Moving house is often a whirlwind of excitement and stress. It comes with the promise of new beginnings and the daunting task of sorting through every possession you’ve accumulated over the years. Packing is a crucial part of this process. Knowing what to pack first and last can make the entire experience smoother and less overwhelming. Therefore, a strategic approach to packing can save time, energy, and even a bit of sanity.
Start with the Least Used Items
The first items you should focus on packing are those you use the least. These are the belongings tucked away in attics, basements, or the backs of closets—items that you may only bring out for special occasions or specific seasons. Think about holiday decorations, out-of-season clothing, and rarely-used kitchen gadgets. By packing these items first, you clear space for organising and packing the more essential items you’ll need up until a moving day.
Tackle the Sentimental Items Early On
Packing can be an emotional journey, especially when it comes to sentimental items. These might include family heirlooms, photo albums, or souvenirs from travels. Since these items can stir up memories and lead to unexpected delays as you reminisce, it’s wise to pack them early in the process. This allows you to take your time, wrap them carefully, and store them securely, knowing they’re safe for the move.
Organise Books, Media, and Hobbies
Books, DVDs, and hobby-related items like craft supplies or sports equipment are perfect candidates for early packing. These items are often heavy and can be time-consuming to organize, so starting early is beneficial. As you pack, consider whether each item is worth moving or if it’s time to donate or sell some of these belongings. By reducing the load, you’ll make unpacking at your new home a breeze.
Prepare the Decorative Items
Home décor, such as paintings, wall art, vases, and decorative cushions, should be packed next. These items are often delicate and require careful wrapping, which can be time-consuming. Packing them before everything else ensures they are well-protected and ready to add character to your new home once the essentials are unpacked. Remember to label these boxes clearly, as they won’t be needed immediately upon arrival.
Secure Important Documents and Valuables
As you approach the middle stages of packing, it’s time to focus on important documents and valuables. This includes passports, birth certificates, financial records, and small but valuable items like jewellery. It’s advisable to keep these in a separate, easily accessible box you can take with you during the move rather than packing them in the moving truck. This way, you know exactly where they are and can access them quickly if needed.
Start Packing the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most challenging areas to pack due to the sheer number of items and the careful wrapping required for breakables. Start by packing away dishes, glassware, and appliances that aren’t frequently used. Leave out just enough essentials to get you through the final days before the move. Be mindful of the perishables in your pantry and refrigerator as well; this is a good time to start planning meals that use up these items to avoid waste.
Focus on the Closets
Once the kitchen is well underway, shift your focus to closets. Begin by packing clothes and shoes you won’t need before the move, such as formal or seasonal clothing. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to keep them wrinkle-free and easy to transfer. As moving day approaches, you can pack more of your daily wear, leaving out only the clothes you’ll need for the final days.
Best Way to Colour Code Moving Boxes
One of the most efficient ways to keep your move organised is by using colour coordination. Assign a different colour to each room in your new home—blue for the bathroom, green for the kitchen, red for the living room, and so on. Use coloured labels or tape on each box and create a colour-coded map for the movers. This system speeds up the unpacking process and helps ensure that boxes end up in the correct rooms, minimising the chaos on a moving day.
When Moving House Don’t Forget to Prepare the Essentials Box
As moving day draws near, you’ll want to pack an essentials box. This box should contain all the items you’ll need for the first night and morning in your new home. Include essentials such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important medications. Add chargers and basic kitchen supplies like a kettle and some mugs. Having these items on hand ensures you can settle in comfortably without having to unpack everything immediately.
Pack Up the Cleaning Supplies Last
The final items to pack are your cleaning supplies. You’ll need these to give your old home a final clean before you leave and to tidy up any areas in your new home as you unpack. Keep out essential items like a broom, dustpan, all-purpose cleaner, and garbage bags. These should be the last things loaded onto the moving truck so they’re easily accessible when you arrive at your new place.
Wrapping Up
Following this strategic packing order can reduce the stress and chaos often associated with moving house. Starting with the least used items and working your way to the essentials ensures everything is packed securely and logically. Using colour coordination for your moving boxes adds an extra layer of organisation, making unpacking more straightforward. Finally, by keeping your cleaning supplies and essential items readily available, you can transition smoothly from your old home to your new one, ready to start this exciting new chapter with confidence.