What Should I Pack First When Moving?
Moving to a new place is filled with challenges, adventures, careful planning, and organization. Packing, in particular, can feel like an uphill battle if you don't have a solid plan. A common question people face is: What should I pack first when moving? Prioritizing your packing ensures a smoother moving experience and saves you from last-minute stress. This guide will walk you through what to pack first and how long before moving should you start packing for a successful move.
How Long Before Moving Should You Start Packing?
The size of your home and the number of belongings you own determine the time you need to start packing. The general idea is to pack 4-6 weeks before your moving date. Moving out gives you an apt chance to declutter your home and organize without feeling rushed. Start with the things that you require daily and won't be needed immediately after the move. A general moving timeline could be
Declutter and pack seasonal items 4-6 weeks before moving.
Pack clothing and fragile items 3 weeks before moving.
Essentials and high traffic areas 1 week before packing
Last minute essentials 2-3 days before moving.
What To Pack First When Moving Out?
When deciding what should I pack first when moving, focus on items you don't need immediately. Below is a detailed guide to packing and moving checklist -
Start With the Stuff in Storage
If you are confused about where to start, start with the items in your basement, garage, or the items you aren't currently using. For instance - start storing holiday decorations, unused furniture, gift-wrapping supplies, gardening tools, etc.
Tips For Packing Items in Storage
You have figured out the things to start with, but how do you pack them? Here are some tips for the same -
Pack your items safely in boxes.
Wrap up the fragile items in bubble wrap.
If there are any open spaces in your box, fill them up with extra padding like using linens, towels or extra packing materials.
Move to Out-of-Season Clothes.
Logically, the next step in your moving packing list is packing out-of-season clothes. It is as important as storing your seasonal holiday décor. If you are storing winter clothes like coats & bulky sweaters, use vacuum-sealed storage bags as they take up less space in boxes and suitcases. Consider using medium or small-sized boxes to pack your clothes, as the large boxes become too heavy to carry.
Wrap Up the Fragile Items
The next in the packing checklist for moving is packing fragile items. Your fine china and glass dishes come under the fragile items and not your daily dishes. Start carefully packing up the fragile items and your glassware. Pack them up with high-quality packing materials and label the boxes clearly with "FRAGILE."
Wrap Up the Books and Artwork
When it comes to what I should pack first when moving, books and artwork occupy the higher spot. The reason being, it undoubtedly makes your home look beautiful, but they are not the necessities in everyday life. So, you can pack them earlier. Store your comic books and other books in small containers so that it becomes easy to lift them. Wondering about fine art storage? You can store your loved paintings in the fine arts storage in NYC where they will be safe and secured.
Start Packing Toys or Toy Box
It's different to move if you are living with kids or pets. You have to go through all the toys and toy boxes to figure out what's actually worth moving and what could be sold or donated. The best hack here is to pack the toys when your kids are away. Because you best know what is good for them and what not. Storing the toys in their original boxes is the perfect tip here. Disassemble the larger toys made up of multiple parts before packing, such as dollhouses, tents, and playsets. And if you have a pet, say a dog, get some ideas on dog toy storage and prevent any kind of damage during the move.
Pack Your Shoe Pairs
Shoes take up more space than you can imagine. Some shoe storage hacks to follow here are - wrap your shoes in packing paper and then put them in shoe boxes, and fill the spaces inside with the cushioning roll for extra protection. These tips will help you pack your shoes properly.
Leave the Kitchen for Last (2-3 Days Out)
The kitchen is the room that you should pack at last because it is the space that is being used right up until the moving day. It is one of the most challenging spaces to pack. You have to clean the cabinets, declutter the drawers, and whatnot. When you start packing the kitchen, start with those items that you will need in the first few days after your move. Then, pack glassware and stemware carefully in the boxes, especially those meant for fragile kitchen items. Pack them up in bubble wrap, and use additional packing around the edges of the box to prevent any kind of movement.
How to Speed Up the Packing Process for a Move?
We have discussed what I should pack first when moving and how to expedite the packing process. Let's find out -
Suppose you have a month to move out. How would you divide that in terms of packing the items to move -
Start week 1 by packing out-of-season clothing.
Week 2 should be focused on disassembling unused furniture, packing the goods that aren't of immediate need, and packing up the bedrooms, living room and dining room.
Pack kitchen and other items except for the things for an immediate need to your moving day in week 3.
Load up the essentials in week 4 and get ready to move.
Final Thoughts
What should I pack first when moving doesn't have to be a hassle. Start early and prioritize the items strategically to make the process efficient and stress-free. Remember to focus on non-essentials first, leaving the most-used items for last. Whether you're packing fragile heirlooms or everyday essentials, planning is key to a successful move.
Moving can sometimes mean needing extra storage space. That'sThat's where urBin comes in! With secure, climate-controlled storage solutions, urBin helps keep your belongings safe until you're ready to settle in. Whether you're storing seasonal decorations, artwork, or furniture, our facilities offer the perfect solution. Visit urBin today to learn how we can help make your moving experience seamless! Or Contact us to know more.