What to bring? What to leave behind?
How to pack everything so nothing breaks on the road?
When you are planning a long-distance move, these questions are common. You are going greater distances, items are handled more, and the transit time is longer. Thus, the way you pack can make or break your whole move.
The good news is that there are methods that make the process much less stressful and also more efficient. These are practical, field-proven approaches recommended by best long distance movers who move households across the country every day.
1. Build a “Packing Staging Zone” by Room
Think of a place like a garage or spare room that you empty completely before going on to the next one as your “mini factory.”
- Start with your guest room holiday decor closet.
- Empty the room out completely, and sort items into what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw out.
- Load out the contents of that room into your staging area.
- Once a room is fully packed, that is when you move on to the next.
- Keep the staging area organized; don’t let the boxes back into your living space.
As we get closer, this room level has everything on it so that we don’t leave anything out and make as few mistakes as possible when arranging. We also have it set up so that if someone asks, ‘Where are my crystal glasses?’ You can let them know, ‘Box 3 in the kitchen stack’.
2. Reinforce Strategically, Not Just with Heavy-Duty Boxes
Yes, we have sturdy boxes, but what truly protects your items is strategic reinforcement. Seal before packaging. For the top and bottom, use an “H” pattern of tape.
- Lining soft items: Line the boxes with towels or blankets first before filling them.
- Cushion with density: Pack a sleeping bag or a thick sweater at the bottom of the box for extra padding.
- Top seal benefit: Once the packing is complete, add one more layer of tape to the top. This will prevent bursting during transit.
This approach transforms a regular box into a strong shield. We do not require expensive pro-rated or double-wall containers.
3. Pack Heavy Items in Suitcases and Small Bins
A few people note this out there, but the best long distance movers prefer suitcases and small containers for heavy gear.
- Rolling suitcases are simple to manage as opposed to heavy boxes, which you have to carry; also, they roll very well in hallways.
- Small containers and plastic tubs (which are in the size range of 12 to 18” cubes) can include things like tools, books, canned goods, or kids’ toys, which also keeps the weight down and the option of reusing.
You benefit from the ease of mobility and stackability in pro packing, which also includes free plastic bin rental.
4. Harness the Power of ‘Negative Space’ for Fragiles
Long-distance moving companies state that negative space is what you fill with soft items, not leave empty or fill with newspaper.
- Fragile items (such as glass) that you wrap in a cloth (bath towel, old sweater) instead of bubble wrap.
- Tuck in t-shirts, socks, or sweaters around and in the void spaces of the fragile item.
- These items serve double duty: they go with you.
This approach eliminates the need for bubble wrap, saving space and money.
5. Photograph, Bag, and Label Every Cable and Hardware Piece
How do you handle small items like chargers, cords, remote controls, screws from furniture that has been taken apart, and drawer hardware when long distance moving? If they can’t be seen, they can easily get away without a structure.
- Take instant photographs as you unplug electronics and break down furniture.
- Bag it in sets of screws, brackets, and remotes, and label each with masking tape and pen (e.g., “TV stand screws” or “Amazon remote”).
- Label the bag with the piece that it goes with, or right on the piece itself.
These simple steps help you remember what each charger or cord is for, so you don’t have to look through a bunch of them to find the right one.
6. “First-Night Box” Sealed and Accessible Before Loading
This kit includes:
- Bedding essentials (sheet, pillowcase).
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, soap, deodorant).
- A change of clothes.
- Electronics essentials: mobile charging cable, computer plug-in.
- A contact list (of new addresses, utility companies, and long distance moving reps).
These will not be loaded in the moving truck but will go with you. Pack them in your car or into a separate container, in which case label it clearly. That way, no matter the delivery time, you’re set for the first night.
7. Color-Code and Number for Speedy Unpacking
Labeling is a well-worn practice; color coding and numbering take it to another level for today’s mobile professionals.
- Assign a color to each room (for example, the kitchen is blue, the bedroom red, and the bathroom green).
- Mark boxes with colored tags or markers for the room.
- Also, in each room, label the boxes (Kit-01, Kit-02, etc.).
- Upon arrival, your team will go right to work unloading “Red 03” into bedroom 1.
This system averts the issue of boxes ending up in the wrong room, preventing surprises later on.
Final Thoughts By A Long-Distance Moving Company
Follow these expert tips, and you’ll feel like you hired long-distance movers near me, even if you’re doing all the hands-on work yourself.
And when you’re ready to take the stress off your shoulders completely? Contact a professional out-of-state moving services team and enjoy the peace of mind you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What’s the cost difference between self-pack and professional packing?
Self-pack saves labor fees but costs more time and mistakes. Pro packing often only adds 15 to 25% of moving labor cost, but cuts damage risk and speeds up loading.
- How early should I start packing?
At the 8-week mark, begin the process of decluttering and staging your least-used rooms. At 4 to 6 weeks, pack away non-essentials (books, out-of-season clothing). 1 to 2 weeks out, begin with the everyday items.
- Are there items that long-distance movers won’t transport?
Yes, items like paint, aerosols, fuels, pesticides, produce that is perishing, live plants that may be subject to quarantine, and your valuables like cash, jewelry, and passports. These are what you need to bring with you and not load in transport.
- Can I add unpacking services later?
Yes. Many long-distance moving companies offer after-arrival services for unpacking boxes, setting up furniture, and removing debris. It’s often a flat per-hour rate, and customers have reported it to be worth it.
- How do movers calculate long-distance move costs?
They look at the total weight of the item, the distance it has traveled, and which services are required (packing, crating, shuttle, insurance). Also included are optional add-ons like piano moves or vehicle transport, which add to the total.
Are you looking for more professional moving advice that will make your next move easier? Follow us at Movin’ and Removin’ on Facebook for insights, checklists, and behind-the-scenes moving know-how.