How to Pack for a Move – The Ultimate Guide

When I say “timeline,” I’m talking about a simple calendar or checklist. Think of it as your saving grace that keeps you from packing your coffee maker the night before you actually need a caffeine boost.

• Work Backwards: Start from your moving day and plot out key tasks in reverse. Maybe you give yourself two weeks for packing the kitchen, a week for the bedroom, and so on.
• Block Out Busy Days: If you have a jam-packed work schedule or your kids have recitals, set aside separate pockets of time so you’re not cramming everything last minute.
• Stay Flexible: Life happens. Pad in a day or two for unexpected roadblocks – like that closet you forgot you stuffed with clothes from college.

I’ll never forget the time I found an entire box of old electronic cables in the garage when I was moving out of Austin. Most of those cables weren’t even compatible with modern gadgets. Yet there they sat, collecting dust.

• Sorting Party: Go through your home – room by room – and separate items into piles: keep, donate, or toss.
• Be Ruthless: If you haven’t used something in over a year, ask yourself why it’s still there. Think about whether it’s worth the space in the new place.
• Consider Donations: Local charities, thrift stores, or even your neighbor might appreciate the items you no longer need.

Your inventory doesn’t have to be a novel; just a simple document (digital or handwritten) that lists all your major belongings and how many boxes you’re using.

• Categorize by Room: Keep it neat by sorting items based on where they belong: kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc.
• Note Fragile Items: Mark them specifically so you remember what needs extra attention.
• Use Tools if You Want: Some people like spreadsheet apps like Google Sheets. Others keep it old-school with pen and paper. The key is consistency.

Let’s be real: the kitchen can be a beast. Dishes, appliances, utensils – you’ve got a lot of odd shapes in there.

• Purge the Pantry: Throw out expired goods. Donate unopened items you won’t use. This also lightens your load.
• Wrap Breakables: Plates can be stacked vertically with bubble wrap between them to reduce pressure. Glasses get an extra layer of paper around each one.
• Appliances: If you still have the original boxes for microwaves, blenders, and such, that’s perfect. If not, choose a box that’s snug but leaves room for padding.
• Label Carefully: Write “Kitchen – Fragile” in giant letters if you have breakables. Don’t hold back.

Bedrooms can be straightforward, but they can also become chaotic if you have a ton of clothes or large furniture.

• Clothes Sorting: If you haven’t already decluttered, now’s your chance. Pack off-season clothes first.
• Wardrobe Boxes: These tall boxes come with a bar across the top so you can hang your clothes. They’re a bit more expensive, but they save time on ironing later.
• Bedding: Compress sheets, blankets, and pillows in vacuum-sealed bags, or use them as extra padding for fragile items.
• Jewelry and Valuables: Keep them separate and labeled. If possible, transport them yourself rather than on the moving truck.

Your living room is often full of electronics, décor, and furniture with sentimental value.

• Electronics: Take photos of the wiring setup so you know how to reconnect everything. Store cords in labeled plastic bags taped to the device if possible.
• TVs and Screens: Keep the original box if you have it. If not, get a specialized TV box or wrap it in plenty of bubble wrap with cardboard corners.
• Decor and Fragile Items: Wrap each piece carefully. Mirrors should be packed upright, never flat, to minimize stress on the glass.

Bathrooms are small, but they’re full of potential messes. One leaky bottle of shampoo can ruin your day.

• Liquids: Check for leaks. Place shampoos, lotions, and other fluids in plastic bags before boxing them.
• Medicine Cabinet: Dispose of expired meds properly. (Many pharmacies have a drop-off for safe disposal.)
• Towels and Mats: Use them to wrap or cushion fragile items. They’re like free packing material.

Ah, the land of random stuff: power tools, holiday decorations, old files, maybe an ancient treadmill.

• Tools: Drain any fuel from lawnmowers or machinery. Tape up sharp edges to keep them from poking through boxes.
• Heavy Equipment: If it’s large or awkward, consider disassembling it. Keep screws and parts in labeled bags.
• Seasonal Items: Group holiday decorations or sports gear together so you know where to find them next year.

It might feel excessive, but clear labeling is your best friend.

• Include Room and Contents: “Master Bedroom – Clothes” or “Kitchen – Pots and Pans.” This helps movers know where to set things down when you arrive.
• Color-Code If You Can: Sometimes I use colored stickers: green for kitchen, blue for bedroom, etc. It’s an instant visual clue.
• Fragile Indicators: Don’t be shy about writing “FRAGILE” in big letters wherever needed.

This might be my favorite tip, and I owe it to my sister Megan. She once had to dig through boxes at 2 a.m. looking for her kid’s pajamas. Not fun.

• What Goes Inside: Toiletries, a few changes of clothes, important documents, phone chargers, snacks, and anything else you’ll need right away.
• Keep It Separate: This box should ride with you in your car if possible. You don’t want it buried in a truck.

I still remember my wife’s teary face when we unpacked a shattered wedding photo frame. Now, I’m extra cautious with fragile stuff.

• Use Plenty of Cushioning: Bubble wrap, crumpled packing paper, or foam peanuts. If something can shift in the box, it’s at risk.
• Double-Box Method: For very delicate items, place them in a smaller box with padding, then put that box inside a bigger box with more padding.
• Handle With Care: When in doubt, mark it “fragile” and make sure you or the movers place it on top.

Overpacking boxes is a recipe for pulled muscles and cardboard blowouts.

• Stay Under 50 Pounds: That’s an easy rule of thumb. If you can’t comfortably lift it, remove a few items.
• Even Weight Distribution: Try balancing heavier items (like books) with lighter materials (like pillows) so boxes aren’t too heavy on one side.
• Reinforce the Bottom: If you suspect a box might be heavier, add an extra layer of tape along the seams.

Remember how I mentioned reusing items you already have? Towels, blankets, and even T-shirts can cushion fragile goods. For me, this approach is a money-saver, plus it ensures I’m not scrambling to find extra bubble wrap.

• Group by Room: Keep boxes from the same room in clusters. This helps the movers load and unload faster.
• Clear Pathways: Make sure your hallways and doorways are free of tripping hazards so boxes can be moved quickly and safely.
• Stack Wisely: Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter boxes on top.

• Medication: Any prescription drugs you might need, keep them handy.
• Valuables and Documents: Passport, birth certificate, wills – stuff you really don’t want lost in the move.
• Overnight Bag: Keep clothes and toiletries for a couple of days. You never know if there might be a delay.

• Check with Your Movers: A quick call or email to confirm arrival times and addresses can save headaches.
• Parking and Access: Make sure there’s space for the truck to park. Notify neighbors if needed.
• Payment Arrangements: Some moving companies want payment upon delivery. Know what your company’s policy is.