1. Begin with Non-Essential Items

When you start packing, it's best to begin with items you don’t use on a daily basis. This allows you to pack well in advance without disrupting your daily routine.

• Seasonal Items: Pack away out-of-season clothing, decorations, and sports equipment. For instance, if you’re moving in the summer, you can pack winter coats, boots, and holiday decorations first.
• Collectibles and Decorations: Carefully pack up any collectibles, artwork, knick-knacks, and home décor that you won’t need before the move. These items are often fragile, so take your time to wrap them properly.

Books, DVDs, and other media items can be heavy and take up a lot of space. Packing these items early ensures they’re out of the way and gives you a sense of progress.

• Books: Sort through your bookshelves and pack books you won’t need before moving day. Use small boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy to carry.
• DVDs and CDs: Pack up any DVDs, CDs, and other media items you don’t use regularly. Label the boxes clearly to make unpacking easier.

Clothing can be packed in stages. Start with items you wear infrequently and work your way to everyday clothing closer to your moving date.

• Off-Season Clothes: As mentioned earlier, pack off-season clothing first. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to keep them organized and wrinkle-free.
• Special Occasion Wear: Pack formal wear and special occasion outfits that you won’t need in the immediate future.

The kitchen is one of the most time-consuming areas to pack. Start with items you use less frequently and gradually move to everyday essentials.

• Special Dinnerware: Pack up china, crystal, and other special dinnerware that you don’t use daily. Wrap each piece carefully to prevent breakage.
• Small Appliances: Box up small kitchen appliances you can live without for a few weeks, like mixers, blenders, and food processors.
• Pantry Items: Sort through your pantry and pack non-perishable items that you won’t need before the move. Dispose of expired items and donate unopened, non-perishable food to a local food bank if possible.

Bedding, linens, and towels are essential but can be packed ahead of time if you leave out just enough for the days leading up to your move.

• Extra Linens: Pack extra sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters. Use them to cushion fragile items in boxes for added protection.
• Towels: Set aside a few towels for each family member and pack the rest. Old towels can be used as padding for fragile items.

Your garage and storage areas often contain items that aren’t used daily, making them perfect candidates for early packing.

• Tools and Equipment: Pack tools, gardening equipment, and other garage items you won’t need before moving day. Drain any fuel from equipment like lawnmowers and trimmers.
• Storage Boxes: Sort through storage boxes and pack items you’ve been storing, such as holiday decorations, old toys, and memorabilia.

As your moving date approaches, pack personal and important items you’ll need immediate access to after your move.

• Important Documents: Gather important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance papers. Keep them in a secure, easily accessible place.
• Personal Essentials: Pack an essentials box with toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and any items you’ll need during the first few days in your new home.

Packing systematically and starting with non-essential items can make your moving process much more manageable. At 21st Century Moving and Storage, we provide comprehensive moving services, including packing and unpacking, to ensure your move is as seamless as possible. With over 30years of experience, our professional team is here to assist you every step of the way.

For more information on our services or to schedule your free in-home estimate, contact us today or visitour website. Let us help you make your move organized and stress-free with the right supplies and expert assistance.