{"id":40076,"date":"2024-12-13T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=40076"},"modified":"2025-07-09T15:53:51","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T06:53:51","slug":"stress-free-moving-essential-tips-for-packing-like-a-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/moving-tips\/stress-free-moving-essential-tips-for-packing-like-a-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Stress-Free Moving: Essential Tips for Packing Like a Pro!\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, especially if you\u2019re unsure where to start. It\u2019s not uncommon to find yourself stuck, unsure of the first steps, or frustrated when progress isn’t going as planned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To pack efficiently, you need to know the clear steps. If you pack without a strategy, you may end up wasting time and effort. In this article, we\u2019ll share step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and key points to keep in mind to make your move as smooth as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Village House<\/a>, we offer over 1,000 rental properties across Japan. If you are looking for a new home to move to, be sure to check out our website for more information! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentials packing materials <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Cardboard boxes<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardboard boxes are essential for storing your belongings during a move. Make sure to prepare the necessary number of boxes in advance based on the volume of items you need to pack. Some moving companies may even provide cardboard boxes for free as part of their services, so be sure to check with them beforehand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing tape or cloth tape<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing tape and cloth tape are versatile tools that come in handy for sealing cardboard boxes and securing your belongings. When sealing or reinforcing boxes, it\u2019s best to use strong, durable tape with high adhesive power to ensure everything stays securely in place during the move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u202fPermanent markers<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Permanent markers are crucial for labeling the surface of the cardboard boxes. It\u2019s a good idea to have both black and red markers at hand. Use the black marker to write descriptions like \u201cTableware\u201d or \u201cClothes\u201d to indicate the contents of each box. Meanwhile, the red marker can be used for writing important notices for extra caution, such as \u201cFragile\u201d or \u201cThis Side Up,\u201d in a highly visible color to ensure proper handling during the move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newspapers and cushioning materials<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newspapers and cushioning materials are perfect for wrapping fragile items or filling the gaps between belongings in boxes. It\u2019s a good idea to prepare about 1\u20132 weeks’ worth of newspapers or commercially available cushioning materials to ensure your items are well-protected during the move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scissors and cutters<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scissors and cutters are indispensable for tasks like cutting tape or strings while packing cardboard boxes. They\u2019re also useful for applying labels to your belongings or opening boxes during unpacking. Since they\u2019re useful throughout the entire moving process, from preparation to unpacking, it\u2019s advisable to always carry them with you.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tools<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tools like screwdrivers and measuring tapes are often needed for disassembling and reassembling furniture. Since these tools are essential for both packing and unpacking, it is convenient to keep them in a place where you can easily access them at any time during the whole moving process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work gloves<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work gloves are essential for protecting your hands while packing or carrying boxes. During the moving process, you might accidentally scrape your hands against the corners of boxes or the edges of documents, so it\u2019s recommended to have a pair of gloves for each person involved in the moving process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning supplies<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to have garbage bags and cleaning clothes ready when packing. It\u2019s not uncommon to discover dust or dirt while packing, so use this opportunity to clean areas that are usually hard to reach, such as behind appliances or furniture.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic string<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic string is useful for bundling magazines, books, or long, thin items like umbrellas. You can also wrap it around cardboard boxes to reinforce their strength. Plastic string can be used for a variety of purposes, so it’s a good idea to have one on hand during the moving process. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Packing <\/strong>order<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

1 month to 3 weeks <\/strong>b<\/strong>efore moving<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin packing, you can divide your house into groups to make packing more efficient. About 1 to 3 weeks before your move, start by labeling and dividing your rooms or areas into groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, classify them into “Living Room,” “Kitchen,” “Bathroom,” “Toilet,” “Balcony,” etc. If the room is large, you can divide them into smaller groups such as “Living Room 1” and “Living Room 2.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When dividing into groups, it\u2019s helpful to sketch a simple layout of your new home on the floor plan. This will make unpacking much smoother later on. Use this layout to decide where to place your items and prioritize which boxes to unpack first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantime, declutter by selling or donating unwanted items through a recycling shop or second-hand apps, or by discarding them. Reducing your belongings will save you time and effort when it comes to packing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 to 3 weeks <\/strong>be<\/strong>fore moving<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start packing the items you use less frequently. For example, prioritize packing off-season clothes or tableware used for guests into cardboard boxes. Additionally, take time to organize the contents of your refrigerator. Calculate and organize the stock of food and seasonings in the refrigerator based on the moving day timeline.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 days <\/strong>b<\/strong>efore moving<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 5 days before your move, start disassembling furniture and packing up your home appliances. For large appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, make sure to drain any remaining water and prepare them for transport so that they can be moved easily on moving day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, if you have items that you may still want to use until the day of the move, put them in cardboard boxes and leave them unsealed, so that you can easily take them out when you need them. Make sure that everything is ready to be moved when the moving company arrives.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips and tricks for packing efficiently<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Packing with a clear idea of where each item will go in your new home can help make the moving process more efficient. Additionally, packing items that will be in the same room within the same cardboard box will make unpacking much easier after the move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For items you will need to use right away after moving, label the box with something like “Items for Immediate Use.” This way, you\u2019ll know which box to open first for essential items. Items you might want to include are tools needed for unpacking, cleaning supplies, smartphone chargers, curtains, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Packing methods for different types of items<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n