Get organized
Start by getting together all the moving essentials. Gather things like boxes, packing tape and markers. You may also consider getting a dolly, rope and other packing supplies like bubble wrap, packing peanuts or newspapers for delicate items.
This is also a great time to organize all your important documents. Put them in a fire-safe box, and store them in a place with easy access so you can retrieve them if needed. Here are some documents to include:
- School records
- Home purchase/sale papers
- Marriage/divorce papers
- Pet documents
- Financial records
- Stock certificates
- Social Security cards and birth certificates
- Passports
Moving labels
When you start packing, write down the contents of each box you pack and the room where it belongs in an inventory you keep for yourself. This will make unpacking much more efficient. Label each box with its room name; using a specific color for each room can also help.
Purge
Moving is a great time to reduce clutter before starting fresh in a new space. Consider holding a yard sale or donating items you don't need or haven't used in the last 4-6 months. Measure the dimensions of your new home to determine whether all your furniture will fit. Getting rid of excess items will help make the packing process much easier.
Create a packing strategy
Having a good plan always lowers the stress level. Decide which rooms you will pack first, and then make a schedule to follow.
- If you can, start packing early
Begin with the least-used items, and try to complete a few boxes per day.
- Pack on a room-by-room basis
Keeping items from each room separate will simplify unloading the boxes.
- Keep an inventory as you pack
Number the boxes per room and make a list of the major contents of each box.
Pack first-night essentials
Avoid a frantic search after your move by packing all the essentials in a separate box or bag. Store it in your car for easy access with everything you need for the first 1-2 days after your move:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo/soap
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Hairbrush