a long distance move, but are feeling overwhelmed by the endeavor? As your long distance moving local pros, we are here to ease your burden and make the challenge an exciting one. Let us share with you our seven steps to long distance moving packing so you can ensure all your items arrive safely at your new home!

Step 1: Planning and Organization

The first step to a long distance move is to understand the scope of your project. Whether you have a small apartment or a massive house, having an in-depth understanding of what you have that needs to be moved is vital. To do this, you start with planning and organization. Here is what we recommend:

First, we suggest making a master checklist. This master checklist will include every task required for long distance moving, from the initial planning stage until you walk into the door of your new home. 

Second, create a moving timeline. Whether you are moving in a few weeks or months down the line, a moving timeline will force you to craft a schedule where you allocate time to each step of the master checklist to ensure everything gets done on time. 

Third, we highly advise making an inventory list of all your belongings by category. Not only is this a great time to declutter your space of items to be donated or trashed, but this will give you a full list of your home contents. This list will provide your movers with an approximation of your moving quantity. 

Step 2: Hiring Professional Movers

With step 1 complete, you can take all of this information to your professional movers. Hiring experienced and trustworthy professional movers is a game changer when making a long distance move. 

We highly suggest taking the time to find quality local movers! Not only will they ensure your precious items get to their destination safely, but they can also provide you with valuable advice on the specifics of your particular move. 

Step 3: Gathering Packing Supplies

Now that you have a game plan with your professional movers, it is time to start gathering supplies. No matter what you are moving, you will need various packing supplies, including boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labeling tools. 

Your local hardware and shipping supply stores likely have various options, or you can ask your moving company for recommendations. The types of boxes you will need will depend on your contents, but here are a few ideas:

• Small Boxes: Ideal for books, tools, and other heavy items.
• Medium Boxes: Good for toys, kitchen items, and small appliances.
• Large Boxes: Best for lighter, bulkier items like linens, towels, and lampshades.
• Wardrobe Boxes: Useful for hanging clothes to prevent wrinkling during the move.
• Specialty Boxes: For fragile items like dishes or electronics.

As for the quantity, here is a rough estimate to get you started:

• Small Move (Studio or 1-bedroom apartment): 10-20 boxes.
• Medium Move (2-3 bedroom home): 20-40 boxes.
• Large Move (4+ bedroom home): 40-60 boxes or more.

Step 4: Packing Room by Room

Now that you have all your supplies, you can start packing. Be sure to set aside daily essentials and personal items (jewelry, documents, etc.), which will be addressed in step 6. 

When packing, we recommend going room by room – from the least to the most used – to keep your contents organized appropriately. You will want to label each box with the room type, its general contents, and a unique number (which should be written on your master inventory list) to prevent confusion once the boxes are sealed. For specific recommendations by rooms, we suggest the following:

Kitchens: 

• Wrap dishware individually with packing paper or bubble wrap
• Use original boxes, or a box of similar size, for appliances
• Pack only non-perishable foods, and eat or donate anything perishable

Living Rooms:

• Disassemble furniture as needed and wrap pieces individually
• Keep all hardware and cords with the furniture, appliance, or electronic it belongs to
• Pack books flat to protect spines
• Wrap electronics in anti-static bubble wrap

Bedrooms:

• Use wardrobe boxes for expensive or delicate clothing
• Use bedding, pillows, and curtains as protection for fragile items
• Put small items in small boxes and then place them in larger boxes to prevent loss. 

Step 5: Protecting Fragile Items

One of the most common concerns for long distance moving is how to protect fragile items. Here is what we suggest you do for delicate items like electronics and glassware:

1. Prepare: Clean, dry, and disassemble all items. This will prevent mold and stains while reducing the chance of damage. 
2. Photograph: Take a photo of your item for insurance purposes. 
3. Wrap: Wrap fragile items in three layers: packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape to secure them all together. 
4. Cushion: Add an extra layer of bubble wrap or crumpled paper to the bottom of the box.
5. Boxing: Pack your items carefully, with heavier on the bottom and lighter on top. Always make sure there are no empty spaces to prevent shifting. 
6. Seal: Seal the box tightly with heavy-duty packing tape
7. Label: Label boxes as “FRAGILE” on all sides and the top. List the box’s content on the outside. 

Step 6: Packing Personal and Essential Items

Remember in step 4 where we told you to set aside items? Let’s address those now! 

These items should NEVER be separated from you during the move. They include quite a long list, but the basic categories include personal identification documents, financial documents/items, legal documents, small valuables, medications / health-related items, emergency supplies, personal care items, children/pet daily needs, comfort items, personal electronics, and keys.

You should pack these items separately and take them with you, such as in a suitcase or clearly labeled bag. 

Step 7: Final Checks and Moving Day Preparation

When the big day finally arrives, all the effort you’ve put in until now will make it a far smoother process. As a few final tips, here is what we recommend you do in the final days:

• Reconfirm your moving details with your moving company.
• Create a moving day checklist to keep on hand.
• Prepare your home for your departure.
  • Unplugging appliances, turning off the water, setting up a lockbox for the next resident, etc. 
• Create a plan for your children and pets during moving day.
• Double check the integrity of all your boxes.
• Pack your essentials and personal items into clearly marked bags/boxes.
  • We recommend placing them in a separate area, like your car, to prevent confusion with movers. 

Finally, always remember to care for yourself and your family by staying hydrated, eating, and resting when needed. 

Long Distance Moving with Larsen Transfer

As your local moving company, we are here to take you to any distance. When performing long distance moving, we are backed by the capacity of large logistic van lines, United Van Lines, allowing us to handle even the most complex of international shipments and moves. 

Let us be your guides for long distance moving so that you can experience a streamlined, secure, and pleasurable move to your new home!  

Ready to make your long distance move a success? Contact Larsen Transfer today for professional packing and moving services. Let our experts handle the hard work for you!