Moving is never an easy task. It’s one of those things that can be a little stressful and even nerve-wracking. You probably have lots of questions right now. Do I keep this or throw it away? Which boxes should I use? Where should I store these while I’m packing? Should I hire movers to help?
First things first. Calm down. Breathe. You’ll get this done, one step at a time. Packing is all about getting organized. That’s why mapping out the sequence for prepping your stuff will help a lot.
Packing at a Glance
Speaking of getting organized, the key to packing your belongings is to group like items together. Start with small objects like utensils or books and work your way up to medium-sized appliances and large furniture. Ensure that your boxes are as light as possible. And oh! Don’t forget to create a moving checklist. This makes streamlining the process a whole lot easier.
Purge Your Belongings
Think you’re ready? Not yet! It’s crucial that you get rid of unwanted stuff first. Having extra things lying around while you pack can be counterproductive. Let go of duplicates, old things, and belongings you barely use. They will only increase your moving costs. Try to sell them online or donate them to a local charity. If you have a lot of unwanted items, you may consider calling a junk removal company to haul things off for you.
What to Pack First
And now that everything’s clear, it’s time to get to work! Here’s a list of things you should pack first.
1. Out-of-season Clothes
Packing out-of-season clothes should be easy since they’re most likely grouped already. Plus, you don’t use them often, so chances are they won’t need ironing or folding. Simply take them out, stuff them neatly in a clean trash bag, tuck them inside a moving box and be on your way. That’s it. Congrats on taking the first big step to advance your move!
2. Seasonal Decor
The same logic applies as with the one above. Toss all your Christmas paraphernalia in a clean plastic tote. Get another one and stuff in the Halloween costumes. Repeat this process for every other item used during holidays that your family celebrates. Lastly, arrange the bags properly inside one big moving box, and you’re good to go.
3. Books
Although you might want to bring your entire collection with you, it might not be the best course of action. Piles of books weigh so much they’ll undoubtedly ramp up your moving expenses. What you can do is return those you borrowed first. After all, you don’t want to take off with someone else’s books. Next, handpick your favorites and then sell the rest. You can also give them away if you’d like to support a good cause. Finally, pack your books inside suitcases, so it’s easier to move them around.
4. Items You Rarely Use BUT Still Important
While you’re better off throwing some things away, there are a few that you can’t live without, even if you only use them every now and then. A great example is a cookie-cutter. It’s an amazing tool to have around when you’re making holiday cookies but otherwise doesn’t get much use. That said, amass these rarely-used items in groups. Kitchen utensils, Chinas, and breakables should be packed separately. Make sure you insert foam pads between plates before placing them gently inside a box. Remember to label the box with a huge FRAGILE sign.
5. Collectibles
Figurines, scrapbooks, action figures, miniatures, wooden sculptures, coin collections, etc. – these things just add up to clutter, dragging down your morale when packing. That’s why it’s best to get them packed early as well. Start by putting them back inside their original boxes if you still have them. If not, you can wrap your collectibles with packing paper and bubble wrap. Once you’re done, stack them nicely inside a box. Don’t forget the FRAGILE label if you don’t want to risk a beheaded Spiderman action figure!
6. Clothes and Linen
Packing clothes might seem boring, yet it’s still one of the easiest tasks to accomplish. Most guides will suggest relocating your drawers as is, but only when you’re in a rush. Other than that, fold your clothes to avoid tearing them and place them in a suitcase or clean moving box. Secure a wardrobe-type moving box to hang essential garments like tuxedos and formal attire. As for your daily apparel, you can fold and pile it inside another box. You can isolate underwear in a separate bag, so they don’t get mixed up during unpacking.
And You’re Done!
Done with the part of packing, that is. But hey! At least you’ve got things started already. It won’t be long before you finish packing the rest of your home. One final tip: it is wise to start with the most compartmentalized room first, a.k.a the kitchen. It’ll feel a whole lot easier to proceed once you’ve finished the most challenging room.