Moving is really stressful, even more than big life changes like having a baby. But you can pack in a smart way to lower the stress. Start with things you don’t need every day, like decorations. This approach makes packing easier, protects your fragile items, and helps clear your space.
About 65% of people say packing is the hardest part of moving. And since nearly 30% move every year, good packing tips are key. It takes 10 to 14 hours to pack for a usual move. So, planning is super important.
Also, 80% of people moving suggest starting with items you don’t use often. You might need between 50 and 100 boxes. Using a color-coded system for your boxes can cut down unpacking time by 25%. This helps keep your valuable items safe and lowers stress while moving.
Decluttering Before Packing
Decluttering is a key step when packing. It lets us rethink what we own. We should give away or sell things we don’t want in our new home. It’s best to start decluttering two to twelve months before moving. This will make things less stressful and intense. To make it easier, try to declutter for one to three hours every week.
When decluttering, you might cut down on your stuff by half or even three-fourths. Start with places you don’t often use, like attics, basements, and garages. A 20-minute timer can help you make fast decisions and stop overthinking.
If you’re under a lot of pressure, try decluttering for three to six hours at once. Using PODS for temporary storage can make decluttering easier. It gives you more flexibility while moving.
In the last 9 years, we’ve moved 4 times, with 2 moves in the recent 2 years. We know how hard it can be to move stuff you don’t need. Begin with items you rarely use, like decorations. Packing these first can help you deal with a messy home. It’s a vital part of our moving checklist to ensure a smooth change.
Plan for 3-5 days of overlap between homes. This extra time makes moving less stressful. It also lets you sort through your things without hurrying. Starting to declutter and pack 3 weeks before moving is a good idea. This way, you can handle everything that needs to be done.
- Begin decluttering 2-12 months prior to the move
- Schedule 1-3 hours of decluttering time weekly
- Use a 20-minute timer to aid decision-making
- Consider utilizing moving storage containers
- Allocate 3-5 days of overlapping time between homes
- Start packing 3 weeks before the move date
| Task | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Start Decluttering | 2-12 months before moving |
| Schedule Weekly Decluttering | 1-3 hours weekly |
| Manage High-Pressure Scenarios | 3-6 hours at a time |
| Utilize Temporary Storage | As needed during decluttering |
| Complete Decluttering | 3 weeks before the move date |
| Overlap Moving Days | 3-5 days |
Essentials for Packing: Gathering Supplies
Moving is ranked as a high stress event for over 70% of people. Getting ready by making a packing supplies checklist helps lower this stress. By being organized, we can save up to 30% more time. It’s important to have all necessary supplies before you start packing.
Begin with the basics: sturdy boxes, strong tape, and bubble wrap or newspapers. These essentials protect our stuff during transport. High-quality packing tape is crucial because it holds up better than duct or masking tape.
Specialty boxes with checkboxes make unpacking easier. Properly labeled boxes help us unpack 25% faster. It’s important to use markers and labels for easy identification.
For delicate items, use specialty boxes. They keep things organized, making unpacking smoother. Packing in suitcases or bags can also cut down on the number of boxes you need by half.
Keeping fragile items safe is vital. Wrapping them in packing paper or bubble wrap reduces damage risks by more than 70%. Here’s a quick list of packing essentials:
- Sturdy Boxes (various sizes)
- Heavy-duty Packing Tape
- Bubble Wrap
- Newspapers/ Packing Paper
- Markers and Labels
- Specialty Boxes
- Scissors and Box Cutters
- Furniture Pads and Moving Blankets
A good packing plan saves a lot of time. Making a detailed list of items before packing can prevent forgetting things. Having all your supplies ready is key to a smooth move.
- Identify and gather all necessary packing supplies.
- Create a detailed packing supplies checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
- Prioritize the protection of fragile items with bubble wrap and packing paper.
- Use specialty boxes for organized and efficient unpacking.
- Label boxes clearly to reduce stress and confusion during the move.
Following these steps lowers the stress of moving. It makes sure our belongings get to our new home safely.
| Supply | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdy Boxes | Packing belongings | Various sizes for different items |
| Heavy-duty Tape | Sealing boxes | Tensile strength of at least 120 pounds |
| Bubble Wrap | Cushioning fragile items | Reduces risk of damage by over 70% |
| Specialty Boxes | Organized packing | Checkboxes for efficient unpacking |
| Markers and Labels | Labeling boxes | Decreases unpacking time by 25% |
What to Pack First When Moving
What to move first when moving can make your move smoother. We suggest starting with items you don’t use daily, like those in storage areas. Think about packing holiday decor and seasonal clothes about five weeks before you move.
Experts say to pack up guest rooms about three weeks before moving since they’re not used often. Pack decorative items, books, and artwork two to three weeks before. These things can make your space feel cluttered.
A well-planned packing strategy can make moving less stressful. Nearly 70% of homeowners say packing early eases stress on moving day. And 60% begin packing over four weeks in advance.
According to a handy what to pack first when moving checklist, pack linens and towels about two weeks ahead. Keep just the essentials handy. If you have kids, packing toys one to two weeks out can help.
Starting in places you don’t often use, like attics or garages, helps a lot. Packing early can cut down the stress when moving day comes. This approach is backed by research.
Packing by Rooms: A Strategic Approach
Getting ready for a move? A room-by-room packing guide can make it easier and less stressful. Start planning 6-8 weeks before the move. Work on one room at a time. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed. Sort your stuff into keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Try to spend no more than two hours on this at a time.
Begin with items you don’t use daily, like those in attics, basements, and garages. Labeling boxes by room helps a lot. It makes unpacking faster since you won’t have to search for your things.
What to pack first when moving: Kitchens can be tricky because of food, sharp objects, and fragile items. Choose strong boxes in different sizes to fit everything. Seal spice containers and throw away expired pantry items. Pack first things to pack when moving heavy items in small boxes. Use the Russian doll technique and vacuum bags to save space.
Your home office needs attention too. Keep a small office setup until you move. This keeps your work on track. Also, pack an “Open First” box. It should have toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, paper goods, snacks, and first aid.
Here’s a brief packing guide:
| Room | First Steps | Final Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Attics, Basements, Garages | Pack non-essentials early | Label and organize boxes by room |
| Kitchen | Evaluate and discard expired items | Pack perishables last |
| Home Office | Maintain a mobile office setup | Secure critical documents and supplies |
Use a room-by-room guide and these tips for a smooth move. You can hire professionals like All My Sons Moving & Storage, or do it yourself. Either what should you pack first when moving way, these steps help make moving less stressful and more efficient.
Handling Fragile Items for a Safe Move
What to pack first when moving: Moving can make anyone nervous, especially when it’s about fragile items like glassware and china. Up to 75% of people moving worry their fragile items might break. It’s very important to wrap these items well to make sure they get to their new home safely.
To protect your fragile items, adding lots of padding is key. Experts suggest using at least 2 inches of bubble wrap or packing paper. This can lower the chance of breaking stuff by almost 30%. Using boxes of different sizes also helps secure your items better, making 65% of packers feel their fragile goods are safer.
Packing plates upright can reduce breaking them by 20%. If you’re moving electronics, their original boxes are the best to use, helping over 40% of people. Spending about 15% of your packing time on fragile items ensures they’re well taken care of.
Labeling boxes as “Fragile” can cut down on accidents by 35%. Getting help from professional movers, which 30% of people do for fragile items, has a 95% success rate of no damage.
- Use ample bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Pack plates vertically to prevent breakage.
- Leverage original packaging for electronics.
- Mark all fragile items clearly.
- Consider professional help for high-value items.
What to pack up first when moving: Not packing right causes 72% of damage during moves. Rushing while packing fragile items leads to 80% of mistakes. But, using good wrapping techniques can cut down the stress and damage, making the move safer for your special items.
| Fragile Item | Recommended Wrapping Techniques |
|---|---|
| Glassware | Wrap in bubble wrap and secure with tape |
| Plates | Package vertically with ample padding |
| Electronics | Use original packaging if available or abundant bubble wrap |
| Ornaments | Individually wrap with packing paper and place in a padded box |
What to Pack First When Moving: Managing Large and Bulky Items
Packing big furniture and moving large items need careful planning. This helps avoid damage and saves space. A key strategy is to dismantle large items like beds and tables when you can. By taking furniture apart, we can pack and move it easier. Wrap each piece on its own with furniture pads or blankets to prevent any damage.
After taking things apart, it’s important to keep all the small parts together. Place screws, bolts, and others in bags with labels. Make sure these bags are attached to the right piece. This keeps things organized and helps us pack more accurately, hitting an 85% goal.
It’s crucial to use the right moving supplies to protect your stuff. Things like moving blankets, furniture pads, and plastic stretch wrap are great for this. Using moving tubs and baskets is good too. They’re easy to stack and don’t need tape like boxes do.
Thinking ahead about loading the truck makes things faster and uses space better. Put heavy items in first to keep the truck balanced and stable. Items like mattresses work best standing up to save room.
| Item | Recommended Packing Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Frame | Moving blankets, plastic wrap | Disassemble, wrap individual parts |
| Sofa | Furniture pads, plastic wrap | Wrap fully, use pads for corners |
| Dresser | Moving blankets, stretch wrap | Keep drawers intact, wrap fully |
| Dining Table | Moving blankets, plastic wrap | Disassemble legs, wrap each part |
Follwing these steps will help move large items safely and use space wisely. By packing carefully, we make moving smoother and more efficient.
Last-Minute Packing Tips
As the moving day gets close, creating a spot with all packing items is smart. You’ll need boxes, tape, scissors, paper for packing, bubble lining, towels, pens, and stickers with different colors for each room. These supplies are key for quick packing, following our guide for emergencies.
A good moving list is also crucial. It makes sure you don’t miss any steps while packing fast. Break tasks into ones to do now, later, and on the moving day. This helps manage time well. Also, using pre-made moving kits saves lots of time. They have all you need in one set.
Packing a box with must-haves like soap, medicine, and extra clothes for the first night is important. This step keeps important stuff from getting lost in the rush. Also, plan for basics like electricity in your new place early. This avoids hassle and makes the first night comfortable.
Keep sturdy trash bags on hand for the unexpected trash during the move. They’re great for last-minute packing and throwing stuff out. If there’s time, think about getting professionals to pack for you. They can make the move smooth and less stressful.