The Ultimate Guide to Packing & Unpacking
What should I pack first before moving?
The key to properly packing for a move is to start early, create a plan, and stay organized. Start off by packing the items you won’t need leading up to the days of your move. In most cases, the first things you should pack include home decor, holiday items, fine china, and seldom used small appliances.
Make your packing process easier and more efficient by following this list of items to pack first.
Art and Decor
Packing your family photos, paintings, and other home decor first helps you save time. Because they’re non-essentials, you’ll be able to live without them for a few days or weeks while you focus on the rest of your packing process.
Holiday Items
Unless you’re moving during the holiday season, chances are these items are already stored in boxes in your attic or basement. Keep them aside, let them remain in their respective containers, and move on to the next task.
Books
There’s no harm in leaving out a few favorites, but try to pack away most of your literature during the beginning of your packing process. If you’re moving with children, try to set aside a few of their favorites as well.
Keepsakes
Family heirlooms and other special items of your past hold a lot of meaning to you. But since you probably won’t need immediate access to them after your move, save yourself some time and energy by packing them up early
Off-season Wardrobes
Moving during the winter and you don’t see yourself using your swimwear anytime soon? If so, pack up all of your summertime clothing first. This will clear up your closet, giving you a less cluttered workspace.
Fine China and Kitchenware
Keep your casual dinnerware accessible for your last few meals in your current residence, but start packing up special silverware and plates unless you have an important dinner coming up.
Gadgets
Got some small appliances you don’t use very often? We all love our snow cone makers and popcorn machines, but these are non-essentials. Pack them away early so you can focus on the rest of the moving process.
CD, DVD, and Video Game Collection
Set aside your favorites, but the majority of your collection should be packed away in a box and ready to move into the truck.
Extra Linens
You may have an excess of bedsheets, towels, tablecloths, dish towels, and blankets. If so, pack these away early since you won’t need anything more than the essential linens for your first night at your new home.
Surplus Office Supplies
Go through your desk drawers and cabinets so you can pack away any office supplies you find. You most likely won’t need pens, papers, staplers, and highlighters anytime soon if you’re in the middle of a move.
Bulk Items
Do you have a pantry full of bulk noodles and canned goods? Perhaps your bathroom cabinets are filled with lotions, candles, and bubble baths you bought in bulk. If so, pack these items first so you can work at a more relaxed pace. This will also give you more room during the rest of your packing process.
What should I pack last before moving?
Save your essential and urgent belongings for last when packing for a move. Remember that you’ll still be using clothes, food, and electronics up until the night before the move. Packing these items last allows you to access them until it’s time to transport everything to your new home.
Trying to figure out what to pack last? Follow this list so you won’t forget any of your essentials.
Children’s Items
Your kids are going to want their comfort items and favorite toys right up until it’s time to move. Make sure they have their favorite possessions available until it’s time to pack the last few boxes in your home.
Cleaning Supplies
You can always hire professional cleaners to handle your move-out and move-in cleanings, but you’ll still need to make sure you pack a few basic sanitation items. Include trash bags, paper towels, and sanitizer in your packing.
Documents
You’ll most likely have to present your documentation multiple times during your moving process. Make sure you have your personal ID, lease agreement, and moving contract on hand at all times.
Electronics
Your essential electronics–cell phones, laptops, smartwatches–should be on your person at all times. But don’t forget to pack your chargers!
Food
Takeout can be your best friend during a busy time, but you’ll still need to make sure you have some snacks, drinks, and disposable cutlery on hand as well.
Linens
Make sure you pack your bedding, towels, and shower materials last when moving. This way, you’ll be able to access them easily once you’re preparing for your first night in your new home.
Medicine
In addition to any routine prescription medications you may be taking, don’t forget to include some over-the-counter pain relief medicine as well as a first aid kit.
Pet Supplies
We all love our furry companions, but unfortunately, they don’t always understand what’s going on when it’s time to move. Prepare them for this major transition by making sure you pack all of their usual comforts.
Toiletries
Keep up with your daily hygiene routine during a hectic move by packing your toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste all in one place.
Tools
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Nails and screws
- Box cutter
- Scissors
- Flashlight
- Duct tape
How should I unpack after moving?
First, unpack your essential items, like your toiletries, linens, cleaning supplies, and tools. Next, start unpacking the items such as kitchenware, clothing, and entertain items; things you’ll need fairly soon, but not immediately. Lastly, unpack your rarely-used and least important belongings, such as books, fine dining accessories, storage items, and office supplies.
Efficient unpacking is typically divided into three phases.
Phase I – The Essentials
Family Necessities
Make sure everyone in your family as at least one change of clothes, medicine, and a source of entertainment. If you have children, try to include books, board games, and their favorite toys while packing your necessities.
Electronics
Unpack your bath tissue, toothbrush, soap, and all other personal hygiene products first so you’ll be ready for your bedtime routine.
