Mastering the Art of Packing: Short Distance vs. Long Distance

Many moons ago, long before I dreamed I’d co-own a moving company, I made my first big move as an adult from one house to another a few states away. I was excited for the new chapter. As most young mothers at the time, I had recorded hours of my children’s lives on my camcorder, probably 30 or more tapes worth. I hired professional movers but decided to pack myself. I was told that I didn’t have to pack what was in dresser drawers, so (not really thinking it through), left all of those video tapes in a top drawer. When the dresser arrived, I could tell that the tapes had gone topsy-turvy. I carefully scanned them to make sure none were lost. Unfortunately, the one tape that did not make it was the first year of my son’s life. I was devastated. I called the moving company and they offered to replace the tape, but there was no replacing all of that footage - his first crawl, first steps and first birthday. It was my own fault, of course. Had I packed everything properly, or had the movers do the packing, I would still be able to enjoy watching those precious moments today.

No matter how exciting an upcoming move to a new home may be, moving is one of life’s most challenging endeavors as it involves what seems to be an never-ending list of decisions and tasks. One of the most crucial aspects of moving is properly packing your belongings. At our company, Elite Relocation Services, our seasoned packing crew knows quite well the difference between packing for a local move and a long distance move. But If you’re aiming to pack yourself, a little education on how to pack properly can go a long way. Whether you are moving just a few blocks away or across the country, the packing strategy can vary significantly. Here we will explore the key differences between packing for a short distance move and a long distance move, along with some expert tips to make the task easier.

Packing for a Short Distance Move:
A short distance move typically covers a local area or within the same city. Here are some essential tips to streamline your packing process for a nearby relocation:

• Sort and declutter. Before you start packing, declutter your belongings. Donate, sell or discard items you no longer use or need. Not only will this help reduce the number of items you have to pack, it will clear out spaces making the packing process quicker and more efficient.
• When packing soft items or non-breakables, use sturdy totes. For a short distance move, this not only saves on the cost of moving boxes but also provides extra storage options in your new home. Totes can be used later, easily stacked and stored for your next move, or sold if no longer needed.
• Use double corrugated boxes and plenty of padding for fragile items. Even though the distance is short, delicate items still require proper protection. Bubble wrap, packing paper, or soft clothing can safeguard breakables like dishes, glassware, and electronics.
• Keep clothes on hangers. To save time and effort, leave your clothes on hangers and simply place them in wardrobe boxes. This way, they stay organized, and you can easily hang them up at your new home. Elite Relocation Services provides five complimentary wardrobe boxes to use on the day of your move.
• Label boxes clearly. Make sure to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking a breeze and help your movers to know where to place each box in your new home. (Tip: Use colored markers or stickers on boxes to designate which room a box belongs to and then place a matching sticker or colored piece of paper on the door of the room those boxes belong to in your new home. This will ensure your boxes end up exactly where you want them.)
• Lastly, only leave lightweight clothing items in lower dresser drawers and pack up any and all other items.

Packing for a Long Distance Move:
A long distance move involves traveling to a different city or even a different state or country. Your items will be in the moving truck for much longer, traversing myriad rough roads and highways. Your move may required going up and down steep grades and around sharp bends. The key is to ensure that your belongings remain secure and well-organized throughout the journey. Consider the following tips:

• Plan ahead. Long distance moves require careful planning. Start packing early and create a personal inventory to avoid last-minute stress. Create a moving checklist, noting all the tasks you need to complete before moving day.
• Invest in quality packing supplies. Since your items will be in transit for a longer time, it's crucial to use durable and sturdy packing materials. Purchase high-quality moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect your belongings adequately. Avoid using totes during the summer months. Temperatures inside the truck can easily climb to triple digits and plastic can become unstable.
• Protect breakables. Put a layer of paper or padding on the bottom of boxes before you start packing them. Use ample padding and place plates and bowls upright on their sides in bundles, putting the heaviest items on the bottom of the box. Individually wrap glasses and stemware to protect handles and stems and pack them upright. Creating tiers in each box to separate heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top, will make unpacking safer and more efficient.
• Use original box for your flat screen TVs if possible. If not, purchase TV cartons with foam corners for maximum protection.
• Disassemble furniture. For long distance moves, it's often necessary to disassemble larger furniture pieces to maximize space in the moving truck and prevent damage during transportation. Keep track of screws and small parts by creating a “parts box” and placing them in labeled bags inside that box.
• Consider professional packing services. If you're overwhelmed by the idea of packing for a long distance move, consider hiring professional packing services. Experienced packers like ours know the best techniques to safeguard your belongings during transit.

Additional Tips for Both Moves:

• Take photos. Before disassembling electronics or furniture, take photos of their setup. This will be helpful when reassembling everything in your new home.
• Pack an "Essentials Box" containing daily necessities such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, and snacks. This box will come in handy until you've fully unpacked at your new place.
• Remember to inform utility providers of your move to ensure a smooth transition of services.
• Update your address with the postal service, banks, subscriptions, and other relevant parties.

In conclusion, whether you're moving a short distance or long distance, the key to a successful move lies in proper planning, organization, and packing. By following these tips and tailoring them to your specific needs, you can minimize stress and make your relocation a positive experience. Happy moving!

Written by Claudia Schouten Jones, Owner
​Elite Relocation Services