Moving to another state or to another house can be challenging, stressful and a time-consuming hassle. But, worry not, as the whole task is not impossible to tackle down. If you have settled on a date and are wondering when to start packing for a house move, we’ve got you covered.
Meanwhile, timing is everything when it comes to packing and preparing for a move, there are some additional things you can do to ensure the entire moving process goes as smoothly as possible. In this blog post, we will share some tips that will help you stay on top of the move and reduce any unnecessary stress around it.
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Factors to Consider When Determining When to Start Packing
If you are thinking when to start packing for a move, there are a few factors you can keep in mind to make sure the whole relocation process is devoid of stress and anxiety, as well as conquered on time.
For example, think about the size of your current home and the amount of stuff you have in it. Think about the items you definitely want to take along with you, and which items serve of no use in your new place. Consider how far you are moving and how will you transport your belongings safely.
Once you have done this, consider AP Pro Moving’s tips to get on your moving journey with the right foot. We will help you plan and tackle your move easily. Keep reading this article to find out when to start packing for a move!
START EARLY AND PLAN AHEAD
Starting early and planning ahead is one of the most important things to do while thinking when to start packing for a move. In this stage, you need to go over your moving plan and ideas, and consider how you will be facing this task.
Ask friends and family for advice, and start gathering essentials for your move. Consider creating a timeline or a schedule with specific packing tasks and move related tasks that need to be completed in the weeks prior to your move out date. This will help ensure that you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Starting the moving process three weeks before your moving out date is optimal for a medium size house. It will give you time to face crucial steps that will help you organize your moving process, and reduce any undesired stress and anxiety that may arise. During this stage, you will have time to think and take decisions about what you want your move to look like.
Come up with a timeframe and a list of things that need to get done. Also, start gathering boxes and packing materials to be prepared for the task ahead. Lastly, consider hiring a moving company and let them take care of the logistics.
Make a checklist you can come back to
Since moving tends to come along with its set of hurdles and tasks that need to get done at specific timeframes, one useful tip we can give is creating a checklist. Not only will it help you to stay organized, but it will also ensure that you don’t forget anything on the way.
In your checklist, you can include general and specific tasks alike. Divide it accordingly, and make sure to include any annotation that might come in handy, like your service provider’s contact information. Also, list the rooms in your current home, and break down what you need to get done in each one of them.
Start gathering or buying packing materials
Moving requires preparation, so gathering your packing essentials in advance will be a real time saver. Ask friends and family to save cardboard boxes they no longer need so you can make use of them to later pack your items.
Get packing tape, wrapping paper, packing paper, labels, and a marker. Keep all these items together and ready to use. Also, consider getting special packing boxes for your dishware online, or inquire if your moving company can provide the materials to you.
Consider hiring a moving company
With time on your side, and being able to do research and take some important decisions, looking into hiring a moving company seems like the best option to handle your move. Moving companies have extensive experience in relocating and can guide you and give you advice through the whole process.
Whether you are going for a local move or a long distance move, AP Pro Moving has an array of services to offer that can make your entire moving process a lot easier. We are sure you will find the option that better caters to your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our team at [email protected] if you have any doubts.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
In this stage, you will be ready to pack away! With your checklist in hand, your packing materials, and your mighty will, you will be able to navigate through the packing process in no time.
Make sure to take breaks when you feel tired or stressed in order to prevent fatigue and burnout. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, as a set of extra hands can significantly help make the whole ordeal more easy and enjoyable.
Go over your wardrobe
Moving is a great opportunity to go over your wardrobe and go over all the items of clothing you own. Start by sorting through the items and deciding what to keep, what to donate, and what to sell. This will help you lighten your clothes load before you move, and you will be able to take with you just the items you really love.
While you go over your clothes, keep in mind the season and the climate of your new location. According to that, pack your clothes efficiently. If you’re moving to a warmer climate, pack away winter coats that you will not immediately need. Conversely, if you’re moving to a colder area, pack your warmest clothes, such as sweaters, coats, and scarves, so they are easy to access to upon arrival.
Declutter and categorize your items
If thinking about all the items you own makes you feel a little hesitant about the task at hand, decluttering and categorizing your items three weeks in advance can be a step in the right direction. To begin with, we recommend going over one room at a time.
Think about the items you don’t longer need to use, and the ones you would like to take with you. Declutter your space and then categorize those belongings. Make piles whenever possible, and remember to pack essential items separately. Medication and important documents, should be easily accessible during the move.
Pack strategically and label your boxes
Start packing your items, but keep in mind to do so strategically so the unpacking process will be easier when you arrive to your new place. Pack similar items together, and make sure to keep those you consider indispensable at the top of your boxes.
Pack heavy items first, so more fragile or delicate objects won’t get crushed during transportation. Also, clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time and effort when you’ve arrived to your destination and are trying to find specific items.
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR MOVE
As you get closer to your move out date, you can start focusing on the last moving related tasks. This last week is going to be crucial to get the last bits of packing done. Focus on pending tasks on your checklist and try to sort them out one by one in order not to feel overwhelmed.
In this stage, you should be ready to put your effort into packing the kitchen up and its utensils. You can also give your go at disassembling your furniture and get protective cover for the ones that are already ready to go. Lastly, pack a bag of essentials to take with you and keep at reach during the relocation process.
Wrap up the kitchen
The kitchen is probably one of the most important rooms in your house, as it is constantly being used, so we consider that packing your kitchen last, is the best strategy when preparing to move out.
Begin by packing away items you don’t use so frequently, such as special appliances or seasonal dishes. Then, begin packing up the rest of your kitchen items, leaving essential items out, so you can use them until your move out day. Pack dishes and glassware by carefully wrapping them with bubble wrap or packing paper.
If you have additional doubts on how to pack your kitchen efficiently, this AP Pro Moving guide may come in handy.
Disassembly your furniture
As your moving day approaches, you can give it a go at disassembling your own furniture for transport. You won’t need to dismantle all the pieces of furniture you own, but to disassemble some of them might make the whole transportation logistics a lot easier when loading the truck and making space for your moving boxes.
Still, if this is out of your realm of expertise, or out of your comfort zone, consider leaving the task to a team of professionals. Your movers will surely be glad to help and take care of your furniture, leaving room for you to take care of other moving related tasks. Check our furniture disassemble and reassemble services to make your move easier.
Keep a bag of essentials with you
One important thing to remember, as it is often overlooked, is to pack a bag of essentials for your move. This bag should be kept with you at all times, and it should contain significant documents and items you may need easy access to during your relocation process.
Make sure to include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications and any other important items you may need during your move, and even on the first few days of your stay at your new place. If you prepare a bag of essentials, you will not have to worry about rummaging through boxes to get the things you need.
Proven Tips for Efficiently Packing and Organizing Your Move
Packing and organizing your move can be overwhelming, but with a few tips and tricks, we are sure you will be able to achieve the task and relocate stress-free and in record time. Begin planning your move weeks in advance, and write down the tasks that need to get done.
Consider hiring a moving company, as they are experts in relocation matters. They will not only be able to help you with the heavy lifting and the transportation logistics, but movers can even give you expert tips and advice on how to start packing things around your house.
Since AP Pro Moving understands the importance of a seamless transition to your new living space, we provide an array of moving services to cater to your specific needs. Whether you’re moving locally or long distance, we are here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our team at (703) 757-6969 if you have any doubts.
FAQs
HOW SHOULD I START PACKING FOR A MOVE?
When thinking about how to start packing for a move, consider starting early and planning ahead as your best ally. In this stage, you need to go over your moving plan and ideas, and consider how you will be facing this task.
WHEN TO START PACKING FOR A MOVE?
Starting the moving process three weeks before your moving out date is optimal for a medium size house. It will give you time to face crucial steps that will help you organize your moving process, and reduce any undesired stress and anxiety that may arise.
IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I START PACKING FOR A MOVE?
There is no set order to start packing for a move, but we recommend going over your wardrobe first. Once you have sorted your clothes, go room by room, decluttering and categorizing your items. Also, leave kitchen for last as it is the most used room of the house.
