What to Pack First When Moving: A Smart Guide to Starting Your Move Right
Okay, let's get right to it - if you're staring down a move, the big question is usually what to pack first when moving, and honestly, figuring out how to start packing to move can feel like half the battle. If just thinking about it makes your palms sweat, believe me, you're in good company. I’m Jason Walker, and here at National Movers, we've guided countless folks through this very challenge.
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Written by: National Movers Team
NationalMovers team provides expert insights, mover comparisons, and practical resources to help you make informed moving decisions. Whether you need company reviews, relocation tips, or expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Read more
Reviewed by: Jason Walker
Jason Walker is a moving expert with personal and professional experience, sharing tips, guides, and reviews to make your relocation stress-free. Read more
Last Update: 06/15/2025
My own life has felt like a masterclass in relocating, kicking off when I was just a ten-year-old kid. Dad, an engineer, got a new job, and boom- we went from the laid-back charm of Savannah, Georgia, to the non-stop energy of Chicago, a major transition that many planning a long-distance move can relate to when figuring out the cheapest way to move cross-country.
That move? It was a real eye-opener to the whole shebang: the mountains of boxes, the Tetris game of loading the truck, and that mix of excitement and “what have we done?” jitters when you land in a new place. It lit a fire in me, a real curiosity about how to make this mammoth task just a bit more manageable.
Fast forward a few years, and we were at it again, this time trading Chicago’s skyline for Austin, Texas, where my mom dove headfirst into her dream of opening a family restaurant. Every move was a crash course in logistics, rolling with the punches, and understanding just how vital good information is when you’re uprooting your life. And then there’s my sister, Megan. Talk about a moving veteran!
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She’s a busy photographer and a mom to four, and I swear she’s moved at least ten times in the past five years, always on the hunt for new inspiration or the next great opportunity.
Watching her navigate the chaos, especially the hunt for dependable movers, really hammered home for me how much people need solid advice and reliable resources. You know, it’s one thing to go through a move yourself, but seeing someone you care about tackle that stress really shines a spotlight on the tough parts.
And that, right there, is what this whole article is about. You’re probably thinking, “Alright, Jason, I get it, moving’s tough. But seriously, where do I begin?” It’s the ultimate question, isn’t it?
The good news is, the answer isn’t as complicated as you might fear, but it definitely needs a solid plan – think of it as your GPS for the entire moving journey. And that very first turn, the one that dictates how the rest of the trip goes, is nailing down what to pack first.
Get that initial step right, and you’re already cruising towards a significantly smoother, less frazzled experience. So, pour yourself a cup of something comforting, get comfy, and let’s walk through this together.
Just to quickly recap the big ideas for your packing journey:
- Declutter Before You Do Anything Else: Less stuff = less stress, less work, and lower costs.
- Start Early (4-6 Weeks Out): Begin with the least-used items – out-of-season things, deep storage, holiday decor.
- Week 3: Non-Essential Rooms & Extras: Tackle guest rooms, most books, hobby supplies, and general decor.
- Week 2: Downsize Regular Use Items: Carefully pack most clothes, kitchen items (leaving essentials), and pantry goods.
- Week 1: Essentials & Final Touches: Pack remaining items, leaving out only what you need for the last few days and your “Essentials Box.”
- “Essentials Box” is Your Lifeline: Pack this with everything you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home and for the journey itself. Keep it with you!
- Label Everything Clearly: Contents and destination room on every box. You can’t over-label.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Whether it’s from friends or professionals found via National Movers.
The Cardinal Rules: Declutter Relentlessly & Least Used Goes First
Before we even talk about taping up a single box, we need to get two things straight. These are my golden rules, the ones I preach to anyone who will listen, including my sister Megan every time she calls with news of another move. Honestly, sometimes I think she just calls to hear me say them again for reassurance!
First: Declutter. Relentlessly. I mean it. Think of it as spring cleaning on steroids, but with a much bigger payoff. Every item you get rid of now is one less thing to pack, one less thing to load, one less thing to pay to move (you can see the financial impact with a moving cost calculator), and one less thing to unpack and find a place for in your new home. Honestly, it’s liberating!
When we moved from Chicago to Austin, my mom was ruthless with decluttering. We had so much less to move into our new place, and it made settling into the Texas heat that much easier because we weren’t tripping over stuff we didn’t truly need.
I remember her saying, “If we haven’t used it since the snow melted in Illinois, it’s not coming to the Texas sun!” So, be strong. Donate what’s still good, sell what has value, and toss what’s truly junk. For those on a very tight budget, every dollar saved is critical, and there are even strategies for how to move with no money. Your future self will thank you.
Second: Least Used Goes First. This is the bedrock of any smart packing strategy. The items you only touch once in a blue moon, the things you won’t miss in the weeks leading up to your move? Those are your prime candidates for early packing.
This logic underpins the whole order to pack when moving. It just makes sense, right? Why keep your entire collection of holiday-themed sweaters accessible in July? Or those “special occasion” dishes that haven’t seen the light of day in three years? Pack ’em up!
General Tips for Early Packing Success
Okay, so we’ve got our mindset right: declutter and tackle the least-used items. But before you dive headfirst into a mountain of boxes, let’s cover a few general tips that’ll make your early packing efforts much smoother. Think of this as your pre-game warm-up, like stretching before a big run. It prevents injuries – or in this case, major packing headaches.
- Gather Your Arsenal (aka Packing Supplies): Don’t wait until the last minute to scramble for supplies. Get more boxes than you think you need – and knowing how to find free moving boxes can be a huge help. Stock up on good quality packing tape (seriously, don’t skimp here, cheap tape is a nightmare and will have you re-taping boxes in the moving truck – been there, done that), permanent markers, bubble wrap, and packing paper. My first job out of college was in freight logistics in Houston, and I learned quickly that the right materials make all the difference between items arriving safely or in pieces. It’s like trying to build a sturdy house with flimsy wood; it just won’t hold up.
- Create a “Packing Station”: Designate a corner, a spare room, or even part of your garage as your official packing zone. This is where supplies live and where packed boxes can accumulate without being constantly in your way. Keeping it contained helps keep the rest of the house feeling a bit more normal for a bit longer.
- Label Like Your Sanity Depends On It (Because It Kinda Does): This is non-negotiable. We have a whole guide on how to label moving boxes the right way, because it’s that important. Every single box needs a clear label with: Its general contents (e.g., “Guest Room Linens,” “Decorative Vases”). The room it’s destined for in your new home (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Master Bedroom”). “FRAGILE” in big, bold letters if it contains delicate items. You think you’ll remember what’s in that nondescript brown box? Trust me, by box number 37, it’s all a blur. Your brain will be fried from decision fatigue.
- Don’t Play Weightlifter: It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into one box to “save” boxes. Bad idea. You’ll end up with boxes that are too heavy to lift safely, or worse, the bottom will give out. Keep them manageable. Books are notoriously heavy, so use smaller boxes (often called “book boxes”) for those. Your back will thank you, and so will your movers if you’re hiring them.
- Room by Room… Mostly: While our main focus here is what to pack first based on usage, it’s generally a good idea to try and pack up one room (or sections of a room) at a time. This helps maintain some order amidst the chaos and makes it easier to see progress.
- The Inventory List – Your Secret Weapon: For bigger moves, or if you’re just super organized (like my logistics-minded self!), an inventory list can be a lifesaver. Number your boxes and keep a corresponding list (on your phone, a spreadsheet, or in a notebook) detailing the key items in each. It makes finding things later so much easier, especially if a box goes astray or you need something specific before everything is unpacked.
- Protect the Precious: For valuables like jewelry, important documents, or irreplaceable sentimental items, decide if they’ll be packed and moved with the household goods (insured, of course!), if you’ll transport them personally, or if you want to explore the cheapest ways to ship boxes separately. I always tell people, if it’s truly irreplaceable, keep it with you.
- The “Do Not Pack” Pile: There are certain things movers generally won’t (or shouldn’t) transport, like hazardous materials (paints, chemicals, aerosols, propane tanks), perishable food, and plants. Familiarize yourself with a full list of items movers won’t move to avoid any surprises. And then there are things you don’t want them to pack – your personal “essentials” box, medications, critical documents. Keep these separate and clearly marked.
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With these general guidelines in mind, you’re ready to actually start putting things in boxes. So, let’s break it down week by week. Imagine your move is about a month away. What should you be doing?
Week 4 Before Moving - Start With the Least-Used Items
Alright, we’re about four weeks out from M-Day (Moving Day!). The pressure might be starting to creep in, but don’t you worry, we’ve got a plan.
This is prime time to tackle those items that, if we’re being honest, you probably forgot you even owned. Remember our golden rule? Least used goes first! This is all about getting a head start and feeling that sweet, sweet sense of accomplishment early on.
Tips
- Be Ruthless (Again!): As you touch these items, ask yourself one last time: “Do I really need this?” This is your last good chance to declutter this category of belongings. Don’t pay to move things you don’t love or use.
- Proper Protection is Key: For fragile items like glassware, china, or delicate decorations, use plenty of packing paper (use it to cushion and wrap individual items), bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes. Fill empty spaces in boxes with paper or foam peanuts to prevent shifting. Remember my logistics background? Proper packing prevents breakage. It’s as simple as that.
- Label Clearly and Specifically: Don’t just write “Decorations.” Be more specific: “Christmas Ornaments – Living Room Display,” or “Grandma’s China – Dining Room Hutch.” This will be a huge help when unpacking.
- Photo Documentation: For artwork or complex decorative setups (like a gallery wall), take a quick photo before you disassemble and pack. It can help you remember how you want to set it up in your new home. My sister Megan, the photographer, swears by this for her gallery walls.
- Stack Smart: Store these early-packed boxes in your designated packing zone. If you have to stack them, put heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Make sure they’re out of the main traffic flow of your house.
I remember when my mom was packing up her special occasion dinnerware for the move to Austin. She’d inherited it from her mother, and each piece told a story. Packing those took time and care, but doing it early meant she wasn’t rushed and could ensure everything was secure. It also meant one less emotional task during the more hectic final weeks.
Week 3 Before Moving - Focus on Non-Essential Rooms and Extras
Okay, three weeks to go! You should be feeling a little bit of momentum from last week’s efforts. The house might be looking a tad bare in spots, but that’s a good sign! This week, we continue to chip away at the non-essentials, focusing on items in rooms you don’t use daily, and those “extra” things that fill our homes.
Tips
- Paperwork Purge: Seriously, take the time to go through file cabinets and drawers. Shred sensitive documents you don’t need. Digitize what you can. Paper is heavy and takes up space.
- Group Like with Like: Try to pack similar items together. All the office supplies in one or two boxes, all the craft items together. It makes unpacking and organizing in the new place much more logical.
- Don’t Forget Closet Contents: As you tackle rooms like the office or spare bedrooms, remember to empty out their closets too. Those are often hiding spots for things that fall squarely into the “non-essential” category.
- Keep Track: If you started an inventory list, keep adding to it. Future you will be grateful. And if you’re looking for specific items related to what should i pack first when moving, these less-frequently-used categories are your answer.
This stage is about making significant dents in the volume of stuff to be moved. The more you can get boxed up now, the less frantic the last two weeks will be. Imagine it like thinning out a dense forest; you’re creating pathways and making the remaining task less daunting.
Week 2 Before Moving - Downsize and Box Up Regular Use Items (But Not Essentials!)
We’re hitting the two-week mark! Can you feel it? The move is getting real. Now, our focus shifts a bit. We’re going to start carefully packing items you use more regularly, but not the absolute daily essentials.
The goal here is to significantly reduce what’s left, making the final week much more about managing the last bits and pieces rather than facing a mountain of packing. Your home will definitely start to look and feel like you’re moving – and that’s okay! It’s progress.
Tips
- The Great Food Eat-Down: Get serious about using up food in your freezer, fridge, and pantry. Make a game of it! Creative meals can come from this challenge. My wife is a champion at this – she hates wasting food.
- Kitchen Box Specificity: Label kitchen boxes VERY specifically. “Everyday Dishes – Mugs & Bowls,” “Pots & Pans – Sauté Pan & Stock Pot,” “Small Appliances – Blender & Toaster.” The kitchen is often the first room people want to get functional in a new home, and good labeling is a marriage-saver, trust me.
- “Open First” Kitchen Box: As you pack the kitchen, start a clearly labeled “Open First” or “Essentials” box for the kitchen. This should contain: a coffee maker and coffee/tea, mugs, a dishtowel, dish soap, a sponge, paper towels, a few essential utensils, a can opener, and maybe some instant oatmeal or granola bars. This box will be your best friend on moving day and the first morning in your new place.
- Living Minimally: Embrace the slightly spartan lifestyle for a couple of weeks. It’s temporary, and it’s all part of the process. I remember during one of our family moves, we ate off paper plates for the last week. It wasn’t glamorous, but it made packing and unpacking the kitchen so much easier. It’s a small price to pay for reduced stress.
This is the week where you’ll see the biggest visual impact of your packing. It’s motivating! But also, be kind to yourself. It can feel a bit disruptive. Keep your eye on the prize: a well-organized move.
Week 1 Before Moving - Essentials and Final Touches
This is it – the final countdown! One week to go. If you’ve been following along, a huge chunk of your packing should already be done. Phew! This week is all about packing the remaining items you’ve been using, putting together your crucial “Moving Day Kit,” and handling those last-minute details. Stress levels can be high, but all that early effort is about to really pay off.
What to Keep Out Until Moving Day
These are the absolute essentials you’ll need right up until the truck is loaded, and immediately upon arrival at your new home.
- Your “Essentials Box” or “Open First Box” (for the whole house, not just kitchen): More on this below, but it’s crucial.
- Toiletries for the Last Few Days/Moving Morning: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo.
- Medications: All prescription and essential over-the-counter medications.
- Important Documents: Moving contract, new lease/deed, personal identification, insurance papers. While gathering these, it’s also the perfect time to work on your change of mailing address checklist to ensure nothing gets lost in the transition. Keep these in a specific, secure folder or binder.
- Cleaning Supplies for the Final Clean-Up: You’ll want to leave your old place clean. Keep out some all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, trash bags, and maybe a vacuum or broom until the very end.
- Phone Chargers: A dead phone on moving day is a special kind of panic.
- Basic Tool Kit: Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead), pliers, box cutter, small hammer. Invaluable for last-minute tasks and first setups.
- Snacks and Water for Moving Day: Trust me, you’ll be glad you have them.
This week is about tying up loose ends. Confirm times with your movers from National Movers (or whoever you’ve chosen from our directory!). Double-check travel arrangements. It’s busy, but because you started early, it’s manageable.
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932-465-6888Moving Day - Essentials Only
It’s here! The day of the big shuffle. All that planning and packing culminates today. Your main job today (if you’ve hired movers) is to oversee things, answer questions, and take care of your personal essentials. And once the job is done, many people wonder how much to tip movers for their hard work. If you’re doing a DIY move, well, it’s go-time for heavy lifting! Regardless, what you bring with you personally is key.
What to Bring With You (Essentials Box/Bag)
This isn’t just one box; it might be a couple of boxes, a suitcase, and a cooler. These items do not go on the moving truck. They stay with you in your car or on the plane.
- Personal Hygiene Kit: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, any other can’t-live-without toiletries for everyone in the family. Enough for a couple of days.
- Change of Clothes: At least one full change of clothes for everyone, plus pajamas. After a long moving day, fresh clothes are a little slice of heaven.
- Medications and Basic First-Aid Kit: All prescription meds, pain relievers (you might need them!), bandages, antiseptic wipes.
- Important Documents & Valuables: Moving paperwork, new house keys, IDs, passports, credit cards, cash, any valuable jewelry or small electronics you didn’t want on the truck. My dad always had a special briefcase for this during our moves.
- Phones and Chargers: Absolutely essential.
- Wallet, Keys (Old and New!): Don’t pack your car keys or the keys to your old place until you’ve officially handed them over!
- Snacks and Water Bottles: Moving day is a marathon. Stay hydrated and keep your energy up. Granola bars, fruit, nuts are all good choices.
- Comfort Items for Kids (And Adults!): A favorite teddy bear, a special blanket, a book. Moving can be unsettling for children, so familiar items are important. And hey, adults need comfort too! My wife always needs her favorite travel pillow.
- Pet Essentials: Food, water, bowls, leash, collar with tags, waste bags, any medications, a pet carrier, and a favorite toy or bed for your furry family members. Moving is stressful for them too.
- Basic Tool Kit: Even if you packed one with the household goods, having a small one with you is smart for immediate needs.
- Cleaning Supplies (Small Kit): Paper towels, a roll of toilet paper (never assume there will be some at the new place!), hand soap, trash bags.
- Bedding for the First Night: Sheets, blankets, and pillows for each bed you plan to use on night one. This is often the first thing people want to set up.
- Shower Curtain and Towels for the First Shower: If you know you’ll want a shower ASAP, having these handy is a game-changer.
Think about what you would need if the moving truck was delayed by a day or two. That’s what goes in your personal load.
What to Pack Last When Moving
So, just to recap, what should be absolutely the very last things you pack up before you walk out the door of your old home for the final time? It’s pretty much the contents of that “Essentials Box” we just detailed, plus a few other immediate items.
- Your “Essentials Box” or “Open First Box(es)”: This is truly your lifeline. It should contain everything you need for the first 24 hours in your new home. Coffee maker, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, basic tools, phone chargers, important papers, pet food, kid’s comfort items. Label it clearly and make sure it’s loaded last on the truck so it’s unloaded first, or even better, take it in your car. Having this box ready is a key part of any moving into a new house checklist.
- Bedding and Towels Currently in Use: The sheets and blankets from your bed, the towel you used that morning. These can go into a designated, clearly marked box or duffel bag.
- Final Cleaning Supplies: The vacuum, broom, cleaning sprays, and trash bags you use for that last sweep of your empty old home.
- Personal Items for the Journey: Snacks, drinks, entertainment for the car or plane.
- Your Purse, Wallet, Keys, Phone: Obvious, but you’d be surprised what can get misplaced in the moving day frenzy!
Essentially, if you anticipate needing it within hours of arriving at your new place, or during the journey itself, it gets packed last and kept accessible. My sister Megan once accidentally packed her car keys in a box that went on the moving truck for a cross-country move. Let’s just say it was a memorable (and expensive) lesson in what not to pack away!
Bonus Tips for Stress-Free Packing
Even with the best timeline, packing can get a little hairy. Here are a few extra pearls of wisdom from my years in logistics, marketing for moving companies, and, of course, personal experience. You can find more of these in our overarching guide of moving and packing tips.
- Snap a Pic: Before you unplug complex electronic setups (TV, computer, stereo), take a quick photo of the back so you know where all those wires go. It’ll save you a headache later.
- See-Through Bins for Essentials: For things like your “Open First” kitchen supplies or the kids’ immediate toys, consider using clear plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. You can see what’s inside at a glance.
- Cooler Strategy: Pack a cooler with drinks and easy-to-eat snacks for moving day. Keep it accessible in your car. This was a lifesaver when we moved to Austin in the middle of summer!
- Hardware Hero: When disassembling furniture, put all screws, bolts, and small parts into a ziplock bag. Label the bag clearly (e.g., “Screws for Master Bed Frame”) and tape it securely to the largest piece of the furniture. Don’t just toss them all in one “parts” box – you’ll regret it.
- Confirm, Confirm, Confirm: A few days before the move, reconfirm all arrangements with your moving company (you can find great options through National Movers!). Date, time, addresses, any special instructions.
- Sleep On It (If You Can!): Try to get a decent night’s sleep before moving day. Easier said than done, I know, but being well-rested makes a huge difference in how you handle the day’s inevitable little curveballs.
- Embrace the Imperfection: Something might not go exactly to plan. A box might get mislabeled. You might forget to pack the can opener (hence why it’s on the “Open First” list!). It’s okay. Deep breaths. Most moving mishaps are solvable.
- Remember the “Why”: When things get overwhelming, take a moment to remember why you’re moving. A new job? A bigger home for a growing family? A new adventure? Focusing on the positive outcome can help you push through the tough spots. My parents always reminded us of the exciting new things waiting for us in Chicago and then Austin, and it really helped.
Whew! That was a lot, wasn’t it? But here’s the thing: figuring out what to pack first when moving and having a solid order to pack when moving isn’t just about being organized; it’s about taking control of a process that can often feel incredibly out of control. Starting early, decluttering like a champ, and strategically packing your belongings week by week will genuinely reduce your stress levels and make the entire transition smoother.
I’ve seen it countless times, both in my own life – from those early moves with my folks to navigating my own family’s relocations with my wife, two sons, and our Lab, Max – and in helping countless others through my work, first in logistics and now here at National Movers. A little bit of planning goes an incredibly long way. You’re not just moving boxes; you’re moving your life. And that deserves a thoughtful approach.
So, take these tips, adapt them to your own situation, and remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s enlisting friends and family or finding reliable professional help through resources like National Movers, support is out there. I know firsthand how challenging moving can be, but with the right advice and support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s make your next move your best one yet!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Early Packing
In what order should I start packing for a move?
You should always start with the items you use the least. Think about it this way: what can you live without for the next month or so? This typically includes out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, items in deep storage (attic, basement, back of the garage), guest room contents, and decorative pieces you won’t miss right away. From there, you gradually work your way towards items you use more frequently, saving daily essentials for the very last. This is the fundamental order to pack when moving.
What should I pack for moving house first?
The very first things you should pack are those items stored away that you rarely, if ever, lay eyes on. This means digging into your attic, basement, garage, or storage closets. Pack up old memorabilia you’ve decided to keep, out-of-season gear (like ski equipment in summer or beach gear in winter), and any purely decorative items that aren’t central to your daily living. Getting these out of the way early creates space and a sense of accomplishment. This addresses what should i pack first when moving directly.
What is the hardest room to pack when moving?
Honestly, most people would say the kitchen. It’s often packed (pun intended!) with a huge variety of items – many of them fragile, oddly shaped, or greasy. You’ve got delicate glasses, bulky pots and pans, sharp knives, tons of small utensils, and all those small appliances. Plus, you use it every day, so figuring out when to pack what can be tricky. Garages and basements can also be challenging because they often become dumping grounds for things we’re not sure what to do with, meaning there’s a lot of decision-making and decluttering involved before packing can even begin. I remember helping my mom pack the kitchen of her restaurant before one of its relocations – talk about a challenge! So many specialized tools and mountains of dishes.
How far in advance should I start packing?
Ideally, you should start the packing process 4 to 6 weeks before your moving day, especially if you live in a larger home or have a lot of belongings. For very large homes or if your time is extremely limited on a daily basis, even 8 weeks isn’t too soon to begin decluttering and packing the very least-used items. Starting early allows you to declutter thoroughly, pack at a comfortable pace, and avoid that last-minute panic that leads to haphazardly throwing things into boxes.
What items should be packed last?
The items to be packed last are those you’ll need right up until moving day and immediately upon arrival at your new home. This includes your “Essentials Box” (containing toiletries, medications, a change of clothes for everyone, important documents, phone chargers, basic tools, snacks, coffee maker), any cleaning supplies you’ll use for the final clean of your old home, and the bedding/towels you’ll use on moving morning.
Can I hire movers to help with packing?
Absolutely! Many professional moving companies offer full or partial packing services. This can be an incredible time and stress saver, especially if you’re on a tight timeline, have a very large home, or simply don’t enjoy packing (who does, really?). Here at National Movers, our directory includes many reputable companies that offer excellent packing services. You can often customize it too – maybe you pack the non-breakables and they handle the kitchen and fragile items.
What if I have less than 6-8 weeks to move? How do I adapt this timeline?
If you have a shorter timeframe, you’ll need to condense the packing schedule significantly. The key is to be even more ruthless with decluttering first – don’t waste time packing things you don’t need. Then, you’ll have to pack by category (least used to most used) but do it much more rapidly. This might mean dedicating entire evenings or full weekend days to packing. Don’t be shy about asking for help from friends and family, or seriously consider hiring professional packers, even for just a portion of the job. Every little bit helps!
How do I keep track of what's in boxes packed so far in advance?
Detailed labeling is your best friend! On each box, write the general contents (e.g., “Winter Sweaters,” “Board Games”) and the destination room in your new home (e.g., “Master Closet,” “Family Room”). For extra thoroughness, especially for boxes packed weeks in advance, number your boxes and keep a corresponding inventory list. This can be a simple notebook or a spreadsheet, detailing the key contents of each numbered box. It feels like extra work, but if you need to find something specific before you’re fully unpacked, it’s a lifesaver.
Where should I store these early-packed boxes?
Designate a specific area in your home that’s out of the way. This could be a spare bedroom, a corner of your basement (as long as it’s dry and pest-free), along the wall of a less-used dining room, or a section of your garage. Try to keep them out of high-traffic areas to avoid creating tripping hazards or constantly having to move them. Stacking them neatly also helps save space.
What are the most crucial packing supplies I need for these early stages?
For the early stages, you’ll definitely need:
- Sturdy boxes in various sizes: Small ones for heavy items (books), medium for general items, and large for lighter, bulky things (linens, pillows).
- Strong packing tape: Don’t go cheap on tape! You’ll need plenty.
- Permanent markers: For labeling every box. Get a multi-pack.
- Packing paper or plain newsprint: For wrapping fragile items and filling gaps in boxes. Avoid using printed newspaper for wrapping delicate items directly as the ink can transfer.
- Bubble wrap: For extra protection for very fragile items.
- A good box cutter or utility knife: For opening boxes of supplies or breaking down unneeded boxes.
- Trash bags: For decluttering as you go.
You can often find good quality supplies at moving company offices, hardware stores, or office supply stores. Sometimes you can even score free boxes from grocery stores or liquor stores, but make sure they’re clean and sturdy.