Packing to Move

Moving is stressful, no matter how you go about it, and there are tons of sources out there with tips on how to reduce that stress. Some of them may even advertise a “stress free move,” but I honestly don’t think that is possible since a lot of the moving stress comes from the drastic change, which no number of tricks can remove. I think it is best to find the tips or tricks that you think you can manage and utilize them to reduce your stress as much as possible.

For me, of course, the main tip is to approach packing in a methodical and organized way.

First of all, take some time to plan. Using a little time up front to think about what you need and what order to pack things in can make the whole process go smoother. Figure out where you can get free boxes. Many stores will let you take empty boxes, check if your workplace receives a lot of deliveries, see if your neighborhood has a listserv where people offer boxes after they have moved, or ask family and friends to keep boxes as they receive deliveries. Also, make sure you have plenty of packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and a couple of sharpies.

If you have time to pack steadily (as opposed to having to move quickly), think through the things you can pack up right away that you won’t need before your move, such as books, decorations, out of season clothes, infrequently used dishes, and other things of that sort. You can start on those things right away, so that when you get to the stage where you have to pack everything that’s left, you have already packed a significant portion of your home!

As you prep and pack, create documents to track everything. Keep lists of the following things:

All boxes: Label each box with a number and the location in your new home it belongs in and keep a list of boxes by number and location with a detail of what is inside each one. Once you move, you’ll be glad you know where to find that elusive item you need right away!

Furniture: Keep a list of all furniture being moved and where you want it to go in your new home. As you write these down, take note of anything you need to do before moving, such as removing light bulbs or adding feet if you are moving from carpet to hardwood floors.

Larger Unpackable Items: Fans, instruments, clothes drying racks, or other random items that aren’t going to fit into boxes. Again, make note of where you want them to go in your new home, and decide if these are things you are going to move yourself or have movers do for you.

Use different colors or highlighting as you track boxes or items that are fully ready to go, in progress, or not yet started!

During the move, check off boxes, furniture, and other items as they are brought into your new home. This is a great way to ensure that everything makes it!

After you move, then the fun part can begin - getting to set up your new home just the way you want it! There is something so enjoyable about a little reinvention as you decide how you want your things arranged in a new space. As you unpack, make sure you cross things off of your list, so you know what things you’ve put away and what is still hiding in boxes.