As the moving day draws near, it can be all the more challenging to keep up with preparations. In the midst of cleaning your stuff and searching for a reputable moving company, one thing is often left until last-minute – packing. Whether you're going the DIY route or hiring professional packers, everything needs to be ready on the big day. So, how do you manage to do it without a fuss? We've prepared the most essential tips to help you pre-pack before the movers arrive, so read on and get ready!

Sort out your belongings

It goes without saying that the whole moving process, being the big project that it is, can be quite costly. However, there are ways to reduce your final bill, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by purging. Most movers will charge based on the weight of your belongings, so it's a perfect opportunity to help you separate the wheat from the chaff. Basically, set aside the stuff you don't plan on using again and either donate them or throw them away. Of course, if they are new and you plan on using them in the future, then putting them in storage is the best solution.

Still, how does one go about getting rid of their items? It's quite simple actually – if you've not used it in over a year, you most probably don't need it! Sift through old electronics, get rid of all duplicates – the more you throw away, the better. Also, prior to beginning to pre-pack before the movers arrive, make sure to separate stuff that movers will load so as to avoid misunderstandings. This way, you'll make things easier on their team and prepare for your move much faster.

Make an inventory list

Speaking of separating items to be packed or loaded by the professionals, creating an inventory list will be of big help. Not only will this detailed list serve you during the unpacking process, but it's also proof in case some of your items go missing or are damaged during transport. Whether you opt for the pen-and-paper method or print out one of the inventory checklists online, it all helps.

Keep in mind that your movers will also list your items, but you want to have yours ready so as to double-check. The best part, however, is that you can make yours in such a way so as to have an organized view of everything you're taking with you. Either organize it by room or adopt a more detailed approach i.e. by drawers, seasonal clothing, etc. Furthermore, this can be quite useful if you don't know how to self-pack. By grouping items, you'll manage your unpacking process much easier!

Gather necessary supplies

Now all that's left is to procure some items in order to prepare for the packing process. These supplies will also be useful when preparing belongings for a storage unit. Not to mention that it's a great way to cut costs when hiring storage services. Let's see what you'll need to kill these two birds with one stone:

• cardboard boxes or plastic containers
• packing paper, plastic wrap or old towels for cushioning
• pen and paper for labels
• scissors and duct tape
• sealable plastic bags to help keep small items together

If you're moving bulky items such as furniture or a piano, you'll need extra moving equipment like dollies or straps. Of course, it's much simpler, not to mention safer, to let professionals take care of this step for you.

Items you should pre-pack before the movers arrive

When in the process of choosing your moving company, you can usually opt for packing services as well. This is especially recommended for last-minute moves, as the job will be done much faster this way. However, even when hiring professional packers, some items are better handled on your own. In fact, you don't have to opt for the full package – you can just hire them to handle bulky items. This then means that you'll be in charge of valuables such as jewelry or electronic equipment.

It goes without saying that you need to dedicate a lot of attention to fragile items and be very careful about how you place them in boxes. First off, make sure to double tape the bottom of the boxes for extra protection. The key, however, is cushioning – you need to place as many paper wraps or sheets as you can so that they absorb any shock during transportation.

Still, be aware that no matter how well you pack your belongings, accidents still happen. To minimize problems, take pictures of their pre-move condition in case you have to make a claim after the relocation.

Prepare an essentials box

Depending on where you're moving to, the relocation process can sometimes take a few days. So, let's say you arrive at your new place and still have a day or two to wait for the movers to transport your stuff. What do you do to get by if all your stuff is currently in transport and inaccessible to you? You're hopefully reading this prior to the move and it's not too late, because we have a solution for you – a survival kit. As you pre-pack before the movers arrive, single out one of the boxes. Put everything that you'll need to get by for that day or two when you won't have access to your things. This means spare clothes, toiletries, bedsheets, and anything you come up with that you think you'll need.

Additionally, it's a smart idea to bring an all-purpose cleaner and use the time you have to freshen up the place. This way, you'll prepare the apartment and when the stuff arrives, all that's left is the unpacking process. Another helpful tip is to bring all your documents with you, as well as your valuables. No matter what, you'll feel at peace if you have them with you at all times.