Ask most people how they feel about moving, and they’ll probably tell you it’s not exactly their favorite activity. But when it comes to packing, a little planning can turn what could be chaos into something far more organized and maybe even a little fun.
With these moving packing list essentials by your side, you’ll be one step closer to a stress-free move and avoiding any dreaded “Where did I pack the TV remote?” moments.
Room by Room Rundown: How to Pack Like the Pros
When packing up your things, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Packing room-by-room is still one of the most efficient ways to get the job done. But which room is best to start with?
Begin your efforts in the rooms you use the least. Do you have a guest bedroom? Unless you have some visitors, it’s prime early-packing territory.
The same principles apply even when packing up rooms you’ll still be using. Take, for example, the kitchen. You probably won’t be whipping up a soufflé two days before moving, so get those fragile items wrapped up nice and early.
The Ultimate Moving Packing List Essentials
Every list has its priorities, but let’s take a look at the absolute moving packing list essentials:
- Boxes: Get different sizes. Not all of your stuff can fit into one shape.
- Packing Tape: You always end up using more than you think, so get extra.
- Labels and Markers: Unless you want your unpacking experience to be like Christmas day, you’ll need these to mark which boxes contain what.
- Padding: Bubble wrap, towels, even old shirts. Protect your prize possessions by wrapping them up nicely and tightly.
- Ziplock Bags: Good for keeping all the screws and hardware together.
Don’t Forget the ‘First-Night’ Box
Don’t end up in this situation: it’s 10 p.m., you’re surrounded by boxes marked “shoes” and “perfumes,” and all you want is a hot shower and a snack. Pack a first-night essentials box. It’s the box you pack last and unpack first. Fill it with:
- Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toilet paper, deodorant, and soaps.
- A Fresh Outfit: Something comfy to sleep in and rest your sore back.
- Basic Kitchen Supplies: Everything you’ll need to cook or eat a take-out meal.
- Snacks: Movers need fuel, too. Pack the top with some healthy quick-bites and water.
Stay Ahead of Moving-Day Chaos with Labels
You can never, ever, have too many labels. Color-code them by room if you want to feel extra organized.
To really get ahead of the game, use a ‘digital packing list’ by snapping photos of the contents, then print them out and stick them on each box, or place the list into a spreadsheet or note-taking app.
You’ll feel like a packing mastermind, and it will be a huge help when it comes time to unpack.
Common Packing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Want it to go smoothly? Here are some rookie mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t overpack boxes! As tempting as it is to fit your entire room into one box, your back will thank you in the coming weeks if you spread the load.
- Not all boxes are created equal. Saving the boxes from your last Amazon order might seem thrifty, but using flimsy boxes is a surefire way to break your stuff when the bottom falls out.
- Disassemble your furniture all the way. Skipping this step can lead to broken dowels, scratches, and missing screws.
- Avoid tossing last-minute items into random boxes with space, and if you absolutely have to, remember to update those labels.
Wrapping it Up (See What We Did There?)
With these moving packing list essentials, packing doesn’t have to be so stressful. With a solid game plan, you’ll be spending the first night in your new place resting instead of frantically searching for your phone charger.
Does it all sound like too much? Mike Hammer Moving can pack your belongings for you! Whether it’s a single room or an entire house, we’ve got you covered with our residential moving services. Contact us today for a quote and make your next move as smooth as possible.
