How to Pack for a Move: A Step-by-Step Guide to Simplify the Process

Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan and a little organization, you can turn chaos into calm. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pack efficiently and reduce stress during your move.

1. Start Early

The earlier you start packing, the better. Begin by packing items you don’t use daily, such as seasonal decorations, extra linens, rarely used kitchen gadgets, China, stemware, and entertainment pieces. This will save you from last-minute scrambling.

There is the obstacle of where to store boxes pre-move. My advice is to tuck them away in a rarely used area such as a formal dining room, spare bedroom, large foyer area.

Tip: Aim to start packing 4-6 weeks before your moving date.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to purge items you no longer need. Go room by room and sort your belongings into three categories:

• Keep

• Donate or Sell

• Trash

If you have items to donate, take them to the donation center immediately after each decluttering session. Avoid letting these items accumulate in your home, as this may tempt you to pack them away to 'deal with later.' This is not ideal, as you'll likely regret having to sort through them once you move into your new home. Instead, drop off your donations as soon as possible!

Similarly, if you plan to sell items, do so as soon as possible! Moving is already overwhelming, and the last thing you need is the added stress of unwanted items cluttering your space. If you're organizing a yard sale, keep everything neatly stacked in one designated area, rather than spreading it across the house. After the sale, donate any leftover items immediately—don’t let them follow you to your new home!

Tip: Ask yourself, “Have I used this in the past year?” If the answer is no, it’s may be time to let it go.

3. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

• Sturdy boxes in various sizes

• Packing tape and a dispenser

• Bubble wrap or packing paper

• Labels and/or markers

• Plastic bins for fragile or sentimental items

Tip: Invest in high-quality packing materials to protect your items and avoid damage.

4. Pack Room by Room

Focus on one room at a time to stay organized. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in at your new home. This will make unpacking much easier.

Tip: Use color-coded labels or stickers for quick identification.

5. Pack Strategically

• Heavy Items: Use small boxes to pack heavy items like books to prevent them from becoming too heavy to lift.

• Fragile Items: Wrap each fragile item individually and place them in boxes lined with bubble wrap or packing paper. To prevent items from shifting and bumping into each other, I recommend filling empty spaces in the box with crumpled packing paper. This extra cushioning helps reduce the risk of chipping or breakage

• Clothing: Keep clothing on hangers by using wardrobe boxes for easy transport. Alternatively, fold clothes into suitcases to save space. For short-distance moves, you can leave clothes on hangers and cover them with a garbage bag. To do this, place the bag upside down over the clothes, poke the hangers through the bottom of the bag, and tie the open end around the clothes. Then, lay the bagged clothes flat in the back of your car.

Tip: Pack a "first-night" box with essentials like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies for your first night in your new home. Think of items you will need upon arrival before the unpacking commences.

6. Label Everything

Clearly label each box with:

• The room it belongs to

• A brief description of its contents

• “Fragile” or “Heavy” warnings, if applicable

Tip: Number your boxes and keep an inventory list to ensure nothing gets lost.

7. Protect Valuables

Keep important documents, jewelry, and other valuables with you instead of packing them in the moving truck. If you are afraid you may forget where you've placed these items in the hecticness of the move - make a note in the notes app of your phone reminding you of where you placed these items.

Tip: Use a small, secure bag or box to keep these items safe and easily accessible.

8. Take Photos of Electronics

Before unplugging electronics, take photos of how they’re connected. This will make setting them up in your new home much easier.

Tip: Pack cords and accessories in labeled zip-top bags. If possible, attach the bag to the item with tape.

9. Maximize Space

Use every inch of space to your advantage:

• Pack smaller items inside larger ones (e.g., pots and pans). I like to wrap breakable measuring cups and smaller items and place them inside pots.

• Fill gaps in boxes with soft items like towels or blankets to prevent shifting.

Tip: Avoid leaving empty spaces in boxes, as they can cause items to move and break.

10. Hire Professional Movers (Optional)

If your budget allows, consider hiring professional movers. They can save you time and ensure your belongings are packed and transported safely.

Tip: Book movers early to secure your preferred date and time.

11. Stay Calm and Flexible

Moving can be stressful, but staying organized and allowing some flexibility in your timeline can make all the difference. Remember, every box packed is one step closer to your new home.

Tip: Celebrate small milestones, like finishing one room, to keep your motivation high.

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a solid plan and a positive mindset, you can tackle it efficiently and even enjoy the process of starting fresh in a new space. Happy moving!

Need Help Packing?

I offer purge and packing services. Client love this service because together we purge items no longer wanted or needed and I haul them to the trash or donation center. I also bring all the needed supplies for packing each space. This service takes away so much overwhelm for each client! Interested to learn more? Complete my contact form and I'll be in touch!