When to Start Packing for a Move
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When packing for a move, it can be confusing to know when to start. You don’t want to begin packing too early. But, you also don’t want to be panicking and packing your home last minute. Knowing what to start packing and when to start can make for a smooth moving process. Different items will need to be packed at different stages based on their fragility, size, and how often they are used. Check out the tips below to know when to start packing for a move.
Packing for a Move – 8 Weeks Out
Start to acquire packing supplies for your move 8 weeks before moving day. Begin to collect any leftover boxes and bubble wrap from online purchases. Designate an unused room in your house like a garage or guest room to place boxes as they are packed. If you live in a small space and do not have room for the moving boxes, consider renting a storage unit. That way you have somewhere to put the boxes to get them out of the way. Make sure to purchase different sizes of moving boxes, as properly packing moving boxes requires variety. Buy more tape than you think you will need, and make sure to buy the right tape for the job. Consider additional items like mattress covers, packing paper, furniture covers, and packing wrap.
Packing for a Move – 7 Weeks Out
About 7 weeks away from moving to your new home, begin going through each room and getting rid of everything you don’t need. Sort everything into piles such as donate, recycle, keep, toss, and if you plan to have a moving sale, a sell pile. Focus primarily on decluttering your kitchen and closet, as those areas seem to collect the most unused items. By purging your home before researching moving companies, you’ll have a much more accurate sense of the number of items you will be bringing with you. It will also make the packing process go much faster if everything is gone beforehand.
Packing for a Move – 5 to 6 Weeks Out
To get a head start on packing for a move, pack items you will not be using before the move. Start by packing up any seasonal items that do not correspond with the season you are in. For example, if you are moving during the summer, you can get started by packing up Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any other fall or winter decorations. If you are an avid reader, you can begin packing books for a move that you’ve already read 5 to 6 weeks out.
Packing for a Move – 2 to 4 Weeks Out
The best time to fully pack for a move is 2 to 4 weeks out. This will give you plenty of time to properly pack everything into boxes and get it set for the move. The more you’re packed and prepared for the move, the less money you will spend with your moving company. Follow the easiest packing for a move tips like packing by room instead of by items. Label your boxes by room to make it easier on the movers when you arrive in your new home. Doing this will also make it easier for you when it comes to unpacking after your move. To make unpacking even easier, write a brief inventory on the boxes so you know where items are packed. Once your boxes are packed, place them in your designated packing room or storage unit.
Packing for a Move – 1 Week Out
The final week before your move should be spent packing up the final touches of your home. Typically, you will have left the last week open for packing clothes, bedding, and kitchen items. Packing your kitchen can be a long process since there are many fragile items, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to properly pack dishes and other kitchen items. Packing clothes is a faster process. But, if you plan to store them before you arrive at your new home, make sure to follow these tips for storing clothes.
Once everything is packed up, make sure to set aside all fragile items and important documents to take with you in your car during the move. By giving yourself plenty of time to pack your home for a move, your items will be much better protected from any damage caused during transit. Packing your home early also helps eliminate last-minute packing stress. For more moving tips, sign up for our once-monthly blog newsletter.
