Packing Like a Pro

REMAX and Colonial Van Lines are teaming up to bring you the ultimate guide to packing like a pro for a move. Whether you’re moving out of Mom’s and Dad’s place into your first home or if you’re downsizing your newly empty nest, we’ve got you covered.     

Stress-Free Packing Strategies   

As moving day approaches, the thought of boxing up your life might make you uneasy. Yet packing doesn’t need to trigger anxiety! Relocating to a new home involves handling numerous possessions and bulky furniture pieces. This can be quite a challenge for anyone. Remember that when you hand over the keys, leaving the property in excellent shape isn’t just courteous to whoever moves in next. It’s part of your responsibility as the person selling the home. 

Sometimes packing and moving is a job best left to a professional, like the experts at Colonial Van Lines. And knowing CVL is offering REMAX customers up to $1000* off their interstate move makes the decision even easier! The packing and moving process should start as soon as you decide to list your home for sale. Here are some first steps to consider.  

• Declutter and reduce items: Ease stress by donating or selling items you don’t use or need and trash anything that is beyond repair.  

• Book your mover well in advance: You may be challenged to find someone at the last minute, especially during peak moving season.  

• Disassemble large furniture: Take apart large items that you can live without for a few days or weeks and be sure to keep any hardware in labeled bags for easy reassembly.  Full service movers like Colonial Van Lines include this in their services.

• Start packing room-by-room and label all boxes. This helps you keep your items organized, so boxes can be unloaded and unpacked in the correct room.  

• Protect fragile items. Fine China might not be as popular anymore, but collectables and other dinnerware may hold sentimental value.

Packing for a Long-Distance Move   

When you’re planning to relocate further away, it’s an entirely different beast than just moving across town. It involves more coordination, greater risks of damage during transit, and tighter timelines. Many people don’t realize just how much preparation a long-haul move demands until they’re knee-deep in the process.   

This is precisely why partnering with experienced professionals like Colonial Van Lines can make sense. They were the winner of the 2025 Buyer’s Choice Awards by Consumer Affairs in the Moving category for Best Customer Service. Their years handling cross-country relocations with precision means your treasured items stand a better chance of arriving intact when crossing state lines. Much like shorter moves, you’ll want to kick off your packing early and declutter where possible. 

The key difference? When moving locally, you can always make another trip if needed. That’s not so much the case with distant relocations. Everything must be perfectly packed on the first attempt, or complications will arise quickly. Don’t forget to thoroughly discuss insurance protection, expected arrival dates, temporary storage possibilities, and how your delicate items will be handled.  

Packing Efficiently for Your Move   

Packing efficiently for your move can make all the difference when it comes to reducing stress. Experts suggest beginning weeks ahead and conquering your home one section at a time. This approach cuts down on last-minute scrambling and confusion. Before boxing anything up, purge what you don’t absolutely need. Why haul excess weight hundreds of miles?  

Smart packers invest in quality materials. Sturdy cartons and proper cushioning can protect fragile items. Make sure to label each box by room and priority to make unpacking easier. Remember to pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent damage.    

Don’t forget to assemble a “first day” bag containing immediate necessities like personal hygiene items, medications, and paperwork. A bit of careful planning can save enormous headaches later.     

Room-by-Room Packing Tips  

Packing room by room is one of the most effective strategies for staying organized. Begin with spaces you rarely enter, such as guest bedrooms or attic storage. Gradually work toward areas receiving daily use, like kitchen and family spaces. This progression lets you pack incrementally, saving everyday necessities until the final stretch.

For delicate possessions like artwork, china, glassware, etc. Be sure to use extra protective wrapping. Never forget to boldly mark these boxes as “FRAGILE” to minimize rough handling. Experienced movers recommend detailed labeling showing both destination room and specific contents, making unpacking vastly more efficient later.  

Essential Packing Tools  

Having the right packing tools can make all the difference. Seek out durable boxes, quality sealing tape, and appropriate protective wrappings. For clothing, specialized wardrobe containers preserve your garments wrinkle-free. Also, consider purchasing high-quality tape dispensers and color-coded markers to easily label each box.  

Then you can create an inventory list of all your packed items. This is especially helpful for long-distance moves. A full service company like Colonial Van Lines will help collect inventory details for you. 

Remember to use furniture blankets or thick padding to shield large pieces. This protects both your current walls and those in your future residence, especially in tight hallways or stairwells. With appropriate supplies at your fingertips, packing becomes considerably more manageable.    

When to Start Packing   

One of the most common pieces of advice that both movers and real estate agents offer is to start packing in advance. Ideally, start 4-6 weeks before departure day, especially for long-distance moves. This timeline provides an opportunity to sort through possessions, pack rarely used items and maintain proper organization throughout.

Start with items that are rarely used, such as seasonal clothing, decorations, or extra kitchenware. Then you can gradually work your way toward everyday essentials. By spreading the packing process out over time, you will avoid feeling overwhelmed. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to enlist help from family or professionals.  

Colonial Van Lines University  

Partnering with a moving company that invests in continuous training means peace of mind for you. In a stressful time like moving, that level of trust and professionalism makes all the difference. Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU) is an in-house training program that is designed to prepare each team member with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to handle every aspect of a move. This training is more than just physical. It includes best practices like packing delicate items, understanding long distance logistics, navigating tight spaces without causing damage, and delivering exceptional customer service.   

CVLU is what sets Colonial apart from its competitors. It’s also why so many agents rely on them to help clients transition smoothly from one home to the next.  

With Colonial Van Lines’ services, you can finally put those worries to rest. They have 50 years of experience, and more than 250,000 long-distance moves completed under their belt. They were recognized as one of the Best Moving Companies of 2024 & 2025 by U.S. News & World Report, with special recognition for highly trained movers and discounted moving services. They combine expertise and a personal touch. This means they offer services that feel like family. Their moving professionals all go through and graduate Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU). This ensures top-notch care for your personal belongings. 

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