Packing is the most time-consuming—and arguably most stressful—part of any move. Whether you’re moving across town or relocating to a new city, how well you pack directly affects how smoothly your move goes. With smart planning, efficient techniques, and insights from professional movers, you can minimize breakage, save time, and protect your sanity.
In this guide, we’re bringing you expert advice straight from experienced moving companies in Minneapolis, with a special focus on preparing for both residential and commercial moving services near 55435 (Edina, MN). Whether you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment or an entire office, here’s how to pack like a pro and get it right the first time.
Start with a Packing Plan (Not the Boxes)
Jumping straight into taping boxes is one of the most common packing mistakes. Before you pack a single item, build a packing strategy. A well-thought-out plan saves hours of effort later—and reduces the chances of forgetting or damaging your belongings.
Steps to Plan
- Set a move date and work backward from there
- Create a room-by-room checklist
- Schedule time for decluttering before packing
- Gather high-quality packing supplies
- Reserve professional movers or commercial moving services near 55435 if applicable
Create a timeline with daily or weekly packing goals based on your home or office size. Breaking it into manageable chunks reduces overwhelm.
Declutter First: Don’t Pack What You Don’t Need
Professional moving companies in Minneapolis will all tell you the same thing: the less you pack, the easier and cheaper your move will be.
What to Declutter
- Clothing you haven’t worn in over a year
- Expired or unused cosmetics and pantry items
- Duplicate kitchen gadgets or electronics
- Old paperwork or furniture that won’t fit your new space
Decluttering before packing helps you save on moving costs, reduces the number of boxes, and gives you a fresh start in your new home or office.
Don’t forget: items in good condition can be donated to local Minneapolis charities or sold on Facebook Marketplace to help offset moving expenses.
Use the Right Supplies (Not Just Whatever’s Lying Around)
Using the right materials makes a big difference when it comes to protection, stacking, and transporting. Avoid the temptation to use weak or recycled boxes—especially if you’re packing valuables or commercial equipment.
Professional-Grade Supplies
- Small boxes for books, tools, and heavy items
- Medium boxes for most household or office goods
- Wardrobe boxes for clothing on hangers
- Dish barrels for plates, glasses, and breakables
- Bubble wrap, foam, packing paper, and stretch wrap
- Heavy-duty tape, labels, and permanent markers
Many moving companies in Minneapolis (including those that serve commercial clients near Edina’s 55435 zip code) offer packing kits or can supply materials as part of their services.
Pack Room by Room and Label Like Your Life Depends on It
Packing randomly is the fastest route to a chaotic unpacking experience. Instead, pack one room at a time and clearly label everything.
Room-by-Room Tips
- Keep similar items together
- Label each box with room name + contents (“Kitchen – Pots & Pans”)
- Use color-coded labels or stickers for quick reference
- Label boxes on multiple sides for easy identification
- Number boxes and keep a master list or spreadsheet of contents
If you’re packing for a business move and using commercial moving services near 55435, use labels like “Workstation 1 – Desktop + Cables” or “Conference Room – Display Monitor.”
Pro tip: Add labels like “Load First” or “Fragile – Top Stack Only” to communicate with your movers.
Wrap and Protect Like a Pro
Items shift in transit. That’s why professional movers always emphasize the importance of proper wrapping, padding, and positioning—especially in cities like Minneapolis where snow or rain is a common challenge.
How to Protect Fragile Items
- Wrap dishes and glassware in packing paper, never newspaper
- Use bubble wrap for electronics, picture frames, or décor
- Place plates vertically in dish barrels for added strength
- Stuff boxes with crumpled paper or foam to prevent movement
- Wrap furniture in stretch wrap and moving blankets
For commercial clients—especially tech-heavy businesses—working with a mover experienced in commercial moving services near 55435 ensures IT equipment and sensitive files are handled with security and care.
Don’t Overpack (or Underpack) Your Boxes
A common mistake? Cramming too much into a single box—or not using enough items to stabilize the load. Either way, it can lead to breakage or injury.
Best Practices
- Heavy items in small boxes, light items in larger ones
- Don’t exceed 50 lbs per box (unless professionally handled)
- Fill boxes to the top (so they don’t collapse) but avoid bulging
- Use filler material for any empty space inside boxes
Properly packed and balanced boxes stack easily in moving trucks and storage units—and save time during loading and unloading.
If you’re working with moving companies in Minneapolis, they’ll appreciate—and reward—your efficient packing with faster service and fewer hiccups.
Create an Essentials Box and Moving Day Kit
One of the biggest mistakes people make is packing everything and forgetting that they’ll still need basics before the last box is unpacked.
Pack a Personal Essentials Box
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries and medications
- Phone chargers and laptop
- Snacks, water bottles, paper towels
- Coffee maker or kettle
Commercial Essentials
- Important files
- Keys and access cards
- Router/modem and backup drives
- Business licenses or legal documents
For both homes and offices, include tools like scissors, box cutters, and a roll of tape for reopening boxes as needed.
If you’re working with commercial moving services near 55435, your essentials kit should be the first thing off the truck and the first thing unpacked—keeping business interruptions to a minimum.
Conclusion
Packing like a pro isn’t about rushing—it’s about strategy, organization, and protection. When you plan, use quality supplies, and label thoroughly, you make life significantly easier for yourself and your movers.
If you’re in Minneapolis—or planning a business relocation in the Edina 55435 area—trust experienced, local moving companies in Minneapolis to support you through every step of the process. Working with professionals not only streamlines the experience but can also save you from costly packing mistakes and damaged items.
Whether it’s your first time moving or your tenth, remember that the right approach makes all the difference. Packing isn’t just putting things in boxes—it’s preparing for the next chapter of your life.
Need help with packing, moving, or logistics? Reach out to a trusted local mover offering both residential and commercial moving services near 55435, and let them take the weight—literally—off your shoulders.
