Moving to a new place is usually the start of a new beginning. However, the most difficult part of any undertaking is often just getting started. By planning what to pack first when moving, you can avoid procrastination and stay organized during your most chaotic time. If you follow the guide below, you will be fully packed in no time.
What to Do Before Packing Your First Items
Before you can even think about what to pack first, you must get a few tasks out of the way to make the transition easier. The following list will help you organize your move and set yourself up for packing success.
Before you can even think about what to pack first, you must get a few tasks out of the way to make the transition easier. The following list will help you organize your move and set yourself up for packing success.
Check It Off!
As soon as you know you’re moving, you should put together a moving checklist. There are numerous tasks that must be completed during packing, and you don’t want to let anything slip through the cracks. Your checklist should give you a timeline of all the tasks that you have to do so you know exactly what should be done and in what order. Once you get it done, check it off!
Track It!
Before figuring out what to pack first when moving, it would be a great idea to take inventory and see just how many belongings you will have to move. First, create a list of everything you own, then break it into categories. For example, you should determine and track how many sets of sheets you have, how many plates you have, and even how many boxes of out of season clothes there are to be moved out of the attic. Having this list on hand will help you figure out what exactly you should pack first when moving.
Purge It!
Hopefully, as you take inventory of your belongings, you will realize that you have quite a few things to get rid of. Before you begin packing, you should take the time to get rid of old clothing, donate used books, and throw away other items that are taking up unnecessary space in your home. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to start packing.
Hire a Professional Moving Company
Choosing an experienced and professional moving company like Movegreen can be one of the most important components of your move. To help get a more accurate estimate, make sure you contact movers before you have started packing so that your movers can more accurately assess the number of items and furniture you have.
Whether your move is local or long-distance, you can be certain that your move will go more smoothly when you hire experienced professional movers like Movegreen. With locations in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Orange County, we have an abundance of experience with moves of all sizes throughout Southern California.
What to Pack First When Moving
If you find yourself procrastinating, it’s probably because you can’t decide what to pack first when moving. Luckily, we have compiled an easy to follow list that outlines exactly where to begin. With this list, you can take the guesswork out of your packing project. Follow along and get started today!
1. Storage Items
Your belongings in storage should be one of the first things you pack when moving. Whether packed in a storage unit, your attic or buried deep in your garage, these items are easy to pack first since they’re most likely already in boxes. Also, more than likely you won’t need to use these items during the interim. Just make sure to organize, purge, and consolidate boxes as much as possible. The fewer boxes on move-out day, the better!
You should also pack an essentials box with items you'll need right away, such as toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, and any other items you'll need immediately upon arrival.
2. Out-of-season clothes
Out-of-season clothes are easy to pack first when moving because like items in storage, out-of-season clothes may already be in boxes. Plus, more than likely you will not have to get rid of many of them because you probably did that when you packed them up in the first place. On the first day of packing, you can start with these pre-packed boxes and give yourself the drive to finish packing the rest of your house!
3. Fine China
There’s a good chance you won’t be hosting any parties during your move (unless it’s a packing party!). This makes fine china the perfect item to get packed up without hassle. Pack these dishes very carefully and clearly label the boxes as fragile. You can always continue in the kitchen and pack up plates and cookware, leaving the bare minimum to get you through the last few days of your move.
4. Decorative Pieces
Although artwork can be tricky to pack, they are a great place to begin. The only real use for your artwork and picture frames is as decorations, and you don’t need decorations up while you pack. Also, if you pack them first, you will be less likely to forget them on move-in day as they are easily forgotten. You can ensure all your decorations make it to your new place by prioritizing them near the top of the list of things to pack first when moving.
5. Knick-Knacks
Many times, our knick-knacks and trinkets hold more emotional value than any other items in our home. No matter how special they are to you, you’ve got to pack your knick-knacks first when moving. If you wait too long, it will be easy to get overwhelmed at the last minute by small pieces scattered throughout your home. Whether it’s an old souvenir or kids’ drawings on the fridge, make these items a priority when you start packing.
6. Extra Linens and Towels
Extra towels and linens are the perfect belongings to put near the top of your packing list. You likely will not be changing your sheets or using tons of towels during your move. Instead, pack up your spare sheets and towels and save yourself some time on moving day.
7. Books
If you are an avid reader, you probably have dozens of books in various places around your home. Choose one or two to keep you occupied during your downtime and pack the rest up first. Make sure you return borrowed books to their respective owners, whether it be your friends or the library.
As you can see, deciding what to pack first when moving can seem intimidating, but with a little help, we can help you get MOVING in the right direction! Contact Movegreen today for a free estimate!
