What to pack first when moving can be one of the biggest challenges of the entire process. Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the tasks that need to be done. Proper packing is essential for making the transition smooth and stress-free. Knowing what to include on your packing list for moving can help you stay organized and ensure that your most important items are ready to go. Preparing ahead of time by packing wisely can make the entire moving experience much easier and less chaotic. By starting with the essentials and planning your packing list for moving, you can avoid last-minute stress and make the move as seamless as possible. This approach will allow you to settle into your new home quickly and comfortably.
What Should You Do Before You Start Packing?
Before you start packing for a move, it’s important to know what to move first when moving to make the process smoother and more organized.
1. Declutter Your Space
Decluttering your space is one of the first and most important steps to take. It helps to simplify your move and saves time and effort when packing. When you have fewer things to pack, you’ll have a more organized and less stressful moving experience.
Why Decluttering Is Essential:
- It reduces the number of things you need to pack and move.
- It helps you avoid taking unnecessary or unused items to your new home.
- It can make unpacking much easier since you won’t have to deal with items you no longer need.
How to Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Throw Away:
- Keep: Items that are in good condition, useful, and have a place in your new home.
- Donate: Things you no longer need or use but are in good condition. Consider donating clothes, books, and furniture.
- Throw Away: Broken or damaged items, expired food, and anything that is no longer functional.
2. Gather Packing Supplies
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to gather the necessary packing materials to ensure your belongings are well-protected during the move.
List of Necessary Packing Materials:
- Boxes (different sizes)
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing peanuts
- Markers for labeling
- Cushioning materials (like old newspapers or towels)
Tips for Sourcing Free Boxes and Packing Materials:
- Check local grocery stores, liquor stores, or online groups (like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle) for free boxes.
- Ask friends and family if they have any extra packing materials they no longer need.
3. Create a Moving Checklist
To stay organized, create a moving checklist that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before you start packing. This will help you stay on track and avoid forgetting anything important.
Overview of Tasks to Complete:
- Confirm the moving date and book a moving company if needed.
- Start packing early, especially for items you don’t use daily.
- Clean and prepare your current home for the move.
- Notify your utilities, postal service, and other services of your address change.
How to Organize Your Packing Schedule Effectively:
- Set a packing timeline and divide your tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Pack non-essential items first, such as seasonal clothes or decorations.
- Leave everyday essentials for last, like toiletries and kitchen items.
What to Pack First When Moving
When you’re preparing for a move, it’s important to follow a packing schedule for moving to know what to pack first. By starting with the essentials, you can make sure you have everything you need in the first few days at your new home while you finish unpacking. Here’s how to get started:
1. Essentials Box
The essentials box is a must when moving. This box should contain everything you’ll need right away, especially in the first few days in your new home. Packing this box first ensures that you don’t have to dig through all your boxes to find the things you need.
Items to Include:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)
- Important documents (ID, passport, lease agreement, etc.)
- Medications (prescription medicine, over-the-counter pain relievers)
- A change of clothes for a few days
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Snacks and basic kitchen items like a mug, a plate, and utensils
Why It’s Important to Keep These Items Accessible: Having an essentials box will help you avoid stress and frustration. You won’t have to waste time searching for basic things like toothpaste or your phone charger. This box keeps everything within easy reach so you can settle in smoothly.
2. Valuables and Irreplaceable Items
When packing for a move, it’s crucial to take extra care with valuables and irreplaceable items. These might include jewelry, family heirlooms, or sentimental items that cannot be replaced.
How to Pack These Items:
- Jewelry: Store jewelry in a small, padded box or use individual pouches for each item to prevent damage.
- Family Heirlooms and Sentimental Items: These should be packed in sturdy, labeled boxes or containers. Consider using specialty boxes or padded envelopes to protect fragile or valuable items.
Using Specialized Boxes or Bags for High-Value Items: For extra protection, you can invest in specialty boxes or bags designed for high-value items. These boxes often come with extra padding and are more secure, ensuring your valuables are well-protected during the move.
3. Seasonal Items
When moving, you might have seasonal items that you won’t need immediately, such as winter clothes, summer gear, or holiday decorations. How to pack for a move in a month can vary based on the season, but it’s a good idea to pack these items early on since you won’t need them right away.
How to Pack Seasonal Items:
- Winter Clothes in Summer: Pack heavier coats, boots, and scarves in storage bins or large vacuum-seal bags to save space. You can also use labeled boxes for easy identification.
- Sports Equipment: Keep sports gear and outdoor equipment in sturdy bags or boxes. If you have bulky items like skis or bikes, consider specialty moving bags designed for these types of equipment.
- Seasonal Décor: Holiday decorations should be carefully packed in labeled boxes or storage bins. For fragile items like ornaments, use bubble wrap or newspaper for extra protection.
By knowing what to pack first when moving, you can stay organized and reduce stress. Make sure to take care of your essentials, valuables, and seasonal items first to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible! For moving services in Los Angeles contact no other than Chamomile Go.
How to Pack for a Move in a Month
If you have a month to prepare for your move, it’s important to pace yourself and pack gradually. Here’s a simple guide on how to pack for a move in a month, starting with the least used items and moving towards the essentials.
1. Start with the Least Used Items
Begin by packing things you don’t use every day. This will give you a head start and make your move less stressful.
Room-by-Room Breakdown:
- Attic, Garage, or Basement: These areas usually hold things you don’t use often, like holiday decorations, old tools, or extra furniture. Start by packing these items first. If they’re stored in bins, it will be easier to organize them into boxes or containers for moving.
- Storage and Spare Rooms: Pack up things like extra furniture, out-of-season clothing, or anything that you rarely use. The earlier you pack these items, the more space you’ll create for other tasks as the moving date gets closer.
2. Pack Non-Essentials and Decor
Now, move on to packing items that you love but don’t need right away. This includes decor and personal items.
What to Pack Ahead of Time:
- Art and Knick-Knacks: Start with framed pictures, sculptures, and decorations that you don’t need in your home right now. Wrap fragile items carefully in bubble wrap or soft clothing to prevent damage. You can also use old newspapers to cushion delicate items.
- Books and DVDs: These can be packed in sturdy boxes. Make sure to label the boxes so you know where they are when you get to your new home.
How to Pack Fragile Items Securely:
- For fragile items like glassware, vases, and collectibles, make sure to wrap each piece in bubble wrap or towels. Place them in sturdy boxes, and fill any empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to keep them from shifting during the move.
3. Focus on Clothes and Linens
As the move gets closer, start packing away extra clothes and linens that you won’t need in the final weeks.
When to Pack Clothes and Linens:
- Seasonal Clothes: If you’re moving during a different season (for example, moving in summer but you have winter clothes), go ahead and pack your off-season clothing early. Store them in vacuum-seal bags or boxes to save space.
- Extra Towels and Bedding: You can pack up extra towels, bedding, and linens. Keep out just enough towels and bedding to get you through the last few weeks in your old home.
Creating a Capsule Wardrobe for the Final Weeks:
- Consider creating a “capsule wardrobe” — a small selection of clothes that you will wear in the final month. Choose versatile, comfortable items that you can mix and match. This way, you won’t have to worry about packing and unpacking your clothes until the very last moment.
Tips for Staying Organized While Packing
Packing can feel overwhelming, but staying organized can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here are some helpful tips to stay on track:
1. Label Boxes Clearly
One of the most important things you can do when packing is label your boxes clearly. This will make unpacking much easier and help you find things quickly once you’ve moved.
- Importance of Clear Labeling: By labeling each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents, you can avoid confusion and save time searching for items later.
- Recommended Labeling Methods: You can label boxes room-by-room (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Living Room”) or use color-coding to make it even easier. For instance, use a red label for the kitchen, blue for the living room, and green for the bedroom. This method makes it easy to identify where each box belongs at a glance.
2. Keep an Inventory List
Keeping an inventory list is crucial for tracking everything you’ve packed and where it’s stored. This ensures you don’t lose track of anything important during the move.
- How to Keep Track: Whether you use a smartphone app, spreadsheet, or a simple notebook, write down what’s in each box and which room it belongs to. This will make it easier to find specific items once you start unpacking.
- Using Apps or Paper Lists: There are plenty of moving apps that allow you to take pictures of your boxes and create digital inventories. Alternatively, a paper list works just as well—just make sure to keep it updated as you pack.
3. Pack a Little Each Day
Packing all at once can feel like too much, but if you pace yourself, it becomes more manageable.
- How to Divide Your Packing Workload: Plan to pack a few boxes every day. Start with items you don’t use often, like seasonal clothes or decor, and work your way toward essentials. Breaking it down into smaller tasks will help you feel less overwhelmed.
- Benefits of Pacing Yourself: Packing a little each day helps you avoid the stress of a last-minute rush. It also gives you time to carefully pack fragile items and ensures you don’t miss anything. By the time moving day arrives, you’ll be mostly ready and won’t feel panicked.
Final Thoughts
When you’re preparing for a move, knowing what to pack first when moving is crucial for a smooth transition. Start with your essentials, pack non-essentials and decor, and focus on clothes and linens as the moving day approaches. At Chamomile Go, we understand how overwhelming packing can be, and we’re here to make your move as stress-free as possible. Whether you need help with packing or simply want advice on how to get organized, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today for expert packing services in Los Angeles at +1 310-895-3517. Let Chamomile Go take the hassle out of your move reach out now and get started!
FAQs
What Should I Pack First When Moving?
The first items to pack are those that you don’t use regularly, such as seasonal items, decor, and out-of-season clothing. You can also start with non-essential kitchen items, books, and extra furniture. Packing early gives you more time to focus on essential items closer to moving day.
Should I Pack Clothes First When Moving
It’s a good idea to pack clothes that you won’t need immediately, like seasonal clothes or extra linens. You can leave out just a few items to create a “capsule wardrobe” for the last few weeks leading up to your move.
When Should I Pack Fragile Items?
Fragile items, such as glassware, dishes, and artwork, should be packed early but carefully. Use bubble wrap, towels, or packing paper to protect them. Make sure these items are packed in sturdy boxes and clearly labeled as fragile.
How Can I Organize My Packing When Moving?
Start by packing items you don’t use daily. Label boxes by room and create an inventory list to keep track of everything. This will help you stay organized and make unpacking easier when you arrive at your new home.
What Should Be Packed Last When Moving?
The last things you should pack are your everyday essentials, such as toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. These should be packed in an “essentials box” that you’ll need right away upon arriving at your new home.
