Moving to a new place? Packing can be overwhelming, but it can be less stressful if you begin early. There are things that you can pack weeks before your moving day and things that you will still need up until your move. Begin packing early with items you can pack first. Here’s a guide on what to pack first and last when moving.
What to Pack First When Moving
Items that you should pack first are items that you use the least. Things that you should pack first when moving include the following items.
Start with Seasonal Clothing and Holiday Decorations
Since your seasonal clothing will not be used for months, you can start packing them first when moving. If you are moving during the winter, then you can pack swimsuits, tank tops, and other summer outfits first. On the other hand, if you are moving during the summer, you can pack sweaters, jackets, and other winter clothes first.
You will then be left with your current wardrobe. Choose clothes you plan to wear for the following weeks and then pack away clothes you won’t be needing until after your move. You can also start packing holiday or seasonal decorations, such as Christmas items.
Artwork, Antiques, and Decorative Items
Artwork and antiques are challenging items to pack, so it is better to pack them first (and not at the last minute) so that you can handle them with care when packing. You also will not be needing these items on the days leading up to your move.
It is also easy to forget picture frames or wall hangings during moving day. Your mind will be occupied with many things, so you might forget to bring decorative items. So, make sure to pack artwork, antiques, frames, ornaments, and other decorative items first. For fragile items, be sure to pack them properly, as they require extra care.
Pack Books and Magazines You’re Not Reading
You can start packing books and magazines you are currently not reading. You can also take the time to sort your books and identify which ones you no longer want or need. When packing, you can leave one or two books you are still reading to keep you occupied during your free time before moving day.
Remember to use small boxes rather than big ones for books because they are heavy. Small boxes are easier to carry and transport. Just don’t overload boxes so that you can prevent damage to your books.
Extra Linens and Towels the Weeks Before Your Move
Take note of the word “extra”, because you will still be needing linens and towels before your moving day. What you can pack first are those you will not need. You will not be changing sheets many times or using a lot of towels in the weeks before your move, so you can pack extra linens, blankets, and towels ahead. Just remember to keep one set of sheets for each bed in the home, as you will need sheets up until the night before your move.
Carefully Pack Your Fine China
Fine China is brought out for special occasions, and you may not be hosting parties during the moving process. So, it’s better to pack fine china and other rarely used dishes early. Additionally, pack other delicate items you won’t be using daily before your move. Just remember to mark “FRAGILE” on the boxes and use bubble wrap to protect these items.
What to Pack Last When Moving
You should end with the items you use the most. Basically, everyday-use items or things that you will still need up until the day of your move can be packed last. Here are some of the items it’s better to pack last when moving.
Electronic Devices (TV, Laptop, Printer)
In the weeks before your move, you may still need your electronic devices, so it’s okay to pack them last. You may still need your television for entertainment, your computer for work, and your printer to print out documents. Just remember that electronics must be handled with care. Pack them properly and label boxes to prevent damage during your move.
Additionally, things such as chargers, extension cords, and batteries can be packed last, as these are items that you will still need before you move.
Pack Cleaning Materials at the Last Minute
Cleaning materials should also be packed last because you will still be cleaning your home before your moving day. You may also need to clean up your old place after all those boxes have been moved out.
So, make sure to pack your vacuum, mop, brooms, feather duster, and other cleaning products last. Also, make sure that you have enough trash bags. You may need to do some last-minute cleaning, so be sure you have your cleaning materials at hand and pack them in a dedicated plastic box at the last minute.
Essential Kitchen Items
You will still need essential kitchen tools before you move, so pack them last. Leave an empty box for utensils and other important items in the kitchen. You can pack glasses, plates, bowls, cooking utensils, pots, pans, and your coffee maker last.
Extra kitchen supplies and appliances, however, can be packed first. You don’t have to pack those rarely used utensils and appliances along with daily essentials. You can pack them ahead and leave the ones you still use every day.
Basic Tools
You may still need basic tools such as a hammer and screwdriver, a pair of scissors, nails and screws, duct tape, and a pocket knife. These kinds of items can be packed last as you will need them for packing and even on moving day.
Toiletries and Medicines
Toiletries and medicine are very important. Personal care items, such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, medications, and a first-aid kit, are things you need up until your moving day. You will need them daily and on the morning of your move, so keep them with you.
Hire a Professional Moving Company
Professional moving companies can make your move a stress-free experience and help you save time and energy. If you have any doubts, or if you don’t have time to organize your move, professional packers and movers have all the materials and equipment needed and are experts in what, how, and in which order to pack.
ARENA Storage has a team of experienced packers and movers who can help you with your move. Apart from moving services, we also offer personal storage solutions. If your new place is not ready yet and you need a place to store all those boxes, you can temporarily store them in a storage unit.
Contact us today for professional moving services and storage solutions!