How to Make a Packing Schedule for Moving

Make a Packing Schedule for Moving

If you’re planning your move by yourself, we recommend that you inspect each room and make a schedule of everything that needs to be done and packed. It’s difficult to decide which rooms you will pack first and last. We suggest you start with the ones you use the least and pack the things you definitely won’t require until the move. The same goes for all other rooms – pack everything you won’t use until the move first and leave the essentials for last. 

Create a Packing List Ahead of Time

As soon as you know you will be relocating, start making a moving checklist. Since there are dozens of tasks that should be tackled before you move out, you can’t let something slip through the cracks. Make a list of essential items in each of the rooms. Don’t forget to make a shopping list and get everything you will require in your future home.

Finish the Inventory Weeks Before Relocating

Before you start figuring out what you should pack first, it would be smart to take inventory of all your belongings and see how many things you actually have. You can use a pen and paper or make a spreadsheet and put everything into categories.

Figure Out What You Need

Hopefully, as you make an inventory of all your possessions, you might notice that you have a lot of stuff you might no longer require. While making an inventory, it might be best to use the list wisely and sort out the things you require and separate the things you don’t need. 

Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Need

Go through all of your belongings and sort them into two categories: keep and throw out. The throw-out pile should be then divided into three sections – trash, donate and sell. Any item that is in good condition, you should sell online or at a garage sale. The things that you don’t sell or don’t think you’ll be able to sell, you can donate. But if something is broken or just junk, you should throw it out.

Leave One Room Intact Until the End

Since moving long-distance can be very stressful and emotional, seeing all those empty rooms won’t be good for you. Because of that, one of our tips is to keep one room or just part of it intact. That way, you will have a place to escape to when the relocation stress starts getting to you. 

Start Preparing Moving Boxes Weeks in Advance

Having enough boxes is a must, so don’t be afraid to get more than you think is necessary. Running out of boxes in the middle of or at the end of the process is the worst thing. We advise you to get at least ten average-sized, ten small ones, eight medium-sized, and five large ones for each room.

Label Every Box

Each box you will transport should have a tag indicating the part of the house it came from and a description of the stuff it contains. The label should be short but detailed enough so you have a good idea of what your box contains. And by using different colors for your boxes, you will be able to designate each area of your new home with one color. Not only that, but it would make it easier for loading and unloading, as well.

Packing Materials and Supplies

You can’t get anything packed unless you have the proper materials and supplies. Apart from boxes, you should have the following supplies: 

• packing paper 
• duct tape
• bubble wrap
• packing peanuts or some other cushioning materials. 

You may also require wooden crates and foam sheets that can provide efficient protection for your valuable and delicate belongings, like antiques, paintings, sculptures, mirrors, dishes, fine china, etc.

Organize Items for Your New Apartment

Most people pack their homes by going through each room. But that’s not such a good tactic, especially if your new residence has a different setup. One of the best tips we can give you is to make a list of all the rooms in your future place and organize your belongings according to that list. This way, the unpacking process will be much easier and less confusing.

Pack Your Belongings Carefully

Your belongings should be packed carefully in their package, especially if they are fragile and valuable. Put a few things in each box and then protect them using proper supplies and materials. You can even place a blanket across the bottom of the box or a pillow on top to give it extra padding. 

Protect Fragile Items

When you pack fragile belongings, make sure you don’t overfill the boxes. Too many items can damage your fragile things. But, the most important thing is to label these boxes with “Fragile” on each side.

Keep Your Hardware Together

Put all the hardware from everything that needs to be disassembled in one place. Screws, wall mounts, nails, and anything else you gathered from your shelves, electronics, and other things must be kept safe and adequately labeled. You can also keep those parts and pieces in plastic bags and tape to the item they belong to. 

Leave Your Items in Storage Ahead of Time

If you have extra time between the move from your old to your new house, then it might be best to leave your things in storage. Putting things in storage units is a great option if you are not moving into your new home yet, but have to move out your belongings from your current place. However, you should listen to the tips and book your storage on time.

What To Do on Moving Day?

On moving day, you have to get everything ready, so if there is anything left to pack up, it should be finished before the movers arrive. Once the movers come, your things must be packed and ready for transport. If you can’t get everything packed on time, you can always hire professional packing and unpacking services. And if you haven’t gotten any insurance, we suggest you do. You never know when you might need it. And don’t forget to give tips to your movers.