LATEST NEWS & ADVICE

May 17th, 2024

What To Start Packing First When Moving?

Moving houses is both an exciting and overwhelming experience. With every room filled with memories and items accumulated over the years, figuring out where to begin your packing process is no easy task.

Thankfully, help is at hand! By starting early and tackling your home section by section, you can ensure that the process doesn’t have to be fraught with anxiety and chaos.

Let’s explore our structured plan that helps you determine what to pack first when moving.

How Early Should You Start Packing?

The moment you decide to move is the moment you should start thinking about packing. Early preparation not only gives you ample time to sort through your belongings and declutter but also makes your home more appealing to prospective buyers or tenants.

Start by removing items you no longer need or want, sell them, donate them, or discard them. This will clear up some much-needed space and reduce the load for your moving day.

For items you wish to keep but need to store away, you will require some quality packing material and possibly a storage unit or portable moving container.

Organise Your Packing List

Here’s how to organise your packing to make the process as efficient and stress-free as possible: Implementing these moving tips not only helps in keeping track of your belongings but also significantly reduces the pandemonium that is often associated with moving.

Begin with Rarely Used Items (4-5 Weeks Out)

Your first port of call should be items that are only needed a few times every year. This includes holiday decorations, seasonal sports equipment, and other non-essentials. These items are perfect candidates for early packing as they’re unlikely to be needed before you move. Use sturdy boxes and appropriate packing material to ensure their safety during the move.

Along with these seasonal items, consider packing spare linens, guest room contents, and extra cookware that aren’t an essential component of your daily routines.

Label these boxes as “non-essential” and stack them out of the way, keeping your living space clear and manageable as moving day approaches.

Next, Pack Non-Daily Used Clothing and Books (3-4 Weeks Out)

Consider how the weather is likely to be in the coming weeks and start packing clothing that won’t be needed immediately. Make use of vacuum-sealed bags to reduce the volume of bulky items like winter coats or heavy quilts.

Books, artwork, and other decorative items should be next on your agenda. Keep a couple of books or decor items out if you think you’ll use them before the move, but pack away the rest.

During this phase, also pack up all your formal wear, along with extra bags or suitcases. These are items you won’t need on a regular basis, and packing them early helps reduce clutter and allows you to focus on more immediate needs.

Handle Fragile Items Carefully (2-3 Weeks Out)

Now is the time to start packing your fragile items. Wrap dishes, glassware, and ornaments with bubble wrap and secure them in boxes clearly marked as fragile. Packing these items well in advance prevents hurried packing, which is what generally leads to damage.

When packing fragile items, inventory each item as you wrap and box them. This not only ensures that you are aware of exactly what you’ve packed but also provides vital documentation should any insurance claim arise due to accidental damage.

Sort Through Daily Use Items (1 Week Out)

When the actual moving starts to loom large on the horizon, shift your attention to the items you use more frequently, like your kitchen and bathroom essentials. Pack a box of essentials that includes items you’ll need during the last days in your old home and the first days in your new home.

As you sort through your trusty daily items, set aside a small box for overnight essentials for the day of the move. Include items like phone chargers, basic toiletries, and a change of clothes to ensure comfort without having to unpack immediately.

Last-Minute Packing (Days Before Moving)

Leave out essentials like toiletries, medications, and important documents until the last day. These should go into a clearly labelled “essentials” box that stays with you during the move.

For those last few days, prepare a personal essentials kit for each family member that includes necessary items like medications, favourite toys for kids, and special care products. This ensures that personal comfort is maintained during the transition to your new home.

Additionally, as you approach the final days before moving, it’s a wise idea to book a removalist to help ensure a smooth transition to your new residence.

Conclusion

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be a frantic rush against time. By starting early and using a systematic approach, you can ensure that everything is ready when your moving day arrives.

Book a reliable removalist in Melbourne early to help ease the moving process. With this plan, you can look forward to making your new house a home with ease and excitement.