One of the most challenging parts of a long-distance move is figuring out how to strategically pack your vehicle. Depending on the size of your car, you probably have limited space for your personal belongings. If you’re moving with pets, kids, plants, or other family members — you may have even less space than you might think. 

Even if you’re working with a moving company or hiring a moving van, many of your personal belongings should stay in your possession. The last thing you want is for a family heirloom or important documents to get lost in the move. 

To ensure your items safely get from point A to point B, you must be strategic about packing your car for the long-distance adventure ahead. We’re here to walk you through some packing tips for moving and packing your vehicle for the long haul.

Organize Your Personal Belongings 

Before you start throwing random items into the first box you find, you’ll want to sort through your personal belongings and decide what must come with you and what can be put into the moving truck. 

Personal belongings that should be prioritized include:

• Personal documents
• Family Heirlooms
• Paperwork
• Expensive Jewelry
• Irreplaceable items 
• Plants and pets 

You’ll also want to pack your car like you’re going on a road trip. Pack a bag with a change of clothes and the toiletries you need to be comfortable throughout the journey. 

With that in mind, there are also items you’ll want to leave behind or pack in a moving van. 

Items you’ll want to leave out of your car include:

• Perishable items (unless it’s road trip snacks!)
• Hazardous items 
• Cleaning supplies 
• Big and bulky items that would transport better in the moving van

Deep Clean Your Car

Trust us with this one — you’ll thank us later! Whether you’re driving 100 or 1,000 miles, you don’t want to be stuck in a dirty car. Plus, you likely have many items in your trunk or the backseat that you don’t use or need to bring on your long-distance move. 

Setting time aside to deep clean your car and choose what stays will help you free up additional space for your must-have personal items. Plus, you’ll have a clean vehicle for the trip ahead — a win-win!

Use Plastic Bags Instead of Boxes

If you are packing up a moving van, you’ll always want to use moving boxes and containers. These supplies are designed to protect your items during transportation and are easier to stack in a moving truck. 

However, since car space is limited, it’s better to use plastic bags or reusable totes. These will help you maximize the space you have available and be more strategic when packing items under the seats, in seat pockets, and even in your spare tire cavity. 

Create a Checklist 

One of the best packing tips for moving is to get organized and create a must-have checklist. All your must-haves, plants, irreplaceable objects, and paperwork should all have a first-class spot in your car. With a checklist, you can list your items in order of importance. Use this to ensure everything you need is loaded into your car first. 

Without a checklist to guide you through the packing, you may leave something behind or have to repack your bags. This list will give you peace of mind, improve the packing process, and protect your belongings along the way.

Get Strategic With the Space You Have

Don’t be afraid to get strategic: Every space in your car should be used, from the back and passenger seats to the footwells and seat pockets.

You’ll want to avoid placing items near the driver’s footwell. Also, ensure no loose items are up in front or near the passenger seat that can distract the driver when operating the car.

Make a Plan For Your Pets 

Your furry friends are important to you, so you’ll want to ensure they’re all comfortable during the long-distance ride ahead. Safely and securely place a pet carrier in your vehicle in the back seat. You’ll want to ensure it’s secured and won’t move too much while on the road.

Also, many dogs and cats can be anxious during long car rides, so consider meeting with your veterinarian for advice or medication before the big move day. 

Get Creative With Padding and Protection

Instead of buying bubble wrap or other moving supplies, use clothes and blankets to cushion fragile items. This method is a more eco-friendly way to pack your car and protect your personal items, and it will also help you save some money in the long run.

Never Pack Past Your Windows

It may be tempting to pack your car to the brim. However, not being able to see out of your windows is a hazard for you and the people around you. As a rule of thumb, never pack your car past the windows.

Distribute Weight Evenly Throughout the Car

Never stack all your heavy items on top of one another in one part of your car. Instead, your heavy items should be evenly distributed throughout the entire vehicle. With even weight distribution, you can improve driver control and tire traction, which is vital to your safety and the safety of others during your long-distance journey.

It’s Time To Pack Your Bags and Get Ready To Move

Learning how to move long-distance and pack your car for the trip is essential. Whether you’re moving to a new state or a new city a few hundred miles away, these car-packing tips will help you get to your destination safely and protect all of your valuable items.