1. Declutter and Gather Supplies
Before you start throwing items into boxes, purge anything you no longer
need, donate it, or throw it away. You shouldn't pay to move things you
won't use. Next, gather your supplies:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes: Example Moving Supplies or check local online groups for free used boxes.
- Packing paper and bubble wrap: Avoid newspaper as the ink can transfer onto your items.
- Wide packing tape and a tape gun: Amazon Packing Tape
- Permanent markers and color-coded labels
2. Pack Room-by-Room
Start with the least-used rooms first (e.g., attics, basements, and
garages).
Kitchen: Wrap fragile items in dish towels or packing paper. Pack
sharp knives inside oven mitts.
* Bedroom: Leave your clothes on hangers and group them together in
tall trash bags or specialty wardrobe boxes.
* Books: Pack heavy items like books into smaller boxes to keep them
at a manageable weight, or utilize wheeled luggage.
* Living Room & Decor: Wrap mirrors and framed art in blankets, and
secure them face-to-face.
3. Maximize Space and Protect Items
Don't waste valuable box space or bubble wrap when you have plenty of
natural packing materials already in your home:
* Fill hollow spaces: Put rolled-up socks inside drinking glasses, and
pack small items inside vases, crockpots, and mixing bowls.
* Leave clothes in drawers: Light dressers or nightstands can be left
full and wrapped in plastic wrap so you don't have to pack the contents into
separate boxes.
* Protect breakables: Use thick winter socks, sweaters, and fluffy
blankets to pad delicate glassware and vases.
4. Label Everything Clearly
Never underestimate how quickly moving boxes blend together. For every box
you tape shut:
* Write the destination room (e.g., "Kitchen" or "Primary Bedroom") on
multiple sides.
* Add a brief list of the contents.
* Give each box a number and keep an ongoing list on your phone of
exactly what is in Box 1, Box 2, etc.
5. The Essentials Bag
Pack an "Open First" box or a personal suitcase with enough daily items to
get you through the first few days without having to tear through boxes.
This should include:
* Toiletries, toilet paper, and towels
* Phone chargers and laptops
* A few days' worth of clothing
* Important documents (passports, leases, medical records)
* Essential tools like a box cutter, screwdriver, and basic cleaning
supplies
