How to Pack for a Move

• Keep: Only hold onto items you use regularly or truly cherish.
• Donate/sell: Let go of gently used things you haven’t touched in months.
• Toss: Discard anything broken, expired, or worn out.

• Out-of-season clothing and shoes: Store away anything you won’t wear before moving day.
• Holiday decorations: Pack these early since you won’t need them right away.
• Books, photo albums, and collectibles: These items are rarely used and can be boxed up first.
• Special occasion kitchenware: Save everyday dishes for last.
• Sports gear, tools, and hobby supplies: Most of these items can be packed without disrupting your routine.

• Everyday clothes and shoes: Keep enough available for the days leading up to your move.
• Toiletries and medications: Pack your bathroom basics right before you leave.
• Basic cookware and dishes: Reserve a few plates, cups, and utensils for the final days at your old home.
• Chargers and electronics: These are easy to misplace, so pack them in a clearly labeled bag at the end.
• Important documents: Passports, leases, insurance, and other paperwork need to be accessible.
• Cleaning supplies, pet, and kid essentials: You’ll need these for cleaning up and the first night.

• Sort pantry items: Discard expired food and open containers you don’t plan to move.
• Pack rarely used appliances first: Label boxes for easy unpacking.
• Wrap dishes individually: Use packing paper or bubble wrap to protect each plate and glass.
• Use dish boxes for breakables: Specialty boxes add an extra layer of protection.
• Seal liquids in plastic bags: Prevent leaks by double-bagging bottles and jars.

• Pack out-of-season clothes first: Store them in bins or suitcases.
• Use wardrobe boxes or bags for hanging clothes: This keeps clothes wrinkle-free and easy to transfer.
• Pack shoes securely: Use original boxes or clean packing paper.
• Use suitcases for books: Wheels make heavy loads easier to move.
• Bag and label bedding: Keep sheets and pillows for each bed together.

• Purge old cosmetics and medicines: Dispose of anything expired or unused.
• Pack daily toiletries last: Keep a separate bag for the final days leading up to your move.
• Seal liquids in resealable bags: Prevent spills during transit with Ziploc bags.
• Keep towels handy: You’ll want clean towels for your first night.

• Remove and wrap electronics: Use original boxes if you have them.
• Label and bundle cords: Store cords in labeled bags.
• Use moving blankets for TVs and artwork: Protect screens and frames from scratches.
• Pack books and decor in small boxes: Heavy items go together for easier lifting.

• Back up files and photos: Use a cloud service or external drive before packing your computer.
• Pack documents in a clearly labeled box: Use a binder or folder for important paperwork.
• Wrap monitors and computers: Bubble wrap or moving blankets help prevent damage.
• Gather all cords and accessories: Label bags for easy setup in your new place.

• Dispose of hazardous items safely: Paints, chemicals, and propane tanks usually can’t be moved by professionals.
• Group tools and sports gear: Keep related items together for easy unpacking.
• Secure sharp objects: Pack blades and tools in protective cases or wrap well.
• Label boxes by category: Helps with quick access and safe handling.

• Suitcases for heavy items: Load books or files in rolling suitcases for easy transport.
• Use towels and linens as padding: Wrap breakables in soft household items for extra protection.
• Garbage bags for hanging clothes: Keep clothes on hangers, slip a bag over them, and tie at the top.
• Plastic wrap for liquids: Remove the lid, cover the opening with plastic wrap, then reseal to prevent leaks.
• Don’t overfill boxes: Heavy items go in smaller boxes; put lighter, bulky items in bigger ones.
• Hardware box: Store all screws, bolts, and assembly hardware in labeled bags inside one box you keep with you.
• Photograph connections: Take photos of electronics and furniture before taking them apart.

1. Choose the right boxes: Use specialty boxes designed for dishes, TVs, and art.
2. Wrap each item individually: Bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels work best.
3. Fill empty spaces: Use crumpled paper or foam peanuts to avoid movement inside boxes.
4. Double-box fragile items: Place small boxes inside larger ones with padding in between.
5. Label as fragile: Clearly mark all sides and load these boxes on top.
6. Insure valuables: Consider extra insurance for high-value items.

• All-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and rags: Tackle surfaces in every room.
• Glass cleaner and sponges: Shine windows and mirrors.
• Broom, dustpan, and garbage bags: Handle sweeping and trash as you go.
• Toilet brush and cleaner: Freshen up bathrooms before and after the move.
• Vacuum and disposable gloves: Final touch for carpets and messes.

• Pack a bag for each child: Include their favorite toys, books, snacks, and a change of clothes.
• Bring familiar bedding: Helps kids and pets settle into the new space.
• Prepare a pet kit: Food, bowls, leash, carrier, and comfort items should be easily accessible.
• Secure pets during the move: Keep them in a quiet, safe space to prevent escapes.
• Update ID tags and vet info: Make sure your contact details are current before moving day.

• Divide tasks and set deadlines: Focus on one area at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Schedule buffer days: Leave time for last-minute surprises.
• Delegate when possible: Ask friends, family, or hire pros for heavy lifting or childcare.
• Take breaks and stay hydrated: Regular pauses help maintain your energy and focus.
• Accept imperfection: It’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned.

• Start with heavy items: Put appliances and furniture at the bottom and front of the truck.
• Fill gaps: Use boxes and soft items to prevent shifting during transit.
• Stack by weight: Heavier boxes on the bottom, fragile items up top.
• Group by room: Makes unloading and unpacking faster.
• Secure with straps or rope: Prevents movement and damage.

• Change of clothes: One set per person.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant.
• Towels and washcloths: Enough for everyone.
• Bedding: Sheets, pillows, and blankets for the first night.
• Paper towels and toilet paper: Must-haves for day one.
• Basic kitchenware: A few plates, cups, utensils, and a pot or pan.
• Snacks and water: Stay hydrated and avoid hangry moments.
• Cleaning supplies: Quick wipes or spray for touch-ups.
• Phone chargers and power strips: Keep devices charged and ready.
• Medications and first aid: Easy access to all health essentials.
• Important documents: IDs, insurance, lease or purchase papers.
• Pet and kid comfort items: Keep routines as normal as possible.
• Flashlight and batteries: For late-night arrivals or power outages.

8 weeks before

• Sort and declutter: Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss.
• Research movers or rentals: Get quotes and compare options.
• Gather packing supplies: Start collecting boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.

6 weeks before

• Start packing non-essentials: Pack by room, starting with items you use least.
• Arrange donation pickups or yard sales: Clear out excess stuff before moving day.

4 weeks before

• Change your address: Notify USPS and update key accounts.
• Pack decor and books: Focus on items you don’t need daily.

2 weeks before

• Pack kitchenware and office supplies: Start boxing up less-used items.
• Disassemble furniture: Take apart anything you won’t need right away.

1 week before

• Pack essentials, kids’, and pet items: Prepare your first-night box.
• Confirm moving day details: Double-check logistics and parking.

Moving day

• Final sweep: Walk through your old home to check for forgotten items.
• Supervise loading: Make sure everything is loaded securely.
• Keep valuables and essentials with you: Don’t pack these in the truck.

• Overfilling boxes: Makes them hard to carry and more likely to break. Keep boxes manageable and evenly weighted.
• Not labeling clearly: Leads to confusion and frustration during unpacking.
• Forgetting the essentials box: Causes stress your first night. Always prep this box.
• Not prepping for parking: City moves often require permits for moving trucks or containers — research this early.
• Underestimating time: Packing takes longer than most people expect. Start early and pace yourself.
• Improperly packing fragile items: Always use padding and specialty boxes as needed to protect breakables.