A Room-by-Room Guide to Packing Your House for Moving

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. Packing up your belongings in an organized manner is key to making the moving process go smoothly. Follow this comprehensive room-by-room guide to packing your house for moving to help you stay organized and sane during this transition.

Kitchen

The kitchen contains many small items that are easy to overlook when packing for a move. Follow these tips to make sure nothing gets left behind:

Appliances

Clean out refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers. Let appliances air dry to prevent mildew.
Drain excess water from washing machine. Secure hoses with tape.
Pack small appliances like toaster, coffee maker and blender in their own boxes with plenty of padding.

Food Items

Discard any open packages and perishable foods.
Pack non-perishables like canned goods and spices in small boxes.
Label boxes containing food “Kitchen – Fragile” so movers will handle with care.

Dishware

Wrap plates, glasses and other fragile items individually in paper then pack in layers with newspaper or moving blankets between each layer.
Place saucers, lids and other small items in sealable bags before wrapping for extra protection.
Pack everyday dishes you will use right away separately from fine china and special occasion pieces.

Cookware

Stuff pots and pans with packing paper to prevent dents. Nest them inside each other for efficient packing.
Wrap sharp knife blades and other utensils with cardboard or bubble wrap. Pack loose in a box, or secure in a cutlery tray.
Consider packing your most-used pots, pans and utensils separately from specialty items you use less often.

Miscellaneous

Discard perishable pantry items and cleaning supplies that cannot be transported like bleach and aerosol cans.
Pack remaining pantry staples, oils, spices, etc. in small boxes according to category. Label accordingly.
Drain hoses, wrap cords and disassemble any large kitchen appliances remaining in the home.

With some strategic packing, you can get your kitchen moved smoothly and efficiently. Just be sure to leave out any necessities you may need for the last few days before the move.

Living Room

The living room tends to accumulate more possessions than any other room in the house. Follow these tips to pack it up efficiently for moving:

Furniture

Disassemble any furniture that comes apart to make it easier to carry. Label parts clearly (“Couch legs”, “Table hardware”, etc).
Wrap secured table legs and chair arms with moving blankets or bubble wrap to prevent scratches.
For irregularly shaped items like couches and loveseats, cover in plastic wrap before moving to protect from dirt and water.

Decor

Carefully wrap artwork, mirrors and wall hangings individually before packing in furniture pads or boxes.
Place small decor items like vases, sculptures or plants in sealable bags before packing densely in boxes. Use plenty of padding.
Pack items like throws, pillows and area rugs in large sealable plastic bags to keep clean and contained.

Media & Electronics

Disconnect all wired media components and wrap cords securely with twist ties or rubber bands.
Pack media like DVDs, video games and CDs neatly in small cardboard boxes. Label the contents on the outside.
Pack TV remotes, batteries and related accessories in a sealable plastic bag taped to the back of the TV screen for safe keeping.
Pack gaming consoles and electronics individually in their original boxes if possible. Otherwise wrap well in newsprint and place snugly in a sturdy box.

With some time and care spent packing, your living room items can arrive neatly at your new home. Just don’t forget to save the essentials like the TV remote for move-in day!

Bedrooms

Bedrooms accumulate many personal possessions and clothing that require special care when packing for a move. Follow these tips when packing up bedrooms:

Furniture

Take apart bed frames, including headboards and footboards. Use original hardware bags to keep parts together or label accordingly.
Drain waterbeds completely. Deflate air mattresses.
Use mattress bags for added protection and to prevent spread of dirt or bugs.
Disassemble tall dressers and armoires if possible. Label parts clearly.

Clothing & Linens

Use suitcases to pack clothing and shoes that will be needed immediately at the new home. Leave these separate from moving boxes.
Pack shelves, folded clothing and linens densely in boxes. Use peanuts or paper to fill gaps.
Hang delicate items in wardrobe boxes with hanging bars to prevent wrinkling. Label boxes by room for easy unpacking.
Pack linens, comforters and pillows compressed in sealable plastic bags.

Personal & Decorative Items

Carefully wrap and pad breakable decorative items like picture frames and lamps before packing in boxes.
For expensive or sentimental jewelry, pack individually in small boxes or padded envelopes.
Sort valuable documents like passports and keepsakes into labeled folders before packing in file boxes.
Pack books tightly on their sides in small boxes labeled by category or room.

The bedrooms in your home likely contain many of your most valued possessions. Take time when packing them securely to ensure they arrive safely.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms contain many small but essential items that are easy to overlook when packing. Use these tips when packing up your bathrooms for a move:

Toiletries & Medications

Pack shampoos, soaps, makeup and other toiletries in small boxes, keeping similar items together.
Place leaky toiletries in sealed bags before packing. Line boxes with plastic to contain spills.
Keep medications, eyeglasses, contacts and other essentials in a bag for easy access during the move, not packed away.

Towels & Linens

Use large sealable plastic bags to contain towels, washcloths, shower curtains and bathroom mats. Compress air before sealing.
Roll up washcloths, toilet paper and cleaning rags tightly and pack into empty paper towel or gift wrap rolls.

Accessories

Wrap fragile accessories like soap dishes, razors and toothbrush holders in tissue paper before packing in boxes.
Contain loose items like qtips, cotton balls, hair ties and makeup brushes in labeled zip top bags before packing.
Drain water from electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, curling irons, etc. Remove batteries.

A bit of organization will help keep your personal care items protected during the move. Just don’t forget to save necessities like soap and toothpaste for the trip!

Basement & Garage

Basements and garages tend to become disorganized catch-alls over time. Use these tips to pack them up efficiently for your upcoming move:

Seasonal Items

Box and label holiday decorations by category (ex. “Xmas lights”) and store together.
Clean and cover patio furniture before moving. Disassemble sets if possible.
Drain and rinse out lawnmowers, pressure washers and other seasonal yard tools before transporting.

Tools & Hardware

Sort hardware like nails, screws and hooks into labeled sandwich bags by type before boxing up.
Wrap tool heads in protective padding before packing together in boxes.
Drain all fluids from automotive tools like jacks, wrenches, motor oil, Etc. Box up separately.

Sports Equipment

Clean out coolers, camping stoves, tents and other camping gear before packing up. Air dry any wet items.
Separate bike pieces like wheels and pedals before wrapping carefully with moving blankets.
Pad sharp edges of sports equipment like hockey sticks, golf clubs, skis, etc with cardboard before packing in boxes.
Deflate balls, pads and other sporting goods before packing densely in boxes.

With some sorting and preventative cleaning beforehand, you can pack up your basement and garage efficiently for moving day. Just don’t forget to transport any hazardous chemicals separately.

Attic

Attics provide useful storage but can quickly become disorganized catch-alls. Follow these tips when packing your attic for moving:

Check with your moving company about any size or weight restrictions for attic items. Oversize items may require special arrangements.
Inspect boxes and storage containers for signs of water damage or pests. Repack items into new boxes if needed.
Label boxes by general contents and room to make unpacking easier. (“Bathroom supplies”, “Old textbooks”).
Wrap delicate items in tissue paper or newsprint before packing. Use plenty of packaging material to fill boxes and prevent shifting.
Keep seasonal clothing contained together, labeled by gender, size, or season. This makes sorting easy later.
Stack plastic containers by size and seal lids with packing tape to prevent accidental opening during the move.
Dismantle any large furniture that can be broken down and box hardware together using zip top bags.
Prevent dust and dirt by wrapping furniture in plastic sheeting and securing with tape.
Handle holiday decorations carefully and repack according to category in sturdy containers.
Pad sharp edges on items like picture frames, sports gear and tools with newsprint or bubble wrap.
Double check that no important items got overlooked before sealing up boxes!

With some organization and protective measures, you can pack even the most overflowing attic efficiently for your upcoming relocation. Just be cautious of overloading boxes or violating weight limits.

Outdoors

The outdoor areas of your home require special preparation when packing up for a move. Follow these tips:

Patio & Porch

Inspect the grills, furniture, planters and decor of your patio and pack any portable items according to the indoor room guidelines.
Use tarps, moving blankets or plastic wrap to protect outdoor furnishings that cannot be taken along or stored indoors.

Garden & Yard

Retract garden hoses and store neatly on a hose reel if possible.
Gather lawn decor, birdbaths, chimes and lighting to store together in cardboard boxes, wrapped carefully.
Drain and clean lawn mowers, fertilizer spreaders, and other motorized yard tools before loading onto the moving truck separately from household items.

Recreation

Clean outdoor toys, bikes, sports gear, etc. Allow to fully air dry before packing in boxes according to indoor categorization methods.
Deflate items like basketballs, pool floats and soccer balls before storage to conserve space.
Disassemble any children’s playground equipment that can be safely moved. Label hardware bags clearly for reassembly.
Use motorcycle straps, bungee cords and rope to carefully secure larger outdoor items like kayaks, canoes and bicycles to the moving truck.

Your outdoor spaces likely contain many category-specific items. Take time to properly clean and store these to prevent damage during your upcoming relocation.

Whole House

In addition to individual rooms, several house-wide steps are necessary when packing for a move:

Clearly label each box by room and contents for easy unpacking and organization.
Use color-coded labels to designate boxes for each room.
Mark boxes containing fragile items clearly. Advise movers of which boxes require gentle handling.
Pack an “Open First” box containing essentials like toilet paper, soap, trash bags, basic tools, snacks, etc.
As rooms are packed up, create an inventory list noting contents of each box. Keep this and floor plans handy for move day.
Back up computer files online or on external hard drives well before move day.
Create a folder with important documents like floor plans, contracts, warranties, instruction manuals, etc. to keep handy during the move.
Drain gasoline from any motorized equipment like lawn mowers before loading on the truck separate from household goods.
Dispose of flammable, corrosive and hazardous household chemicals properly rather than transporting them.
Arrange for servicing of grandfather clocks, pianos pool tables and other specialty items by professionals before and after the move.

Thorough preparation and documentation for the whole house will make the moving transition much smoother. Just don’t let organizing and packing burnout set in before the big day! Maintain stamina right up until moving day.

Moving Day Essentials

While packing your house room-by-room is crucial, so is setting aside must-have items for the moving day itself:

Pack an essentials box or bag with cleaning supplies, scissors, tape, screwdrivers, trash bags and other moving day necessities. Keep this handy.
Keep a box with packing material like tape, bubble wrap and newspaper nearby the truck loading area to re-secure any items that come loose.
Have bottled water, snacks and toilet paper on hand for movers and helpers throughout the day. Moving is thirsty work!
Take inventory before movers leave your old home. Double check attic, basement, garage and outdoor areas for any left behind possessions.
Pack a suitcase with pajamas, toiletries, medicines and an outfit or two for your first night in the new home. Keep this separate from the moving boxes.
Charge up your camera to document any damages to possessions that occur during the move. Photographic evidence is useful for insurance claims.
Back up your moving truck as close as possible to entranceways at both your old and new home to shorten the loading/unloading distance.
Check around all rooms right before the movers leave. Look under furniture and in closets for any stray items left behind.

Staying focused during the chaos of move day takes stamina. Having a “moving essentials” kit prepped ahead of time will help everything go much more smoothly.

Unpacking Tips

Once your possessions arrive at your new home, unpacking begins. Follow these tips to stay organized and efficient:

Unpack one room at a time, starting with the kitchen, bathroom and other essential areas first.
Have a donations box handy for any items you discover you don’t want or need as you unpack. Donate promptly after unpacking concludes.
Unpack and wipe down kitchen appliances right away so they can be put into use immediately if needed.
Assemble beds with fresh linens and unpack toiletries first so you can feel settled and get a comfortable night’s rest.
Note the contents listed on each box as you unpack them. Check off items on your loading day inventory list.
Unpack slowly and organize as you go. Trying to do it all at once can become overwhelming. Take breaks to recharge.
Have a garbage bag handy for discarded packing materials. Recycle newspapers, bubble wrap and boxes if possible.
Wipe down shelves, cabinets, drawers and walls where needed before putting items away in a newly cleaned space.
Check furniture for dings and stains as you unpack each room. Document any damaged items right away to submit insurance claims.
Properly store any important documents scattered during unpacking. Re-file warranties, manuals and records promptly to stay organized.
Change locks if necessary and make copies of new keys right away. Create a key holder or magnet board to keep keys organized in your new space.

Unpacking may seem daunting after the vigorous packing stage, but take it slow. Make it feel like home by customizing your new space as you go!

Settling In Your New Home

Finally, after unpacking comes the process of settling into your new home:

Update your mailing address at the post office and with any billers, banks, friends/family, etc once you have your new keys.
Make any needed cosmetic changes like paint colors and wallpaper right away to make the new space feel like home.
Scope out the closest grocery store, pharmacy, bank and other errands and amenities. Introduce yourself to neighbors.
Deep clean your new home, even if previously occupied, to make it feel fresh and personalized.
Update accounts and arrange installation for utilities like power, water, cable and internet.
Explore the community by finding parks, schools, recreation centers and other local attractions.
Locate the nearest hardware store and create a list of any lacking household tools or parts needed for DIY projects.
Change the locks if moving into an existing home. Also change garage door codes if applicable. Make copies of new keys.
Once settled in, update your home and auto insurance, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and other personal records with your new address and other details.
Add your new address to your GPS and contacts list in your phone right away to start acclimating.

Moving into a new home marks an exciting new chapter! Take your time making the new space your own. Before you know it, it will feel like you’ve been there forever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Your House for A Move

How do I effectively disassemble furniture for moving?

When taking furniture apart, pay close attention to how pieces detach so you can properly reassemble later. Use masking tape to attach any loose hardware to pieces rather than packing it separately. Label each piece clearly as you disassemble (“Couch arm left”, “Desk leg front right”, etc).

What are some good packing supplies and boxes to purchase for moving?

Get high quality packing tape, bubble wrap, and newspaper or packing paper. For boxes, prioritize sturdy, uniform-sized boxes sold specifically for moving. Avoid weak, irregular boxes which can burst at the seams.

How should I pack antiques, artwork and valuables?

Use extreme care when packing precious items. Wrap each individually in soft cloth or bubble wrap. Pack with wads of paper to prevent shifting and cushioning potential impacts. Pack these items separately and label the box “Fragile” so movers are extra gentle.

What items should I move myself rather than having movers handle?

It’s smart to move small valuables, important documents, medications, plants, pets and fragile valuables yourself,