Wondering how to pack up an apartment? It’s not always an easy task. Not only is every piece a different size, but some of them contain your most sentimental and treasured belongings.
Whether it’s your very first apartment or you’ve done this a few times already, knowing how to pack an apartment the right way can save you from a meltdown or two.
Let’s take on this mountain of a task by turning it into something manageable and a chance to also de-clutter your life.
1. Don’t Leave It to the Last Minute
You might think you can just throw everything into boxes the night before and call it good. Unfortunately, packing this way can be a recipe for disaster, one only realised at 3 am when you still haven’t finished.
The secret to mastering how to pack up an apartment lies in simple planning.
Start off with a timeline. No need for spreadsheets, just take a notebook or even a note taking app on your phone and write down your game plan. Divide the apartment into zones and assign each a day: Bedroom, kitchen, balcony, and so on.
Now, break it down even further: Clothes, books, and, of course, any drawers or cupboard spaces where you keep unused items. Tackling it just bit by bit suddenly makes it all seem less of a Herculean task.
2. Pick the Right Packing Materials: Boxes, Bags, and Bubble Wrap
Next, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to get everything packed up—the right materials can save both your sanity and your stuff. Sure, boxes are a necessity but don’t overlook sturdy bags for things like bedding and towels. For anything fragile, bubble wrap is a great way to both protect and identify what needs some extra care.
If you’re on a budget, visit your local grocery or liquor store for free boxes. They’re sturdy and generally the perfect size for glassware and other heavy-duty items.
For the eco-conscious, instead of using bubble wrap, use towels or clothes to cushion your breakables. This way, you can protect your belongings and pack them at the same time.
3. Take a Moment to Declutter
When you are thinking about how to pack up an apartment, it is the perfect time to de-clutter and reevaluate your belongings. As you’re packing, ask yourself: “Do I really need to keep this?” If you haven’t used a certain item in a while, maybe it’s time to part ways.
Decluttering not only lightens the load but makes unpacking at the other end much easier. Donate your usable items to charity, sell more expensive items on eBay, or host a quick moving sale.
Every item you let go is one less thing you have to wrap, pack, and haul on moving day.
4. Pack One Room at a Time
Trying to pack up your apartment in random bursts will leave you wondering why the coffee mugs are packed with your gym shoes. The secret of how to pack an apartment without losing your cool is do it room by room.
Start with spaces that don’t get a lot of use, like the guest room or linen cupboard. Work your way toward the high-traffic areas. To get really organized, label every box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
When it comes time to unpack at your new place, you won’t have to dig through every box to find your toothbrush and phone charger.
The Last Box
There it is, the last box, sealed and labeled. Now, take a second to congratulate yourself on a job well done. Packing up an apartment is no small feat, and with these tips and tricks, you’ve officially mastered how to pack up an apartment—and now you’re ready for the big day.
While you’re giving yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, remember that Mike Hammer Moving is just a phone call away to handle the heavy lifting. You’ve done the hard part; now let the professionals take it from here. Contact us today!
Here’s to smooth moves, fresh starts, and fingers crossed that all your socks made it to the other side.
