Packing Your Home: The Quintessential Guide
Is it time to start packing your home to move, but you don’t know where to start? Well, it sounds like you may need a little help. Reviewing a packing checklist before and during your move will help you keep everything organized and under control. Below is a packing checklist for moving that will help you do just that.
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Getting Started
Moving and packing are tedious tasks that will take time and patience to complete. Before you start throwing items into a box, you'll want to complete the following pre-planning steps on your packing list checklist:
Determine a Moving Budget
Moving into a new home is not cheap; therefore, it requires a moving budget. You should determine how much money you can reasonably spend on moving supplies and other moving services.
Identify Necessary Moving Supplies
When you move, you will need many supplies to properly pack all your belongings. Therefore, stock up on packing materials such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other items. If you have a tight budget, you can use items around your home, such as towels, blankets, and t-shirts.
Create a Game Plan
Determine which items in your home will not be used often and pack these items first, since you likely won’t need them. After this, work your way through the house, packing essential items you use regularly last.
Eliminate Unnecessary Items
Before you begin packing, throw away or recycle any unwanted items you may own. Doing so will reduce what actually needs to be packed, and in turn reduce the amount of time you spend on the entire process.
Pack Early
As soon as you know what day you will move, start packing. A benefit of packing early is stress reduction, which can make the entire experience much more enjoyable and efficient. Sticking to a strict moving timeline will keep you on track during your relocation.
Ask for Help
Packing up your home will indeed require more than two hands. The more help you have, the quicker this process will be. So, well in advance, ask your friends and other loved ones for help packing up your belongings. In the end, you will greatly appreciate the extra assistance.
Hire the Professionals
Professional moving companies also provide packing services. If you are overwhelmed by the amount of packing that needs to be done, let the professionals do the heavy lifting. This will allow you the opportunity to get more done without having to focus on packing.
Organize, Organize, Organize
Staying organized while using your packing for move checklist is key to ensuring the moving process is as seamless as possible. Here's what you'll need to complete on your packing and moving checklist at this stage of the move:
Begin an Inventory List
You can never be too organized during a relocation. When you begin, you should create an inventory list. On this list, you should indicate how many boxes you have for each room in your home. For example, if you have four boxes that belong in the kitchen of your new home, indicate this on your inventory list. This will reduce the likelihood of boxes getting lost throughout your move.
Properly Label all of Your Boxes
This helpful tidbit will keep you and your items organized and in place. Also, it will save a ton of time when it comes to unpacking your new home. You will know which room the boxes will need to go to, and will therefore be able to put everything in its proper place in a timely fashion. You will be surprised how much labeling your boxes can simplify your relocation.
Indicate Priority Boxes
This organizational tip will help you or the movers know which boxes to unpack first in your new home. During the packing process, mark these priority boxes with a specialty mark or sticker. Doing so will help you or the mover set aside these priority boxes so they are the last to be loaded onto the moving truck, and the first to be unloaded when you arrive at your destination.
Obtain a Storage Unit
Putting certain items in storage during your moving process will help to keep you organized. There may be some items in your home that you may not need for an extended period of time. Thus, placing these items in storage will get them out of the way while you focus on the more important aspects of your move.
Pack an Overnight Bag
The first night in your new home will likely be filled with chaos. To stay sane during this time, pack an overnight bag. In this bag, you should include everything that you will need for the first night in your new home. Doing this will keep you organized and prepared to start the second day in your home efficiently and ready to unpack.
Create a Moving Folder
If you want everything involving your move kept together, create a moving folder. Keep all your paperwork and important documents involving the move within this folder; therefore, if something comes up and you need quick access to some paperwork, it will be right at your fingertips.
Valuables and Specialty Documents
The last thing you want is to lose documents, paperwork, or precious family heirlooms during the move. To ensure these items are safe and secure while you pack your home to move, you'll want to do the following:
Never Lose Sight of Your Valuables
There are a certain number of items that should never be packed alongside your other belongings. Whether they be irreplaceable or priceless, items such as money, prescription medicine, insurance policies, airline tickets, jewelry, and more should be packed separately and kept with you throughout the entire moving process.
Secure Significant Documents
Documents such as your social security card, birth certificate, and tax forms are all papers that you do not want to misplace during a move. During the moving process, gather all of these items and place them in a fireproof box. This will ensure that your items will stay safe and secure from harm. Keeping all of your vital documents together during your relocation is a very important aspect of your move.
Empty Out Safety Deposit Boxes
It is easy to forget to pack items that are not directly in your home. Because of this, you need to make a list of all the safety deposit boxes you may have in the city. Prior to your relocation, make sure you go to each one of these locations and claim all of your valuables. You will not want to leave these items behind.
Packing your items in preparation for your move is indeed a trying task. Reviewing the moving packing checklist before and during your move will put you on the right track to conducting a successful relocation. By packing your belongings properly, you will greatly reduce the possibility of damaging or losing any of your items during your moving process.
Final Preparations
Before you fully move out of your current home, you'll need to assess the damage, ensure all items are removed, and prepare for your first night in a new place. Some final preparation steps that should be included in your packing list checklist include:
- Ensure all your boxes are labeled before your movers arrive.
- Print out a moving inventory list you and your movers can use to track on moving day.
- Pack an essentials box filled with toiletries, clothes, and everyday items you'll want on hand on your first night in a new place.
- Take photos of all items and furniture that you own that will be in the mover's possession for insurance purposes.
- Conduct a final walk-through of the home, checking for damage, necessary maintenance, and items you forgot to pack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Your Home to Move
Ready to start the packing phase? Here's a quick overview of frequently asked questions about our ultimate packing checklist.
What are the first steps in packing my home?
The first step is to invest in moving boxes and packing supplies. If you have a tight budget, you can use towels, shirts, and other items you have around the house to pack your items. From there, slowly make your way through your home, room by room, packing non-essentials first.
How should I label my boxes?
All boxes containing fragile items should be labeled "FRAGILE" on the side. You'll also want to label these boxes with "THIS SIDE UP" so that the movers know not to pack the box on the wrong side.
What items should I pack first?
You'll want to start packing as early as possible, with items you don't use regularly. Start the process with the closets, garage, and spare bedrooms. Slowly make your way to the rooms you use frequently, labeling all your boxes as you go.
How can I protect fragile items during the move?
Fragile items should be packed using premium packing materials and expert packing techniques. You'll also want to ensure all of these boxes are labeled before the movers arrive.
Should I hire professional packers?
Yes, investing in professional packing services will help keep your items protected and streamline the entire moving process. Professional packers are trained to use expert packing techniques to ensure your items are safe and secure during transit. They'll work quickly and efficiently.