How to Kickstart Packing for Your Move
The first step in any successful move is securing a reliable moving company. While you can handle packing on your own, the heavy lifting—loading, transporting, and unloading—can be left to the professionals. Compare multiple moving companies and gather several quotes to ensure you get the best deal.
When Should You Start Packing?
The simple answer: start now! As soon as your move is confirmed and you have a set moving date, begin planning your packing timeline and gathering supplies. Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of any move, and many people make the costly mistake of underestimating the time required. Avoid last-minute stress by breaking the process into manageable daily tasks instead of cramming everything into exhausting packing marathons right before moving day.
Moving experts agree that the best way to pack efficiently is to start early and aim to fill a few boxes every day. The number of boxes you pack daily will depend on factors like your home’s size, the number of belongings you own, your packing speed, and how many days remain until your move.
While starting as soon as possible is key, preparation is just as important. Before diving in, make sure you have:
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A Packing Calendar – Create a detailed schedule to keep yourself organized and on track. Whether it’s part of a larger moving checklist or a separate calendar just for packing, the key is to prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and stick to them. You can break down larger goals into smaller steps—for example, instead of simply writing “Pack the garage,” divide it into mini-tasks like “Sort tools,” “Pack power tools,” “Pack outdoor furniture,” etc.
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Packing Supplies – You can’t pack without the right materials! Stock up on various box sizes (including specialty boxes), packing paper, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, moving blankets, packing tape, and markers for labeling. Many of these items can be sourced for free or at a low cost if you know where to look.
Where Should You Start Packing?
Now that you know when to start, the next big question is where to begin. Many people struggle with this, leading to unnecessary delays. Follow these three key packing principles to make the process smoother:
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Start with the least-used spaces – Begin with guest rooms, basements, attics, garages, and closets—areas you don’t use daily. Work your way toward the rooms you rely on most, such as the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
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Tackle the toughest areas first – Storage spaces tend to be the most challenging to pack due to the variety of oddly shaped and rarely used items. Get them out of the way early so the rest of your packing feels easier by comparison.
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Prioritize large and heavy items – Pack bulky furniture and appliances before moving on to smaller, lighter belongings. This will help create more space to organize your boxes efficiently.
So, where exactly should you start packing? Begin with your storage areas and kitchen, then move on to the bedroom, living room, and bathroom last to minimize disruptions to your daily routine.
By following these strategic steps, you’ll stay organized, reduce stress, and make your move as seamless as possible. Now, grab some boxes and get started!