METCALF MOVING BLOG
How to Pack a Multi-Story House Efficiently
Moving from a home of any size presents unique challenges. If you’re moving from a multi-story house, there are many more elements to pay attention to during the whole process. To help you out, we’ve developed a five-step plan to make it easier to get from one place to the next. Here’s what you need to know about packing a multi-story house.
Step One: Create a Game Plan
Packing and moving without a plan in place can lead to disaster. Boxes won’t get loaded correctly, the truck may get messy and disorganized, and it’s much harder to settle into your new home.
When coming up with a moving plan, write down as many elements as possible, such as:
- Purging unnecessary items
- Getting and packing boxes
- Organizing your belongings by room
- Moving logistics (i.e., using a moving company, lining up help)
- Switching utilities
Breaking down your move into various elements allows you to stay focused and not get overwhelmed. Then, you can order your plan so that you can take care of everything step by step.
Remember to give yourself plenty of time on your timeline to get your entire house packed.
Step Two: Make a Moving Caddy
Create a moving supply caddy or two that can be easily moved from room to room as you pack. For example, use a shower caddy or other suitable portable bin to keep your scissors, tape, labels, and markers together in a convenient spot. Then bring it with you to whichever room you are packing. That way, you won’t have to search for the marker every time you label a box.
Step Three: Start With Non-Essentials
Whether you have a few days or weeks before your move, you’ll need to use various essentials every day until you leave. Keep kitchen materials, hygiene products, and clothing separate and pack them last. Even when it comes to clothing, you can start with non-seasonal items that you won’t wear for a while.
Step Four: Pack Small to Big
There’s a common misconception that big items need to go in big boxes. However, the opposite is true. If you put heavy, large belongings into a giant box, it will be impossible to lift and move those out of the house.
Instead, put heavy things in small boxes, and vice versa. This way, you can manage all of your moving cartons more effectively when moving day arrives. Remember that bulky, lightweight items like pillows are well suited for large moving cartons, while heavy stuff like books should go in smaller boxes.
Pro tip: Pack your bedding where you can locate and grab it quickly to prepare the beds for your first night in your new home. For example, tuck them in the dresser drawers for quick and easy access.
Step Five: Organize Your Boxes
Make sure that you label each box on every side — this makes moving and unpacking much more effortless. When labeling, include the contents of the box and the destination for it at your new house.
Set up a spot to place the packed and labeled boxes that are ready to move. Make sure the completed boxes are in a staging area near the door and an accessible place for the movers.
Get Moving Help Today!
Packing a multi-story house doesn’t have to be an overwhelming ordeal. Let us help you with everything from boxes to loading help. Then, contact us to find out more.
