You’ll never finish anything you don’t start. Easier said than done when it comes to packing up an entire house. The thought of putting your life into boxes doesn’t necessarily send warm vibes through your body, but with the right plan it becomes a lot less overwhelming.
Too many people just go in guns a blazing when it comes to packing. Throwing random things into random boxes with the thought “I’ll figure it out when I get to the new place”. That plan, or lack thereof, couldn’t be less efficient and will surely add to the headache of unpacking later on. So where do you start?
Make a List
Sit down with the people you will be moving with whether it be roommates or your family. Together, make a list of what you consider to be the essentials. These are everyday needs that you can’t go more than a day or two without. Ideally, this will be a short list, if you have older kids you may have to convince them that 5 pairs of shoes or their skateboard repair kit aren’t essentials, lol. These will be the items that are packed last and unloaded first.
Go Room by Room
Next, go to each room and make a list of the contents, this will help in organizing your new place and making sure you have everything. Store this list with other pertinent moving documents such as your new lease, closing paperwork, and moving agreement.
Declutter
Let’s face it, most of us have a bunch of stuff we don’t use or need. The weeks leading up to a move is a great time to get rid of an old wardrobe, clean out the junk drawer, and donate unwanted furniture. Moving can be costly, so the less you have to pack and move, the less you spend on useless items.
Pack a Bag
Have each person in the house pack enough clothes to last for a few days. The last thing you want to be doing is digging through boxes just to find a pair of socks on moving day. Along with clothes, set aside towels, washcloths and some travel size soaps and deodorant so everyone can stay clean before the bathroom box is unpacked.
Start Where You Want to Finish
When you’re ready to start packing up boxes, start with the things you want to unload last at the new home. Decide what you can live without for a week or so, rarely used items or decorations that won’t be immediately needed. A quick way to decide is if you’re torn about how often you use something, you don’t use it that often, there shouldn’t be a question on what is essential.
Stage a Room for Quick Loading
When the movers arrive, you want it to be as simple as possible to get things loaded. Arrange boxes in each room with the heaviest and largest boxes closest to the door and smaller ones in the back. Let your movers know you’ve done this so they can load accordingly.
With so many details needing your attention and so much planning to be done, where to start can be an elusive thought. Use our guide and get off on the right foot so that you’re able to land on both feet in your new home.