Moving is more than just a change of address, it is an event that always involves emotions, memories, complexities and, of course, logistical challenges. And this is especially true when it comes to things that are dear to your heart and have not only material but also emotional value: an antique sideboard inherited from your grandmother, collectible coins with a unique history or rare books. Just as the 1978 penny value is determined by many factors, the proper organization of moving is made up of many details that should not be missed. How to minimize risks, protect your belongings and make the move not just safe, but as comfortable as possible? Today we’ll talk more about all these nuances, starting with preparation and ending with the organization of unpacking.
Preparation Is Half the Success
Revision and Organization: The Beginning of All Beginnings
A successful move begins long before packing. Planning plays a key role in protecting your belongings. Before you pack the first box, it is worth asking yourself the question, “Is all of my stuff worth moving?” Many people mistakenly transport unnecessary items, cluttering up space. First, assess your belongings. Highlight what really matters to you and get rid of the rest.
Tip: If you are in doubt about whether you need an item, use the rule of the year: if it hasn’t been used in the last 12 months, you probably won’t need it. You can also use a list-making app like Sortly to document, photograph, and label possessions.
Now a few words about organization. Did you know that according to statistics, 55% of people start packing a week before the move, which often leads to chaos. The optimal preparation time is a minimum of two weeks.
This is why developing a detailed moving plan is so important. Creating a detailed moving plan saves up to 20% of the time you could have spent on chaotic packing. Take into account which items should be packed first (e.g., seasonal clothing) and which items should be left until the last minute (dishes, medications). Your plan should also include a list of tasks by category (clothing, fragile items, appliances, etc.) and a clear schedule.
Materials for Packing
The right materials not only speed up the packing process, but also protect your items from damage. You can find everything you need in the chart and check it against what you already have.
| Material type | Description | Recommendations for use |
| Bubble wrap | Suitable for protecting fragile items such as crockery and glass. | Wrap items with a minimum of two layers of film. |
| Packing paper | Ideal for porcelain, ceramics and small objects. | Use in place of newspaper to avoid staining with printing ink. |
| Foam and protective corners | Essential for furniture, electronics and paintings. | Treat sharp corners of furniture to prevent chipping. |
| Boxes with dividers | Convenient for transporting glasses, bottles and small items. | Use when transporting vintage tableware. |
| Clothing covers | Protect suits and dresses from dust and crumpling. | Suitable for storage in a new place as well. |
| Labeling stickers | Help identify the contents of boxes. | Separate colors by room (kitchen – red, bedroom – green). |
Note: Use wheeled suitcases for the heaviest items, such as books or files. For appliances, choose the original boxes if you still have them – otherwise, wrap the device in several layers of bubble wrap and supplement the packaging with styrofoam.
Packing Your Things
Packing your belongings is a key stage of any move. The safety of your belongings and the convenience of unpacking depends on how competently you organize this process. Here it is important to take into account the type of things, their fragility, value and order of priority. So, here let us talk about how to prepare everyday items and household trifles, as well as how to properly handle valuable items to minimize the risks of damage and loss.
Everyday Items and Household Trifles
These items make up the bulk of your possessions, so packing them should be thoughtful and structured.
For clothing, use vacuum bags, which will save a lot of space. Store outerwear and suits in special pouches to avoid them getting dirty and wrinkled. If you have clothes on hangers, transport them directly in closet covers – this will speed up the unpacking process, and seasonal items are better put in boxes with transparent lids to see their contents at a glance.
For kitchen utensils, it is a good idea to wrap each item in wrapping paper or bubble wrap. Place fragile items such as glasses in boxes with dividers. Place a soft material, such as a rolled up towel, at the bottom of boxes with utensils to absorb shocks.
- Lifehack: Use plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes for heavy items such as pots and pans to avoid warping the boxes.
Special Case: Valuable Items
Valuable items such as collectible coins, jewelry, antiques and paintings require the utmost attention. The packaging should both protect them from physical damage, but also prevent theft or loss.
Coins
Special collectible coins are an object of value and pride for the owner. Their transportation requires a special approach, because even the slightest damage can significantly reduce their value.
Transportation of collectible coins requires special preparation. Clean the coins (only if necessary), catalog them using the Coin ID Scanner application, which will help to identify the specimens and assess their condition. Pack the coins in individual capsules or holders, place them in padded boxes, avoiding contact between coins.
During transportation, maintain stable temperature and humidity conditions to prevent damage. If the collection is of high value, insure it and keep it under your control.
Paintings and Antiques
Paintings and antiques are unique pieces of art and significant investments that require delicate handling. Their transportation should be as gentle as possible, as any damage can result in the loss of both aesthetic and financial value.
To begin with, make sure each item is protected. Paintings should be wrapped in acid-free paper and then in bubble wrap, avoiding direct contact with the surface of the canvas. Then place them in hard cases or boxes with foam pads.
Antiques, especially fragile ones like porcelain or glass, should be carefully wrapped with soft materials and the voids in the boxes filled to eliminate movement. If the item has a complex shape, use foam or special fasteners to secure it.
The Art of Moving
Organizing the transportation of paintings and antiques is quite a logistical challenge, where every detail matters. It is important to remember that your belongings require careful handling and subtle planning. Make sure that all items and finds are secure, packed and under your control so that the move is the start of a new chapter and not a source of stress.