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 wonโt 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 theyโre non-essentials, youโll 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 youโre 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
Thereโs 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 youโre 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 wonโt 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 donโt 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 donโt 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 wonโt 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 wonโt need pens, papers, staplers, and highlighters anytime soon if youโre 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 youโll still be using clothes, food, and electronics up until the night before the move. Packing these items last allows you to access them until itโs time to transport everything to your new home.
Trying to figure out what to pack last? Follow this list so you wonโt forget any of your essentials.
Childrenโs Items
Your kids are going to want their comfort items and favorite toys right up until itโs time to move. Make sure they have their favorite possessions available until itโs 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 youโll still need to make sure you pack a few basic sanitation items. Include trash bags, paper towels, and sanitizer in your packing.
Documents
Youโll 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 electronicsโcell phones, laptops, smartwatchesโshould be on your person at all times. But donโt forget to pack your chargers!
Food
Takeout can be your best friend during a busy time, but youโll 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, youโll be able to access them easily once youโre preparing for your first night in your new home.
Medicine
In addition to any routine prescription medications you may be taking, donโt 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 donโt always understand whatโs going on when itโs 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 youโll 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 โ 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 youโll be ready for your bedtime routine.
Food
Linens
Electronics
Pet Supplies
Tools
Cleaning Supplies
Phase II โ The Non-Essentials
Kitchen Items
Favorite Decor
Clothing
Bulk Items
Phase III โ Rarely Used Items
Storage Items
Books
Extra Linens
Office Supplies
Fine Dining Accessories
Gadgets
Should I Hire Professional Packers and Movers?
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We are a local Houston moving company that was born in the living room of a college apartment. We love serving the Houston community because we are proud to be a part of it. That dedication shows โ our team has completed over 100,000 moves with a 95% word-of-mouth referral rate. On top of that, we were named one of the 100 fastest-growing companies in the Houston area two years in a row.
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