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When is it too early or too late to start packing? In general, most moving tips suggest the average household should start packing one to two months before the moving date. These packing tips organize your packing timeline into week-long phases.
5 to 7 weeks before moving day: gather supplies
- Get new boxes, used boxes in good shape or reusable containers
- Buy packing tape and packing tape dispensers
- Use medium-tipped permanent markers for labeling
- Get packing paper or other padding that will fill boxes completely; in some cases linens, towels or old clothing may suffice
- Buy, borrow or rent dollies, dolly straps and moving blankets for larger items
4 to 6 weeks before moving day: downsize
- Downsize your stuff anddeclutter your garage
- Sell items of value you don’t want or need, online or in a garage sale
- Donate unsold and gently used items to charity
- Give away things you can’t donate or throw out. Surprisingly, a handy or thrifty neighbor may be interested in things like leftover gasoline or engine oil
- Dispose of any leftover hazardous materials safely by contacting your local community to find a drop-off center or event
- Throw out the remaining unwanted or unneeded items
3 weeks before moving day: pack infrequently used belongings
- Pack all seasonal or rarely used items, like holiday decorations, fine china and off-season clothing. Pack tools or other items you won’t need before the move
- Stack the marked boxes in the rooms where you packed them
- As with all your packing, label boxes according to where they’ll go in the new house
2 weeks before moving day: pack the rest, and identify essentials
- Start packing kitchenware
- Keep a plate, silverware and glass for each family member aside, along with essential cooking gear like a skillet, saucepan and utensils
- Identify “Open Me First” items like favorite kids’ toys, tools to set up your new home, toilet paper and paper towels, disposable dinnerware and one set of linens
- Identify items that will travel with you instead of the movers, like valuables, important papers, clothing, toiletries and pet supplies
1 week before moving day: finish packing
- Pack and label the remaining “Open Me First” items you’ve been using up to the last minute
- Do a final check to make sure all of your boxes are taped shut and labeled
These packing tips aren’t hard and fast rules, but they’re based on many homeowners’ experiences with successful moves. Even if your packing plan isn’t perfect, having an imperfect plan is far better than none.
There are different types of packing services available if you’re looking for help. Feel free to contact us to talk about full, partial or do-it-yourself packing options for your next move.
FAQs
So, come up with a packing schedule that makes sense for your particular circ*mstances – you can decide on a specific day of the week to deal with the items from a certain room, for example (garage – on Mondays, attic – on Tuesdays, living room – on Wednesday, etc.), or assign one week per room (first week – basem*nt, ...
How to create a packing schedule? ›
So, come up with a packing schedule that makes sense for your particular circ*mstances – you can decide on a specific day of the week to deal with the items from a certain room, for example (garage – on Mondays, attic – on Tuesdays, living room – on Wednesday, etc.), or assign one week per room (first week – basem*nt, ...
How do you plan for packing? ›
General moving and packing tips
- Start with items you won't need right away. ...
- Pack similar items together. ...
- Keep essentials packed separately for quick access. ...
- Label each box by its contents and room. ...
- Color code boxes by each room. ...
- Allow yourself plenty of time to pack. ...
- Load furniture, appliances and larger items first.
Start packing anything that is non-essential (anything that you use very rarely). Keep boxes well labeled by Room. It may help to mark the room in the old home as well as the room to take it to in the new home. Separate out any valuables that you will need to move yourself (keep them together).
How far in advance should I start packing for a move? ›
You should start the process of planning your move about two months out from your move-in date, begin packing about 2-3 weeks before you move in, and be finished a few days to a week before.
What is a packing list template? ›
Packaging lists itemize the details of what is included in a shipment. These lists usually include the date, shipper contact details, origin address, the number of parcels within the shipment, and a detailed description of the packages, including contents and weight.
How do I make a packing checklist? ›
Essential Things to Pack for Travelling
- Essential Clothes for Travelling. ...
- Comfortable Shoes that you can wear the Whole Day. ...
- Disposal Shower Cap to keep your Bag Clean. ...
- Comfy Nightwear for your Trip. ...
- Slippers for your Extra Comfort that you want to Have. ...
- Toiletry Bag where you can keep all necessary items. ...
- Few Party Clothes.
So, what is it? The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is very simple: The numbers represent the number of certain items of clothing. According to the method, five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses, and an accessory set—consisting of a jewelry set, sunglasses, and a hat—should go in your suitcase.
What is the 1 to 6 packing rule? ›
Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule
One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear.
What is the best thing to pack first when moving? ›
What to Pack First When Moving
- Pre-Packing. Before you can box up your belongings, you have to know what needs boxing up in the first place. ...
- Storage Items. ...
- Artwork. ...
- Fine China. ...
- Specialty Cooking Equipment. ...
- Out of Season Clothes. ...
- Shoes and Jewelry. ...
- Toys and Games.
Here's what to do two and three days before your move:
- Pack one room at a time. ...
- Pack similar items together. ...
- Label your boxes clearly. ...
- Keep an inventory of important items. ...
- Carefully wrap fragile items. ...
- Pack a suitcase of essentials. ...
- Store boxes neatly after each room is emptied. ...
- Carefully store any bags of screws or parts.
Go from top to bottom
Moving your way down through the floors of your home, starting with the loft if you have one, is a good way to help you prioritise. Doing this, also helps to create order when it comes to unpacking the items in your new home.
Why is packing to move so hard? ›
It's hard to switch up your daily routine, or have to give up prized possessions. It's overwhelming to organize every aspect of a move and anticipate any snafus that may come up. It's tiring to sift through complicated paperwork, and haul heavy items from one place to another.
What is the website to make a packing list? ›
Packtor - The Packing List Creator.
How do I make a shipping packing list? ›
Information you must include on the packing list:
- Date.
- Shipper/exporter contact information.
- Consignee contact information.
- Address at origin country of the cargo.
- Address at destination country of the cargo.
- Total amount of packages.
- Detailed description of each package.
- Volume and weight of each package.
Our Top 20 Travel Packing Tips
- Plan It Out. ...
- Choose the Right Luggage and Know Your Airline's Baggage Policy. ...
- Carry Essentials + One Outfit in Your Carry-On Bag. ...
- Coordinate Your Outfits for Maximum Versatility. ...
- Layering Is Key. ...
- Opt for Wrinkle-Proof Fabrics. ...
- Use Packing Cubes and Roll Your Clothes.
