People always ask us, "What should I pack first when moving?" Figuring out when to start packing for a move can really make a difference in keeping your stress levels low on moving day. In this article, we'll chat about packing tips, what to tackle first when moving, and the ideal time to kick off the packing process. Whether you're getting assistance from a moving company or a friend to settle into your new home, it's never too early to dive into packing for a move!
Before you dive into packing up your house, a little prep work goes a long way. Ensuring you have all the necessary packing materials is crucial. Here's what you'll need:
Establishing storage areas for your moving boxes once they're packed is essential. While a garage or spare room is ideal, not everyone has that luxury. You can use the edges of rooms as well.
Organization is key in the packing process, and having a checklist is a game-changer. Whether your move is local or long-distance, it can get chaotic. Keeping track of tasks is crucial. A checklist acts as a timeline, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
Creating an inventory is also a crucial step in the packing process. Few things are worse than realizing you forgot something during packing or unloading. Similar to the checklist, make a comprehensive list of all your possessions, detailing quantity and priority. Whether it's fine China or winter clothes in the attic, note down the sets, boxes, and contents. Take a tour of your house, documenting everything from trinkets to appliances. This inventory becomes your guide to ensure nothing is left behind during the move.
Avoid paying to move items you won't use in your new home by starting the packing process with a pre-packing declutter. Imagine the look and feel you want for your new home, and part with items that don't align with that vision. Souvenirs, knick-knacks, and unused clothes — if they don't fit the picture, consider giving them away, disposing of them, or selling them. Take advantage of the relocation to streamline your life, creating more space. Designate a corner in your home for items to be removed, with a garbage bag for disposables and a marked box for giveaways. Keep this disposal area throughout your packing process to efficiently manage unwanted items.
Choosing the right moving company is crucial for your schedule and the safety of your belongings. Consider your specific needs, such as furniture-inclusive moving or customizable service packages, and find a company that aligns with your plans. Opt for a reliable and professional moving company, schedule an assessment, and obtain a detailed estimate before diving into the packing process. This allows you to adjust your budget accordingly and decide on the number of items to pack based on the moving company's services.
It's a common question: "When should you start packing to move?" A good rule of thumb is to begin packing approximately three weeks before your move date, especially after decluttering. This allows you to avoid last-minute scrambling and ensures a smoother process. The timeline might vary depending on the size of your home and the number of rooms you need to pack.
If you have a larger home with years of accumulated items, you might need more time. Take into account the size of your move and plan realistically for a stress-free packing experience. In general, three weeks in advance is a suitable starting point.
Now that your moving plan is in motion, it's time to dive into packing. The process might seem daunting, but armed with a list of what to pack first and your handy checklist/inventory, you'll breeze through it.
Begin with storage items; those tucked away in a storage unit, garage, or deep within your walk-in closet. These items are usually stored in boxes, making sorting and repacking a smoother process. Take them out, assess, discard unwanted items, and neatly repack. Make the most of reusable storage boxes that are still in good condition. This initial step will lay the groundwork for a systematic and efficient packing journey.
When gearing up for a move, out-of-season clothes take the spotlight as one of the easiest items to pack. Similar to storage items, these clothes are often already sorted or stored in boxes. Additionally, since these garments might not see the light of day for several months after your move, there's no rush to pack them last or place them at the top of your packing priority list. Begin your packing journey by handling your out-of-season clothes — it's a smooth start that builds momentum for tackling the more challenging aspects of moving from your current home.
When diving into the packing process, children's books and toys take center stage as an excellent starting point. Kids often accumulate numerous books, so consider keeping a selection of favorites accessible while boxing up the rest. Donate books that are outgrown or no longer read, and discard any tattered or broken ones. Similarly, kids tend to play with only a fraction of their toys. Keep their favorite toys out, and pack away the rest.
As for ornaments and decor items without a specific purpose or frequent use, it's time to box them up. Whether it's candles, fake flowers, or wall hangings, store them away for the move. Wall hangings, though potentially tricky to pack, make for a good starting point. Since you'll likely use them as decorations in your new place, there's no need to keep them up during the packing process. Take down your wall hangings, pack them carefully, and ensure they're ready for a smooth transition to your new home.
Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to packing and unpacking your cherished ornaments. Consider these additional tips to pack ornaments properly:
This proactive approach ensures a smoother transition for your cherished ornaments, minimizing the risk of breakage during the move.
When deciding what to pack first during a move, fine China and other rarely used dishes take the stage. Since these delicate items are typically reserved for special occasions, it makes sense to pack them early on, especially when you might not be hosting fancy dinners amid the moving chaos. To ensure their safe transition, pack these dishes with extra care and clearly label the boxes as fragile.
Additionally, consider packing cushions and throws from the living room. Keep out the bare minimum needed for comfort and carefully pack the rest. These items can serve as excellent padding between fragile items in the boxes, offering an added layer of protection during the move. If you're concerned about dining arrangements during the transition, using disposable or easy-to-clean sets can be a convenient alternative.
Pack extra towels and linens in the first set of boxes, ensuring they remain clean and ready for use. Consider washing regular-use bath and dish towels beforehand to keep your laundry basket empty and prepared for the move-out. This proactive approach helps streamline the packing process and ensures that essential items are packed efficiently for your upcoming move.
Don't leave sentimental trinkets and knick-knacks until the last minute — make them a priority when you start packing for your move. These items often hold special memories and sentimental value, so packing them early ensures they won't be overlooked or forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the moving process. Whether it's an old journal or a stylish jewelry box, include these cherished knick-knacks in the initial set of boxes you pack for a smooth and organized move. Additionally, take the opportunity to assess if any trinkets have lost their value, and if so, consider giving them away or disposing of them before the move. Pack up the remaining items, preserving their sentimental significance for your new home.
If you are an avid reader or you have a mini library of books that you want to move with you, they should be one of the first things you sort out while packing. Select a few books that you want to keep easily accessible for some light reading while you’re getting the rest of your stuff organized and pack up the rest of your books in an order that works for you (by author or year). Remember to return borrowed books to their respective owners or the library. It is better not to be responsible for those books in case they get lost during your move!
Read more: How to Pack Books for Moving
One week before the move, start packing your clothing, shoes, and jewelry. Use two suitcases or clear bins — one for the items you'll need in the week leading up to the move and another for the essentials required in the week following. Although there might be some overlap, this method helps maintain organization. When packing shoes, avoid causing damage by wrapping them in packing paper and placing them in boxes.
Alternatively, insert bubble cushioning roll between pairs for extra protection. For organized jewelry packing, hang bracelets on a carabiner to keep them together. String necklaces through paper straws to prevent chain tangles. Use a pillbox or tackle box for smaller items like earrings, ensuring everything stays organized and knot-free during the move.
A week or so before your move, start packing up items in the kitchen that you don't use every day. The kitchen is often challenging to pack, and people tend to leave it for last since it's in use until moving day. Before packing, ensure you clean out the cabinets, declutter drawers, and purge the pantry. Consider the weight of canned goods and think about donating them to a food shelter rather than moving them all.
After decluttering, pack a box with essential items needed for the first few days in your new home, such as dishes, cups, utensils, dish rags, soap, and, of course, the coffee maker for that much-needed caffeine fix. Pack the remaining items in separate boxes, keeping similar categories together, like dishes, pots and pans, utensils, cooking tools, pantry items, etc.
Streamline your makeup and toiletries before the move by discarding items you no longer use or those beyond the recommended use-by date. Assemble a compact makeup bag with your essential day-to-night items and pack the rest. Consider finishing up any partially used bottles of body lotion, shower gel, etc., before packing them to minimize the load.
Additional tips for a proper packing:
Embarking on the journey to a new home is thrilling, but it also involves a considerable amount of hard work. Ensure that the first time you unlock the door to your dream home becomes a memorable experience by streamlining everything leading up to that moment. Knowing what to pack first when moving and following a well-thought-out packing plan is the key to making the dream work.
Ready to make your move hassle-free? Consider opting for Move4U moving services in the Chicago area. Our professional team is dedicated to making your move a smooth and efficient experience. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote today or call +1 312 548 7229 to speak with a Move4U moving consultant. Let us help you make your move stress-free!
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