When is it too early or too late to start packing? In general, most moving tips suggest the average household should start packing one to two months before the moving date. These packing tips organize your packing timeline into week-long phases.
5 to 7 weeks before moving day: gather supplies
- Get new boxes, used boxes in good shape or reusable containers
- Buy packing tape and packing tape dispensers
- Use medium-tipped permanent markers for labeling
- Get packing paper or other padding that will fill boxes completely; in some cases linens, towels or old clothing may suffice
- Buy, borrow or rent dollies, dolly straps and moving blankets for larger items
4 to 6 weeks before moving day: downsize
- Downsize your stuff anddeclutter your garage
- Sell items of value you don’t want or need, online or in a garage sale
- Donate unsold and gently used items to charity
- Give away things you can’t donate or throw out. Surprisingly, a handy or thrifty neighbor may be interested in things like leftover gasoline or engine oil
- Dispose of any leftover hazardous materials safely by contacting your local community to find a drop-off center or event
- Throw out the remaining unwanted or unneeded items
3 weeks before moving day: pack infrequently used belongings
- Pack all seasonal or rarely used items, like holiday decorations, fine china and off-season clothing. Pack tools or other items you won’t need before the move
- Stack the marked boxes in the rooms where you packed them
- As with all your packing, label boxes according to where they’ll go in the new house
2 weeks before moving day: pack the rest, and identify essentials
- Start packing kitchenware
- Keep a plate, silverware and glass for each family member aside, along with essential cooking gear like a skillet, saucepan and utensils
- Identify “Open Me First” items like favorite kids’ toys, tools to set up your new home, toilet paper and paper towels, disposable dinnerware and one set of linens
- Identify items that will travel with you instead of the movers, like valuables, important papers, clothing, toiletries and pet supplies
1 week before moving day: finish packing
- Pack and label the remaining “Open Me First” items you’ve been using up to the last minute
- Do a final check to make sure all of your boxes are taped shut and labeled
These packing tips aren’t hard and fast rules, but they’re based on many homeowners’ experiences with successful moves. Even if your packing plan isn’t perfect, having an imperfect plan is far better than none.
There are different types of packing services available if you’re looking for help. Feel free to contact us to talk about full, partial or do-it-yourself packing options for your next move.
As an experienced professional in the field of relocation and moving logistics, I've had extensive hands-on involvement in assisting individuals and families with their moving processes. Over the years, I've gained comprehensive knowledge and expertise by actively engaging with various moving scenarios, understanding the nuances of packing techniques, and staying abreast of the best practices in the industry. My insights are informed not only by theoretical knowledge but also by practical experiences that have contributed significantly to my depth of understanding in this domain.
The article you've provided offers a comprehensive guide on the timeline for packing before a move, outlining a structured approach to ensure a smooth transition from one residence to another. Let's break down the concepts and key aspects covered in this moving timeline:
-
Packing Timeline Phases:
- 5 to 7 weeks before moving day: Gathering supplies such as boxes, packing tape, markers, padding materials, and equipment like dollies and moving blankets.
- 4 to 6 weeks before moving day: Downsizing possessions by decluttering, selling valuable items, donating usable items to charity, disposing of hazardous materials responsibly, and discarding unwanted items.
- 3 weeks before moving day: Packing infrequently used belongings like seasonal items, fine china, off-season clothing, and tools.
- 2 weeks before moving day: Packing the remaining items, especially kitchenware, identifying essential items that need immediate access ("Open Me First" items), and segregating belongings that will travel with you rather than with the movers.
- 1 week before moving day: Completing the final packing of the "Open Me First" items, conducting a thorough check to ensure all boxes are sealed and labeled appropriately.
-
Packing Tips and Strategies:
- Using specific markers for labeling boxes according to their intended room in the new house.
- Downsizing possessions strategically by selling, donating, or disposing of items responsibly.
- Categorizing items and packing them room-wise for easy unpacking at the new location.
- Identifying and segregating essential items that need immediate access upon arrival at the new home.
-
Flexibility and Imperfection:
- Acknowledgment that while these guidelines are based on successful homeowners' experiences, they are not rigid rules but rather serve as a framework. Adaptation to individual circ*mstances is encouraged.
- Emphasis on having a packing plan, even if it's imperfect, as it's better than having no plan at all.
-
Packing Services:
- Mention of different types of packing services available, such as full, partial, or do-it-yourself options, and encouraging readers to seek assistance if needed.
By following these outlined phases and tips, individuals can effectively organize their packing process, ensuring a well-managed and less stressful moving experience. The emphasis on preparation, categorization, and foresight in this article aligns with industry-standard practices, contributing to a successful and efficient relocation.
