Even if you haven’t already heard about the October 2022 Urban Science study by Auckland researchers Ka-Shing Cheung and David Wong, you know that moving causes stress levels to rise (no matter how frequently you move). However, it’s important to note that those who move more than once within a five-year window certainly experience higher stress levels than people who’ve moved once.
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate some of that stress. (After all, you’ll already have to lug boxes; the last thing you need to haul around is extra stressors.)
Packing guides like these are a great starting point. Articles like these can ensure you aren’t just checking off your moving tasks but completing them efficiently–saving you time, energy, and, you guessed it…stress!
So, where to start? Let’s kick things off by packing up your garage.
The 8 Best Tips For Packing Up Your Garage
For those of you who are preparing to pack up your garage and move your belongings elsewhere, we created this guide to help you keep your stress levels at bay.
Tip #1: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Procrastination is a self-sabotaging behavior that people often engage in when they feel overwhelmed or defeated. It makes sense to put off tasks that elicit stress hormones. However, the best thing you can do for yourself is break down one big task into multiple smaller ones.
Instead of waiting until the last minute to pack your garage, consider taking advice from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. He encourages people to implement something known as temptation building.
Let’s say you want to pack up a small section of your garage every afternoon. That doesn’t sound fun, right? Probably not, but if you pair the unenjoyable activity with something you do enjoy, then you’re far more likely to tackle your to-do list instead of procrastinating.
For example, if you like listening to audiobooks and podcasts on YouTube, tell yourself that you can only listen to them while cleaning your garage. Alternatively, you can try putting a spin on this approach by rewarding yourself after packing up a section of your garage each day, like snacking on your favorite candy or enjoying a bowl of your #1 ice cream flavor.
Tip #2: Start by Decluttering Your Garage
Once you tackle any procrastination tendencies that are standing in your way, take a moment to declutter your garage. Are there items that take up space but provide you with no value? Plan to either discard or donate those items depending on their condition.
Junk removal services can help you get rid of items that are falling apart or not in good enough shape to donate.
Here are examples of nationwide junk removal service providers:
You can also search Google for junk removal near me to see what your local junk removal options are. The same goes for donation centers in my area if you want to donate or rehome items.
Check to see if any of these popular thrift stores have locations near you:
In many cases, you’ll need to drive to the donation center and drop your items off in person. However, there are donation centers that offer pick-up services. If that’s preferred, look at the donation center’s website or call ahead to see if they’ll come to you. Otherwise, a pile of donations may make a permanent residence out of your backseat.
Tip #3: Separate Your Belongings Into Categories
After deciding what will stay and what will go, you can focus on organizing the items you plan to keep. This is an important step because the more you prioritize the organization of your belongings, the easier it will be to unpack them after moving.
You can start with these categories and personalize the list based on what’s in your garage:
- Garden tools
- Sports equipment
- Power tools
- Camping gear
- Inflatable pools and floaties
- Sharp-edged tools
- Bicycles and scooters
- Holiday or seasonal decorations
If you are taking hazardous materials with you, make sure you keep them separate from non-hazardous items. The last thing you need is something flammable or poisonous to spill while en route!
Here are examples of hazardous items people commonly keep in their garages:
- Pesticides
- Bug sprays and rat poisons
- Swimming pool chemicals
- Paint and paint thinners
- Engine fluids and antifreeze
- Industrial-level cleaners
- Oil and gasoline
- Gardening chemicals
- Lighter fluids and fire starters
- Electronics
- Propane tanks
Tip #4: Purchase Plenty of Packing Materials
Before you can start physically packing your belongings, you’ll need to purchase packing materials. Consider buying boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, moving blankets, and packing foam from home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s or local hardware stores near you. You can also find free moving boxes at places like these.
If you have a lot of heavy items to transport, you might want to use a dolly so that you don’t hurt yourself. However, don’t worry about spending money on a dolly if you’ll only need it while moving! Look into renting one instead.
Here are the rates for dolly rentals from Home Depot:
- 4 hours: $18
- 1 day: $25
- 1 week: $100
- 4 weeks: $300
Tip #5: Break Down Large Items in Advance
Do you have any items that can be disassembled with ease? Large items — especially furniture, like shelving units, grandfather clocks, and workbenches — will usually take up a lot of space if you try to move them in their assembled states.
So, to not only save space but also make the transportation process easier, break down bulky items. Just make sure you remember where you place any screws, bolts, or other types of fasteners so that you can reassemble your belongings after moving!
Tip #6: Make Sure Fragile Items Are Protected
Are you planning to take fragile items — such as glassware, ceramics, clocks, or electronics — with you? If so, it’s best to securely wrap these belongings in packing paper to protect them from breakage during the move.
Pack them in boxes and surround them with plenty of cushioning, which will give you added reassurance that they won’t crack or shatter while in transit.
If you plan to store these belongings in a storage unit, climate-controlled storage is highly recommended for these more delicate items.
Tip #7: Label Your Boxes Based on the Contents
After safeguarding your belongings and putting them into boxes, take a permanent marker and write down the contents of each box on a piece of packing tape. While it might feel tedious to label all your cardboard boxes, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to unpack everything!
Tip #8: Print a Moving Day Checklist
For peace of mind, either create a moving day checklist of your own or print off a preexisting template. You can find countless moving day checklists by searching the internet for a moving day checklist template.
A template can give you a starting point to work with, and you can customize it based on what you’re moving out of your garage. Either way, a moving day checklist will help you ensure that you don’t forget anything. Make sure you do a final walkthrough of your garage before shutting the doors for the last time!
In Summary
No matter the reason for clearing out your garage, it’s not uncommon to rent a storage unit as part of the moving process. In fact, StorageCafe reports that approximately 18,000 people — or 21% of all Americans — rent self-storage units, so you’re in good company!
Whether you need somewhere to temporarily pack power tools or a long-term solution for large appliances and yard tools, a storage unit can make all the difference. However, before you rent from the big names in storage, consider renting from local peer-to-peer marketplaces like Neighbor.
Not only will you find storage options that are 50% more affordable than traditional storage, but you’ll also get to rent from people in your neighborhood! Every listing has been approved, and all hosts have been vetted by the platform, promising storage options that are 14 times safer and more secure than traditional self-storage units.
People Also Ask
How Do You Move a Garage Full of Tools?
It’s recommended that you rent a POD if you are moving a long distance. Alternatively, if you are moving locally, consider exploring your storage options via peer-to-peer marketplaces like Neighbor.
How Do You Pack Efficiently for a Move?
Organize your belongings based on categories, and label each moving container so you don’t forget what you put where. Also, start packing weeks in advance to save yourself the stress of feeling rushed.
How Do You Pack a Shed for Moving?
Professional transportation company Ramar encourages relocating individuals (like yourself) to declutter first. Then, slowly pack your belongings in safe and secure cardboard boxes before loading them onto a truck or into a storage unit for safekeeping.
How Do You Pack for a Move in 3 Days?
While it might be stressful to pack everything you own in 3 days, anything is possible with a bit of help! If you need to move in 3 days, enlist friends and family. Alternatively, you can search for movers near me on short notice. However, if you hire a moving company, expect to pay a higher rate in exchange for the convenience of professional help.
The post How To Pack A Garage For Moving: 8 Best Tips appeared first on Neighbor Blog.