Are you up for a brief packing survey? Just a couple of questions to identify your natural disposition towards packing:
# When you were young, did you use to pack your bag in the morning, right before you leave for school?
# When traveling, do you usually pack your luggage the night before the trip?
# When it comes to moving house, do you believe that you will be able to pack all your earthly possessions within the last few days prior to Moving day?
If you answer “yes” to more than one of the above questions, you may get into a lot of trouble when faced with a residential move. As packing – the most essential part of the moving preparations – is not to be underestimated.
From a certain point of view packing may be rather difficult and boring – decluttering your home, sorting out all your odds and ends, getting hold of appropriate packing materials, safely wrapping all your breakables, securing all the boxes, labeling them properly, and so on and so on. It is a laborious, time-consuming, and error-prone process.
From another perspective though, packing is a great opportunity to pare down your possessions and simplify your life. Besides, it can be really exciting – you may discover some long-forgotten treasures of old while going through the hidden nook and crannies of your home or you may have lots of fun engaging your entire family in some amusing and de-stressing packing games.
Whatever your personal opinion on the matter, you need to find an efficient way to complete the task in a safe and organized manner, so that:
you have an easy access to anything you might need in the weeks prior to your relocation; and
all your items are well protected and ready for shipment come Moving day.
To achieve this astonishing feat you will need some reliable guidelines to refer to whenever you lose focus, lose your nerves, or lose track of things. In fact, it is a detailed packing timeline that will serve you the best. You can use the one suggested below (feel free to download its printable version in a PDF format) or create your own customized packing schedule, based on our insightful ideas. So, let the packing begin!
No matter how early you begin packing and preparing your belongings for shipment, it’s NEVER too early! Packing requires a lot of time and energy, so the only way to have everything ready in time without stressing yourself out or feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of task, is to get down to work as soon as your forthcoming relocation becomes a certain fact.
Your packing clock starts ticking away the moment your decision to move house becomes final.
1) Create a packing calendar – as already mentioned, you need a reliable and trustworthy guide to keep you focused, motivated, and in line with your packing challenge. So, come up with a packing schedule that makes sense for your particular circumstances – you can decide on a specific day of the week to deal with the items from a certain room, for example (garage – on Mondays, attic – on Tuesdays, living room – on Wednesday, etc.), or assign one week per room (first week – basement, second week – guest room, etc.), or whatever works for you. What matters the most is to properly prioritize your packing jobs, set up reasonable deadlines for their completion, and get down to work without delay. It is a good idea to break up every major packing task into easily achievable mini-goals – this way, you will be able to keep better track of your progress and to keep your spirits up all the time as each completed task will give you a sense of achievement and self-confidence.
Good to remember: In addition to your packing calendar, you’re going to need a detailed moving checklist which will allow you to see the larger picture and keep track of your overall moving preparation progress. It is very important that you don’t miss an essential moving task while you’re focused on packing, so make sure you frequently consult with your moving checklist and act accordingly.
2) Obtain the necessary packing supplies – of course, you cannot start packing for a move without having adequate packing materials. You may not know exactly how much and what kind of packing supplies you are going to need before you have assessed and sorted out your belongings, but you can get the essentials to start with – clean and sturdy cardboard boxes of assorted sizes (you can purchase brand new ones from your chosen moving company or from specialized stores, or you can get some used ones in good condition for free from local business, friends who have recently moved, etc.), plenty of bubble wrap (indispensable when it comes to protecting breakables), packing paper (or any clean and soft wrapping materials), quality packing tape (to secure the boxes), plastic wrap, packing peanuts, and other cushioning materials. Have in mind though that you may also need some specialized packing supplies, such as wooden crates and foam sheets, for example, to provide efficient protection for your extremely valuable and delicate possessions (artwork, antiques, etc.)
In conclusion, the best time to start packing for a move is “right away”. But what is the best way to start packing?
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So, you already know that you need to start packing but do you know how to begin packing your house? Here are the very first steps to take:
1) Make an inventory of your possessions – go through every nook and cranny of your home to find out exactly what you own and document everything. Note down the type and amount of the items you possess, their current condition and location, as well as any other information you find relevant. You can simply write everything down on a piece of paper, or use a spreadsheet application to create an inventory list that can be easily edited. You can also add photos or videos wherever applicable. Your home inventory will help you assess the actual size of your forthcoming move and the type and amount of packing materials you are going to need, as well as to identify any duplicate, outdated, or unwanted items you should get rid of prior to your relocation. It will also serve as a detailed packing list and an undeniable proof of the current condition of your belongings;
Sorting out and organizing your items is the first step of your successful packing journey.
2) Declutter your home and organize your belongings – once you have a clear idea of the type, number, and condition of your possessions, you can easily organize them. Take your inventory sheet and mark each item according to the group it belongs to:
Group 1 – “to be discarded” (anything damaged, or too outdated, or too worn out, so that it can’t be used ever again);
Group 2 – “to be sold, donated, or given away” (anything that is still in good condition but you don’t like anymore or won’t be able to use in your new surroundings because of the climate, the available space, or the peculiarities of your new lifestyle);
Group 3 – “to be packed for moving” (everything you want to take to your new home);
3) Pack a few boxes every single day – it’s up to you to decide how many boxes a day to prepare for shipping (depending on the actual number of items you intend to relocate, the amount of attention they need, and the number of days you have left until Moving day), but never let a day pass without having dedicated at least an hour of your time to packing. The packing process will be much easier and more efficient this way.
Where To Start Packing When Moving House
The best place to start packing for a move is the least frequently used place in your home – the attic, the guest room, etc. Not only will you be able to pack all (or, at least, most) of the items in that room (as you’ll most probably have no use for them until Moving day), but you will also have a safe area where to stack all the pre-packed boxes out of your way.
So, you are strongly advised to start packing your house from the rooms and premises you rarely use (garages, attics, basements, guest rooms, closets) and leave the ones you occupy on a daily basis (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom) for last, so that your normal routine doesn’t get disrupted too early in the moving process. Besides, it is always better to address the greatest challenge first and, without a doubt, it is the storage areas in your home that present the biggest packing challenge – just think of all the unusual items, specialized tools, oddly-shaped pieces, and various other odds and ends stored in them!
When pressed for time,
you won’t be able to properly assess the value of all your miscellaneous items and correctly decide their fate;
you won’t have the time to properly dispose of no longer needed things, to organize a profitable moving sale, or to take care of the non-allowables (some typical garage contents, such as motor oils, antifreeze, paint, propane tanks, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, car batteries, as well as any flammable, explosive or corrosive items can’t be loaded on the moving truck for safety reasons, so you need to find a way to relocate them yourself or to get rid of them prior to your move);
you won’t be able to ensure the safety of the pieces you’re shipping to your new home; and so on.
The packing process will take you through every hidden nook and cranny in your home in search of long-forgotten treasures…
Therefore, assuming that the arduous task of packing the storage areas in your home is best handled through exhausting packing marathons several days before the relocation is quite a severe moving mistake – these rarely used and extremely cluttered spaces are exactly where you should begin packing for moving.
In a direct answer to the bothersome question “Which rooms to pack first when moving?”, here is the recommended packing order:
Once you have sorted out and boxed up the basement, attic, and garage, you should move on to other little used rooms in your home, such as the guest rooms and the library (or study), followed by the living room, etc.;
Then, you should turn your attention to the children’s room (if any), as it will be most certainly overstuffed with toys, books, crafts supplies, clothes, and various other kids’ items which will require plenty of time and effort to organize and pack efficiently (besides your little ones don’t need ALL their things ALL the time, right?);
The most essential rooms – the kitchen, the bedroom, and the bathroom – should be packed last, of course.
What To Pack First For Moving
It’s only logical that the first things to pack when moving will be the things you need the least – rarely used items and items you can easily do without for a month or so. Those are non-essential pieces, stored in boxes, drawers, closets, and cabinets all around your home.
In fact, many of them are already half-packed – holiday decorations, seasonal items, specialized tools and equipment, sports gear, collectibles, hobby materials, spare linens, etc., so it should be quite easy to organize them and prepare them for shipment. What matters the most, however, is that you are not likely to need any of them before Moving day, so you won’t miss them.
When pre-packing, make sure you:
don’t accidentally pack an item that you will need in the weeks prior to your relocation;
use adequate packing materials and efficient packing techniques to provide your belongings with excellent protection against moisture, dust, bugs, etc. (the first things you pack for moving will stay in the boxes for quite a long time, so you need to ensure optimal storage conditions);
secure the boxes well and stack them in a separate area (safe and dry) where they won’t get in your way;
Pre-packing is very important for the favorable outcome of your packing endeavor but you should be careful not to turn your home into a warehouse one full month before Moving day!
Some of your possessions play such a major role in your daily life that you could not possibly survive for more than a few hours without them – basic toiletries, medicines, clothes, food, certain electronic devices (telephone and laptop), etc. Those items should be put aside and packed in your so-called “essentials box” – a survival kit that contains all your lifesavers and should be kept within easy reach at all times. Have in mind that this box of essentials, as well as your important documents and most valuable possessions, must travel with you, regardless of your chosen method of transportation. Make sure that they don’t accidentally end up into the moving truck!
Apart from those vital items, you should reserve for last anything you will be using during the last couple of days before Moving day, as well as on the Big day itself – documents, basic tools, some cleaning materials, comfort providers, bedding, etc. Actually, the things you need until the last moment (and therefore pack last) will be the same things you are going to need first (and therefore unpack first) after arriving in your new home.
So, more precisely, what items to pack last and what items to pack first when moving?
What To Pack When For Moving
Here is an exemplary packing timeline for moving that has proven to work really well. You may need to modify it a bit, of course, so that it can fit your particular needs and circumstances, but the suggested packing order will most certainly be of great benefit:
1) Four Weeks (Or More) Ahead Of Moving Day
You can pre-pack everything you are not going to use during the last month before your relocation:
Out-of-season items – holiday decorations, clothes, shoes, and accessories that cannot be used until the next season;
Specialized tools and equipment – all the gear you will not have an occasion to use in the time left until moving day (fishing gear, climbing gear, specific sports equipment, a number of specialized tools – leaf blower, electric drill, etc.);
Extra supplies – all your spare sheets and blankets, table linens, towels, toiletries, office supplies etc.;
Collectibles – photo albums, scrapbooks, figurines, miniatures, dolls, train models, art collections, coin collections, stamp collections, and any other objects you enjoy looking at but cannot use for any practical purposes.
2) Three Weeks Ahead Of Moving Day
At this point, you can pack all the non-essentials (things you won’t miss if they stay packed away in boxes for a few weeks). Such items include but are not limited to:
Your collection of snow globes should be among the first things to pack when moving (especially if you are moving in the summer 🙂
Artwork and decorations – although your place will not be half as lovely without the framed pictures, vases, souvenirs, and other charming items used to set the atmosphere in your home, it is a good idea to pack all your decorative objects and artwork well in advance. Such pieces are usually very delicate and fragile, as well as extremely valuable – either because they are highly sentimental (family heirlooms) or quite expensive (pieces of art), so you will need a lot of time and focus to pack them properly and ensure their safety;
Books – set your favorite reads apart and pack all the other books you intend to take to your new home as early as possible. Use high quality small sturdy boxes to make sure your library will survive the relocation in excellent condition;
CDs, DVDs, video games, hobby materials – you won’t have the time to enjoy any of these in the hectic period prior to your move, so pack them all but a few favorites that will provide you with some entertainment and fun during the strenuous weeks of moving preparations;
Specialized kitchenware – take the time to carefully pack all your fine china, crystal glasses, ice-cream cups, cake plates, condiment dishes, pie pans, cookie cutters, barbecue tongs, and other kitchen items that you use rarely or only on special occasions.
3) Two Weeks Ahead Of Moving Day
It is high time to pack any infrequently used items that are not in the moving boxes yet:
Games – puzzles, board games, and toys (have your kids each choose a set of toys they want to keep out for the last few days and pack everything else);
Office supplies – leave out a few pens (or pencils) and a notebook and pack all the paper, envelopes, writing supplies, staplers, hole punchers, etc. you are shipping to your new home;
It’s a fact – if you decide to play a game of Scrabble a few weeks before Moving day, all the words you come up with will be moving-related.
Linen closet – keep one set of sheets and towels per person and pack everything else. You may also want to leave out some old blankets and sheets that can be used to wrap furniture pieces or to cover the floors and walls of your home on Moving day for added protection;
Any remaining miscellaneous items – go through all the drawers, cabinets, closets, etc. in your home and make sure all the bric-a-brac you want to take with you is safely packed and ready for shipment.
4) One Week Ahead Of Moving Day
One week ahead of the Big day the clock will be ticking away faster than ever! Every single item you are not going to use during the next few days should go into the moving boxes at this final stage of your moving preparations:
Electronics – pack all the electronic devises in your home except for your (and your family members’) telephones and your laptop (it can be used for everything – surfing the Internet, watching TV, listening to music, gaming, etc.);
Kitchen items – take out some plastic utensils and pack all the dishes, glasses, cutlery, pots and pans, small kitchen devices, various food containers and any other items in your kitchen. Your life won’t be very convenient without them but packing the kitchen requires plenty of time and effort, so you shouldn’t wait until the last day to get down to this arduous task;
Laundry room – put the last of your dirty clothes through the washer and pack up the place;
Clothes – make sure every member of your family has enough clothes to last for the next few days and pack all your other garments (don’t forget to leave out some appropriate clothes to wear on Moving day);
Any other miscellaneous items you kept out until the last moment – the last of your clothes, jewelry, books, toys, kitchen utensils, etc.;
Basic tools – pack up all your remaining tools but make sure you have easy access to a pair of scissors, a flashlight, a hammer, a screwdriver, a couple of nails and screws, a tape measure, a pocket knife, and a duct tape, as you will most probably need them on Moving day;
Documents – you should have collected and organized your documents a long time ago, so just check them out one final time and put them in a lockbox (or a document bag) that you will keep with you all the time.
Toiletries and medicines – it’s time to put everything you have used during the last couple of days into your essentials box;
Kids’ items and pets’ items – your little ones and your animal friends need their daily routines, so their comforters and specialized care items will be among the last items to be packed for moving;
Snacks and drinks – you should have either consumed or given away any perishable food in the weeks prior to your relocation, so all you need to do now is pack some light snacks and drinks to keep your energy up on the Big day;
Cleaning supplies – when the movers leave, you’ll have to clean your old property one last time. Make sure you have the means to do so.
Have one final look around to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, take your valuables and your open-first box, and have a safe trip to your new home and your new life!
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