Packing always takes longer than people expect. A room that looks nearly empty can still fill a dozen boxes once you open every drawer and cabinet. The good news is that a few simple habits can make packing much faster and moving day much smoother. Whether you are moving across Naples or from Bonita Springs to Marco Island, these twelve tips will help you pack quickly without losing track of anything.
Before You Pack a Single Box
1. Declutter first
The fastest box to pack is the one you never need. Go through each room and pull out what you are selling, donating or tossing before packing begins. Our list of ways to declutter before your move can help you decide what stays behind.
2. Gather all your supplies at once
Nothing slows packing like running out of tape halfway through a room. Before you start, collect boxes in a few standard sizes, packing tape, a tape gun, packing paper, markers and a few rolls of bubble wrap for fragile items. Keep them together in one spot so you always know where they are.
3. Make a room-by-room plan
Start with the rooms you use least, such as guest rooms, the garage and storage closets, and save the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms for the final days. If you are not sure where to begin, our guide on where to start when packing for moving day lays out a simple order.
Contact Information for Hilton Moving and Storage
4. Finish one room before moving to the next
Jumping between rooms leaves half-packed boxes everywhere and makes it easy to lose track of what is done. Close out each room completely, tape and label the boxes, and stack them neatly by the door.
5. Use smaller boxes for heavy items
Books, tools and canned goods belong in small boxes. Pillows, linens and lampshades can go in large ones. Boxes that are too heavy are hard to carry and more likely to split. Our article on how heavy to pack a moving box has simple guidelines.
6. Label every box on two sides
Write the room name and a short list of contents on at least two sides of each box, not just the top. When boxes are stacked, the top is often hidden. Clear labels let your crew put each box in the right room without asking.
7. Use what you already own
Suitcases, laundry baskets and storage bins are ready-made packing containers. Towels, blankets and clothing make good padding for dishes and decor, which saves both time and packing paper.
8. Leave dresser clothes in place when it makes sense
Lightweight clothing can often stay folded in dresser drawers. Ask us first, since some dressers are too fragile or too heavy to move full. Hanging clothes can go straight into wardrobe boxes on their hangers.
9. Take photos before you unplug electronics
A quick photo of the cables behind the TV, computer and sound system makes setup in the new home much faster. Put small screws, remote controls and cables in a labeled bag and tape it to the item it belongs to.
The Final Days
10. Pack an open-first box for every person
Fill one clearly marked box or bag per person with what they will need the first night and next morning: medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding and important papers. Keep these with you rather than on the truck.
11. Pack the kitchen last, but plan it early
The kitchen usually takes the longest of any room. Pack the things you rarely use a week or two out, and leave only a few plates, cups and pans for the final days. Our kitchen packing guide and our guide to packing bedrooms and closets go room by room.
12. Know what cannot go on the truck
Paint, propane tanks, pool chemicals, gasoline and some cleaning products cannot be loaded onto a moving truck. Set them aside early so they do not hold up loading day. See our full list of items movers cannot take.
When Time Is Short, Get Help
If moving day is close and the packing is not, you do not have to do it all yourself. Hilton’s crews can handle part or all of the packing for you, from the kitchen and fragile items to the whole house. Learn more about our professional packing services in Naples, or if your move is coming up fast, read about short-notice moves.
Pack and Move With Hilton Moving and Storage
Hilton Moving and Storage has helped families across Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero and the surrounding communities move since 2010. Tell us what you need packed and when you need to move, and we will put together a plan that fits your timeline. Call (239) 231-7050 or request a quote online.
