Blog – Moving Tips: From Packing to Storage

Moving is rarely fun, but after doing it enough times, you learn what really works. Our guide walks you through our top tips from the first box to the last walk through. We’ll share the best packing and moving tips, explain smart packing storage methods, and offer practical self storage packing tips you’ll appreciate when things sit in a unit.

1. Start Early & Purge What You Don’t Need

Start Sooner Than You Think  (Trust us, don’t wait on this one)

One of my favorite best packing and moving tips is: don’t wait. Begin weeks in advance. Take on one room at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. If you have lots of stuff, it can be extremely helpful to keep a list. 

Purge Before You Pack

Don’t haul stuff you don’t use. Before you even touch a box, sort items into keep / donate / sell / toss. This way you know what you are doing with your things before you even get started. This part may seem trivial, but it will help a ton in the long run! We recommend places like goodwill for household and clothing items. 

2. Choose the Right Containers & Label Smartly

Boxes, Bins, or Reusables?

Decide between cardboard boxes, reusable bins, or rented containers. Each has pros and cons:

• Cardboard: cheap, easy to find, but less durable. 
• Cardboard is a classic option, but if you are going to be moving frequently and have space, we highly recommend you invest in some reusable bins or even a rented container for special items.
• Reusable bins: sturdier and reusable later
• Rented containers: delivered and picked up, but cost more

Labeling System Matters

Mark each box with a coded label (e.g. “K3” for Kitchen box #3) and keep a digital or written inventory. This lets you track what’s inside without writing a long list on every box.

3. Use Smart Packing Techniques

Don’t Overload Boxes

• You want full boxes that are not too heavy. Lift as you pack; if it’s hard to lift, lighten it up.

Use Clothes & Linens as Padding

• One of the clever best packing and moving tips: use soft items you’d carry anyway (clothes, towels) to wrap fragile objects and fill gaps. It kills two birds with one stone.

Pack Heavy or Awkward Items in Suitcases

• For heavy items like books or pots, use wheeled luggage. Easier to move and handles shifting better than a flimsy box.

Disassemble Large Furniture

• Take things apart and keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture. It reduces damage risk and simplifies transport.

Essentials Bag / Box

• Set aside a bag with items you’ll need immediately (chargers, toiletries, snacks, important papers). This prevents you from rummaging through boxes on day one.

4. Self Storage Packing Tips for Long-Term Safety

When what you're storing stays in a self storage facility for months or years, these self storage packing tips make all the difference:

Choose climate-controlled units if you’re storing wood furniture, electronics, photographs, or documents

Use sturdy plastic bins with lids when possible since they resist moisture, pests, and dust

Cover furniture with breathable fabric (not plastic sheeting tight) to allow air circulation

Leave space from unit walls so moisture doesn’t wick from walls into your items

Periodically inspect your unit if you can to check for pests, leaks, and shifting

5. Unpacking & Settling In

Start with your essentials box so the basics (bathroom, kitchen) work first. This will make the rest of your move gradually easier as you settle in. Unpack room by room following your labeling system next so that you stay organized throughout the process. Note to photograph or mark down how boxes were stacked in storage before moving them out so that you have a frame of reference for next time. Settle in gradually; resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Try to unpack essentials first! 

Final Thoughts

Moving is always a bit messy, but using the best packing and moving tips, thoughtful packing storage strategies, and smart self storage packing tips can drastically reduce the headache. The earlier you start, the more you purge, and the more deliberate you are about what goes into storage, the smoother your transition will be. If you are doing all this yourself, we applaud you for your effort, but ultimately our biggest recommendation is to hire a moving team! If you can afford it, it is definitely worth the cost!