Let’s talk about stress free moving! You’ve found your new place, signed all the paperwork, and now comes the part that makes most people groan – packing up your entire life into boxes.
I know what you’re thinking: where do I even start?
The secret to packing without losing your mind is knowing what to pack first and what to save for last.
This isn’t rocket science, but a little strategy goes a long way when you’re staring at a house full of stuff wondering how it all fit in there.
Think of packing like eating an elephant – one bite at a time.
Start with the things you barely touch and end with the items you use every single day.
This way, you’ll keep your life running smoothly right up until moving day.
Ready to get those boxes filled? Let’s dive into what should go first!
How To Pack First When Relocating?
When you start packing, go for the stuff you won’t miss in your daily life.
If you haven’t used it in the past month, it can probably go in a box now.
Hiring a local moving company? Even better! They’ll thank you for having those non-essential items already packed and labeled when they arrive.
This makes their job easier and your move more organized.
Now let’s get specific about what should go into those first boxes.
Off-Season Clothing
Those winter coats taking up closet space during summer? Pack them up! Swimming suits in December? Box them away!
When thinking about off-season clothing, I’m considering items that won’t be needed for months.
These clothes are perfect first-pack candidates because they’re just sitting there unused anyway.
To execute this efficiently, grab vacuum-seal bags to compress bulky seasonal items like coats, sweaters, and heavy blankets.
This saves tons of space and keeps everything clean until you need it again.
Don’t forget to leave out a jacket or swimsuit just in case of unexpected weather! I’ve seen too many people pack ALL their winter gear only to face a surprise cold snap.
Weather loves to play tricks right when you’re moving.
Rarely Used Kitchen Items
Your kitchen is probably filled with gadgets and appliances you barely touch.
That bread maker from three Christmases ago? The fancy china you use twice a year? The ice cream maker gathering dust? Pack them now!
Most kitchens operate on a “20% of items get 80% of use” principle.
“Have I touched this in the last month?” If the answer is no, wrap it up.
When packing these items, use plenty of bubble wrap or kitchen towels to protect breakables.
Group similar items together and clearly label each box with both the contents and which room they belong in.
Remember to keep the specialty items you might need before the move. Planning a birthday? Maybe hold onto the cake pans.
Having a dinner party? Keep a few serving platters accessible.
Home Décor and Decorative Items
Your home probably still needs to look somewhat lived-in until moving day, but most decorative items ideas can go early.
Look at your walls and shelves.
Those photos of wall collage, artwork, vases, candlesticks, and knick-knacks? They make your house pretty but aren’t necessary for daily living.
Take pictures of how your shelves and walls are arranged if you want to recreate the same look in your new place.
Then carefully wrap each item in packing paper or bubble wrap.
For framed items, I recommend wrapping them completely, then standing them upright in boxes rather than laying them flat.
This reduces the risk of breaking glass.
Fill any gaps with packing paper to prevent shifting.
Leave one or two decorative items out in each room to keep your current place feeling like home.
Complete bareness can be depressing during those last weeks!
Books, DVDs, and Collections
Books are fantastic early-packing material candidates because they’re heavy but non-essential.
The same goes for DVD collections, vinyl records, collectibles, and hobby materials you won’t use before moving the checklist.
When I think about packing books, I always remember they get heavy fast! Small boxes work best here.
Aim for boxes you can actually lift when full.
Pack books flat or with spines down to protect their bindings.
For collections, take photos before dismantling displays.
This helps you recreate your setup later.
Use plenty of padding for fragile collectibles, and consider keeping them separate from heavier items.
This is the perfect time to digitize! Consider whether you really need physical copies of all those DVDs or books.
Maybe some can be donated or sold before the move.
Extra Linens and Bedding
Most households have more sheets, towels, and bedding than they actually use between laundry days.
Keep out what you need for each bed plus a spare set, then pack the rest.
Guest room bedding, extra blankets, seasonal quilts, decorative pillows, and those “just in case” towels can all go into boxes now.
Vacuum bags work wonders here too! They’ll shrink your fluffy comforters and pillows down to a manageable size.
Otherwise, use large plastic bags to keep linens clean and protected from moisture.
Don’t pack ALL your towels.
Keep enough for everyone to shower, plus a few extras for spills or cleaning on moving day.
There’s nothing worse than finishing a sweaty day of moving with no towels to shower with!
How To Pack Last When Relocating?
Essential Kitchen Supplies
Your smart kitchen probably has a few MVP items you use daily.
The coffee maker that keeps you functioning, a couple of pots and pans, basic utensils, a knife, cutting board, and essential dishes.
These everyday heroes stay until the bitter end.
Pack them last, possibly on moving day itself.
Figure out what you absolutely need for simple meals in your final days.
One plate, bowl, cup, and set of utensils per person is usually enough.
Add in a frying pan, small pot, spatula, and maybe a baking sheet.
Create a “kitchen essentials” box and clearly mark it to unpack first at your new place.
This way, you can make coffee and simple meals right away without digging through multiple boxes.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
Toothbrush, toothpaste, shower supplies, medications, contact lenses, deodorant – these stay with you until the very end.
You need these items every day, often multiple times a day.
When thinking about toiletries, I separate them into two categories: daily essentials and everything else.
Hair styling products you use occasionally? Pack them earlier. Your prescription medications? Those stay accessible.
For the final pack, get a toiletry bag for each family member.
Include just enough supplies to get through moving day and your first day or two in the new place.
The rest can go in a clearly marked box.
Remember to keep important medications in your personal bag, not in moving boxes! This ensures they don’t get lost or buried when you most need them.
Important Documents and Valuables
Some things should never go in a moving truck at all.
Vital documents, jewelry, family heirlooms, and other valuables should travel with you personally.
These items include birth certificates, passports, financial documents, insurance policies, school records, and medical information.
Also include cash, checkbooks, credit cards, and small valuables.
Gather these items in a dedicated folder or box well before moving day, but don’t pack them with your household goods.
Instead, keep them with you in your personal vehicle or carry-on bag.
You know exactly where your most important items are, and you protect them from potential loss or theft during the moving process.
Everyday Electronics
Your phone, laptop, tablet, chargers – these electronic necessities are practically extensions of ourselves these days.
They’ll be among the last items you pack.
If possible, pack electronics in their original boxes with their original padding.
If you don’t have those anymore, wrap each item in bubble wrap and pack in a sturdy box with plenty of cushioning.
Don’t forget related items like keyboards, mice, headphones, remotes, and especially charging cables.
Pack cords neatly using twist ties or cable organizers to prevent a tangled mess when unpacking.
Take photos of how your devices are connected before unplugging everything.
This makes setting up your TV, gaming system, or computer much easier in your new place.
Cleaning Supplies and First-Day Essentials Box
The very last items to pack should be cleaning supplies for your final clean-up and a special “first day” box with essentials for your arrival.
For cleaning, keep out basic supplies: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, a few rags, paper towels, and trash bags.
You’ll need these for the final wipe-down after everything else is packed.
Your first-day essentials box is your survival kit for those first chaotic hours in your new home.
Include toilet paper, hand soap, shower curtain, towels, bed sheets, basic tools, snacks, water bottles, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
This magical box should be clearly labeled and loaded last so it’s the first thing off the truck.
You might even want to transport it in your personal vehicle to ensure it doesn’t get buried.
Add a small toolkit to your essentials box.
You’ll inevitably need to assemble furniture or hang something right away, and hunting for tools in packed boxes is no fun at all.
Conclusion
Packing doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you tackle it in the right order.
Start with the stuff that’s just taking up space and work your way toward the daily necessities.
Remember that the goal isn’t just to get everything into boxes – it’s to make both your current life and your new beginning as smooth as possible.
By packing strategically, you can maintain your regular routines right up until moving day while setting yourself up for an easier unpacking process.
The magic happens in the planning. Sort out what you need versus what you don’t, pack room by room, and always label your boxes clearly. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re looking for the coffee maker at 6 AM in your new kitchen!
Happy packing, and even happier unpacking in your new home! With these tips, you’re already ahead of the game.
