The most difficult part of the moving process is when you begin to pack. It may sound easy, but when you’re surrounded by dozens of empty boxes and your whole house is upside down, you’ll realize it’s trickier than it seems. However, by planning the order in which you’ll pack your belongings ahead of time, you can avoid procrastination and any unnecessary chaos. To help you get started, we compiled a guide with the main things you want to pack first and last for a stress-free move:
What should you pack first?
1. Out of season clothes
Since they aren’t used for months, it’s easy to get seasonal clothes out of the way. If your move is in the summer, start packing coats and jackets because you definitely won’t need them soon. In the same way, if you move during the winter, go ahead and pack your swimsuits, shorts and tank tops.
Once you’re done, you should have your current wardrobe left, consisting only of the clothes you’ll wear during the next couple of weeks.
2. Books, magazines and records
These items are the easiest to fit into boxes, so it shouldn’t cause you much trouble. Make sure to place them in sturdy boxes because they’re quite heavy.
During the packing process, you’ll very likely find certain books or CDs you no longer want or need. This is the perfect chance to do a little bit of decluttering.
3. Artwork and antiques
Even though these are among the most challenging items to pack, it’s good to pack them early. Most likely, their only purpose is aesthetics. You won’t need them leading up to the move. It’s also easy to forget about wall hangings and other decor when you’re caught up in the chaos of moving day. Pack them ahead of time to sidestep any risk of leaving things behind.
These are often very fragile items. They require extra care, especially if you’re dealing with antiques. Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help or do some research on how to properly pack your valuables on your own.
What should you pack last?
1. Kitchen items
The kitchen is one of the last rooms in your home that you should pack away since it’s the most used one. You don’t need everything in your kitchen at all times, but it’s difficult to think of what will come in handy for the next weeks’ meals ahead of time. Therefore, try to leave it until the end, because let’s face it, you’ll definitely want to leave your coffee maker out until the very last moment.
2. Electronic devices
If you frown at the thought of packing up your television and consoles, it’s okay to leave the electronic devices among the last things wrapped up… but don’t wait until the day before your move. You need to take the time to carefully unplug and pack everything to prevent any possible damage from occurring during the move.
3. Toiletries
Cleaning supplies and toiletries are the only items you’re allowed to pack at the very last minute. You’ll need them all the time, so keep them handy. However, you should go ahead and get rid of any products that expired, such as sunscreen lotions from last season or creams that you haven’t used in months.
Since this is the last box you are packing, try to keep it handy so that you can access it if needed.
With the stress-free packing tips above, you are ready to organize your moving process step by step. Don’t forget to search for and hire a professional moving company to help you out, because it’s very challenging to handle the whole move by yourself.
Once you’re done with packing, it’s time to plan the unpacking. Do you have room in your new home for everything you packed? Maybe you don’t want to clutter your new home with Christmas ornaments and ski equipment just yet. Or, maybe you’re still undecided about what to do with that vintage wardrobe that your grandma left you. Will it fit the design scheme in your new home? What about the exercise bike? Are you still using that? For all these things, you may need self storage. Be sure to check out the storage facilities near your new home. Send out an inquiry to see if they have any available units for when you move.
All in all, with a little bit of planning and some organizational skills, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and make a smooth transition between two homes.
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