How to Start Packing Your Stuff for Your Household Move

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful time. Packing up all your belongings and getting organized is often the most daunting task when planning a move. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to start packing your stuff to make your household move as smooth as possible.

Make a Moving Plan

The first step is to make a plan for your move. This will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure nothing gets left behind.

Set a move date – Have a specific date in mind for when your move will take place. This will dictate your packing timeline.
Hire a moving company – Research and book a reputable moving company several weeks in advance. Get estimates from at least 3 companies.
Notify important parties – Alert your landlord, utility companies, banks, etc about your move date and new address.
Plan your packing schedule – Make a list of what needs to be packed and when. Allow 2-3 weeks for packing.
Arrange help – Ask friends/family to assist with packing. Consider hiring professional packers if needed.
Prepare your new home – Make any repairs, paint, install carpeting, etc so it’s ready when you move in.

Declutter and Organize

Before packing, it’s important to declutter your home and get organized. This will make the packing process much easier.

Sort through belongings – Go through each room and decide what you want to keep, donate or throw away.
Hold a garage sale – Sell any unwanted furniture, household items, etc. Use the extra money for your move.
Donate items – Find a local charity to donate any clothes, furniture, books you no longer need.
Shred documents – Properly dispose of any old documents containing sensitive personal information.
Return borrowed items – Reach out to friends/family to return anything borrowed.
Create an inventory – Make a list of all your major household items and valuables.

Gather Moving Supplies

Having the right packing materials is crucial for keeping your belongings safe during the move. Here are some key supplies to have on hand:

Moving boxes – All different sizes like small, medium, large. Get more than you think you need.
Packing paper – Wrap delicate items in paper to cushion them. Shredded paper or newspaper works too.
Bubble wrap – Essential for wrapping fragile decor, dishes, electronics. Get bubble wrap with large bubbles.
Furniture pads – Protect furniture surfaces from dents and scratches. Rent pads from the moving truck company.
Packing tape – Stock up on strong adhesive tape designed for moving boxes.
Permanent marker – Label boxes with their contents and the room they go in.
Scissors/box cutter – Useful for opening and breaking down boxes.
Phone charger – Have a fully charged phone on moving day for calls/photos.
First aid kit – Include bandages, antiseptic cream, medication, etc.

Pack Room by Room

Packing room-by-room is an efficient strategy. Start with items you rarely use, working your way to commonly used spaces.

Attic/Basement/Garage

Pack these spaces first since they contain items you won’t need right away.

Empty freezers and refrigerators completely except for ice to keep food cold.
Drain gasoline from all power equipment to transport safely.
Use wardrobe boxes for storing out-of-season clothing.
Disassemble large gym equipment and label parts for easy reassembly.
Bundle and secure hoses, cables, tools so they don’t tangle or get lost.

Bedrooms

Pack off-season clothing into boxes labeled by category – pants, t-shirts, dresses, etc.
Keep a separate box for specialty items like formalwear, swimsuits, or delicates.
Protect mattresses and box springs with thick covers and tape edges.
Disassemble bed frames if possible and label all hardware and pieces.
Pack bedding, sheets, blankets, and pillows in large plastic bags to keep clean.

Kitchen

The kitchen contains many fragile and valuable items that require special care.

Box plates vertically with paper between each one.
Individually wrap cups, glasses, bowls in soft paper before packing in boxes.
Layer pots, pans with paper. Include lids, handles in same box.
Seal food in plastic bags or containers to transport without spilling.
Pack appliances like coffee maker after cleaning and drying fully.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms accumulate lots of miscellaneous personal, medical, and cleaning items that need organizing.

Group toiletries like makeup, shower supplies in labeled boxes.
Pack medications in a box marked “Open First” to have access immediately.
Seal leaky shampoo, soap bottles in ziplock bags before packing.
Drain all water from plumbing fixtures before transport.
Detach showerheads and wrap hoses/nozzles with plastic.

Living Room

Furniture and decor are the main components when packing living rooms:

Disassemble any modular furniture like bookshelves, entertainment centers. Label parts.
Wrap delicate decor like vases and artwork securely with bubble wrap or paper.
Pack electronics like TVs in original boxes if possible. Cover with moving blankets.
Use mattress bags for couches/chairs to protect. Deflate air from cushions.
Ensure lamps are cool before packing in boxes surrounded by soft items like clothing.

Last Minute Essentials

Pack a small “first night” bag with pajamas, toiletries, chargers, snacks, medications, basic tools, trash bags, and other essentials. This stays with you on move day.
Create a file folder with important move-related documents – real estate records, car title, birth certificates, passports, medical records, etc. Keep with you during the move.
Back up your computer files and photos to the cloud or external hard drive in case of technology issues.
Take inventory before movers arrive. Record model/serial numbers of valuables in case you need to file claims for damaged property.
Set aside cleaning supplies to sanitize your empty home before turning in keys – vacuum, broom, rags, soap, etc.

Pack Smart

Follow these expert packing tips and tricks to make the loading/unloading process quicker and safer:

Pack heavier items like books on the bottom, lighter items on top in boxes.
Position tall furniture like bookcases so they lay flat during transport.
Fill any empty space in boxes with packing paper to provide cushioning.
Tape boxes closed securely on all seams and label clearly with room location.
Do not pack flammable, corrosive, or hazardous materials – dispose properly.
Leave electronics, valuables, and important documents with you rather than in mover’s truck.
Check furniture for damage before loading – note imperfections ahead of time.
Take photos of electronics and valuables before packing in case you need to file a claim later.
Pack extension cords, power strips, and phone chargers in an easily accessible box.
Drain lawn mowers, grills, motorcycles of gasoline prior to loading day.
Fill pads of ink pens tightly with paper to avoid leaking when packed.

Choose Sturdy Moving Boxes

Investing in high-quality moving boxes is a wise decision to keep your belongings protected. Here are tips for selecting the best boxes:

Buy uniform sized boxes from a reputable moving supply store for durability.
Avoid using grocery or liquor store boxes which cannot withstand the stress of moving.
Get small, medium, large and wardrobe sizes boxes along with specialty options like dish packs.
Opt for boxes made from corrugated cardboard with a bursting test strength rating of 200lbs or higher.
Make sure box sides fold without splitting and seams remain tightly glued.
Inspect used boxes thoroughly for punctures, tears or crushed corners if reusing.
Consider investing in durable plastic bins for very heavy items like books, tools, and linens.
Grab a few extra boxes than what you think you need in case more items don’t fit.

Create a Moving Binder

A moving binder keeps important paperwork organized and in one place. Create one about a month before your move date.

Purchase a durable 1-2 inch binder along with clear sheet protectors.
Print out a checklist of steps from packing to change of address.
Add sections like “Contracts”, “Expenses”, “Inventory List”, “Contacts”.
Collect copies of signed contracts from movers, landlords, storage facilities etc.
Maintain receipts of moving expenses like boxes, rental truck, storage fees.
Keep an inventory list of all major household items and valuables.
Record contact information for utility companies and any other important contacts.
Keep binder updated and take with you during your move.

Pack an Essentials Box

Having a box clearly labeled with immediate essentials will make your first night in the new house less stressful.

Pack a first aid kit, medications, prescriptions refilled for a few weeks.
Include toilet paper, soap, towels, paper plates until you unpack kitchen items.
Pack phone chargers, laptop, umbrellas, glasses, wallet, keys, cash.
Add extra clothes like pajamas, underwear, socks to hold you over.
Include flashlights, batteries, multi-tool, pocket knife, duct tape.
Have snacks, energy bars, and bottled water available for movers/helpers.
Put basic cleaning supplies like gloves, trash bags, broom, and cleaner.
Don’t forget pet food and bowls. Also include collars with updated tags, medical records, and leashes.
Add toys, books, headphones for kids. Also chargers and extra clothes.

Use Color Coded Labels

Coding your moving boxes streamlines unpacking in your new place. Use one color label for each room.

Label kitchen boxes with green – label cookware, dishes, food, etc.
Use blue labels on bathroom boxes – mark toiletries, towels, medical supplies.
Slap yellow labels on bedroom boxes – tag clothes, sheets, decor accordingly.
Orange labels for living room boxes – tape on items like books, electronics, knick knacks.
Pink stickers on dining room boxes – dishware, linens, serving items.
Purple labels for miscellaneous boxes – use on office supplies, decorations, tools.
Red for boxes with hazardous items – cleaning products, paint, chemicals.
Mark big furniture like “Couch”, “Desk”, etc if possible.
Place color coded labels on at least 2 sides of each box.

Protect Valuables and Documents

Important documents, jewelry, collectibles, and other valuables require extra protection and care while moving. Here are some tips:

Carry cash, coins, jewelry, and small valuables yourself – do not pack.
Invest in fireproof/waterproof bag or safe to store sensitive documents and records during transit.
Back up irreplaceable computer files and photos externally in case devices get damaged.
Take high quality photos of valuables before packing as proof if you need to file an insurance claim for missing or damaged items.
Consider renting a secure, climate controlled private storage unit temporarily to store priceless heirlooms, artwork, or antiques.
Wrap delicate jewelry in soft cloth or bubble wrap and pack tightly in a small box.
Seal important envelopes like birth certificates in individual ziplock bags before packing to protect from water damage.
Encrypt laptops and external drives containing private financial/medical records and use strong passwords.
Label boxes containing hazardous materials like flammables accordingly and transport safely.

Pack Strategically A Week Before

The week before moving day, work on packing items strategically based on when you will need them:

Pack seasonal or rarely used items first like holiday decorations, sports equipment, extra linens.
Start packing books, out of season clothes, decor a few days before moving day.
The day before moving, pack your suitcases with clothes, toiletries, medications you will need immediately.
On moving day morning, load luggage you packed the night before into your vehicle.
On moving day pack remaining essentials – kitchen, bathroom, cleaning items to function for a day or two.
Carefully load TVs, computers, and other fragile electronics into your vehicle last.
Pack pet carriers, leashes, food on moving day so they are easily accessible at your new home.
Keep keys, wallet, phone, chargers, and critical documents with you during the drive and move-in.

Create an Unpacking Plan

Don’t unwind from moving day just yet – make an unpacking plan so you start off organized.

Begin unpacking your “first night essentials” – toiletries, air mattress, paper plates, water, medications, pet items.
Unpack kitchen and bathroom boxes next so you can cook meals and shower comfortably.
Tackle your bedroom boxes soon to reassemble beds and have proper clothes.
Set up electronics and WiFi quickly so you can communicate and don’t feel too disconnected.
Prioritize kids’ rooms – unpack toys, books, clothes so they feel at home.
Try to unpack alike rooms together, like all kitchen or bathroom boxes at once.
Take inventory as you unpack, checking for damages and locating valuable items.
Break down and flatten moving boxes quickly as rooms are unpacked to declutter.
Unpack slowly over time – don’t rush to unpack everything at once. Let your energy and time allow for it.
Consider keeping sentimental, rarely used items packed if you have room to store the boxes elsewhere.

Make Unpacking Easier

Follow these tips and tricks for a smoother, quicker unpacking process:

Sharpie room names on moving boxes so movers put them in the correct rooms.
Set up beds first so you have somewhere to take breaks and recover energy.
Keep scissors/box cutter handy to safely break down boxes.
Have a roll of duct tape available for any quick box repairs needed while unpacking.
Stock cleaning supplies – vacuum, duster, mop, trash bags to tidy as you unpack.
Keep phone charger and snacks nearby to boost energy levels. Drink plenty of water.
Unpack one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Take occasional short breaks to recharge – unpacking is draining!
Play upbeat music to make unpacking feel less tedious.
Review the moving binder’s inventory checklist as you unpack to ensure all items arrived.
Properly dispose of any used packing materials – recycled paper, reused boxes, bubble wrap.
Note damages or missing items immediately and notify the moving company promptly within their claims window.

Change Address and Utilities

Don’t forget to update your address and transfer utilities when moving into your new home:

Visit USPS website to submit mail forwarding request to send your mail to new address.
Update driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle registration with DMV.
Notify health insurance providers to update address in their system and transfer coverage if moving out of plan’s service area.
Contact utility companies to cancel services at your old address and activate new accounts – electricity, gas, cable/internet, trash, sewer.
Inform your bank and credit card companies about your address change. Update information on accounts.
Change address on magazine subscriptions, daily paper delivery, etc so publications arrive at new home.
Update records with doctors, dentists, optometrists, vet, pharmacy and transfer prescriptions.
Change address on your passport, Social Security records, retirement accounts.
Update your work files, tax documents, pet microchips, and loyalty program memberships.
Don’t forget to update school/childcare records and transfer files for students switching locations.
Share your new contact information with important people in your life – friends, family, colleagues.
Update insurance policies – medical, home, life, auto, etc with your new address.

Stay Organized After Your Move

After a move, it’s important to stay organized to prevent clutter and confusion in your new space:

Use a filing cabinet or storage bins to properly sort paperwork, receipts, tax documents.
Designate a spot for incoming mail, keys, sunglasses, and other items that get scattered easily.
Decide on locations for kids’ backpacks, shoes, chargers to keep the entryway clear.
Catalog your book collection on an app so you can find volumes easily.
Label shelves, baskets, and cabinets where items get stored.
Eliminate unused boxes and packaging completely after unpacking.
Set up WiFi printers/scanners to digitize documents for reduced paper clutter.
Continue donating/selling items that don’t spark joy in your new home.
Tackle leftover boxes methodically. Try to unpack 1-2 per week.
Create storage solutions in closets – shelves, bins, racks to neatly organize belongings.
Hang wall calendars, whiteboards, or chalkboards for centralizing the family schedule and appointments.
Make a home inventory list accounting for new valuables acquired in the move.
Keep cleaning supplies organized – install wall mounted broom holders, under sink caddies.

Ask for Help

Moving can be a monumental task, especially for busy families or elderly individuals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help:

Hire professional movers to handle the heavy lifting both packing and on moving day