You may never know how much stuff you own until you start packing for a move. This process is quite challenging and hectic, and movers always recommend not to delay it to the last week. No matter how big or small your house, apartment or office is, you should begin packing 6-8 weeks before the move.

Packing often includes cleaning, getting rid or selling unneeded items, choosing professional packing services or deciding to do it yourself, and actually packing everything you need in your new house or office.

6-8 weeks before the move

First of all, clean your house and make important decisions on your items: what items you want to keep, what to throw away, and what to sell. In other words, you should declutter before a move. We shared a couple of tips in this article.

4-6 weeks before the move

Sell furniture, clothes and other belongings that you won’t need at your new place. Arranging a garage sale will not only help you to get rid of unwanted items but will help you to cover some of the moving costs too. Another option to reduce the number of unneeded items is to donate them to goodwill.

At the same time, you should start looking for a professional moving company. Take your time and do the research: read testimonials, compare rates and ask for moving quotes. When choosing movers, you should not forget to check their licensing to avoid possible losses.

We named aspects of choosing a credible moving company here, but we want to mention that you should also read client reviews online and ask for referrals from friends or coworkers. There’s nothing better than receiving an honest review from the people you know and trust.

However, if you decide to move by yourself, you should rent a moving truck, a mobile storage Pod or other storage solution, and of course, ask your friends or family to help you with the move.

2-3 weeks before the move

It’s time to start packing! You have a few options: hire a moving company that provides full or partial packing services, or do it yourself.

If you choose the first option, your preferred company usually brings packing materials. If you decide to pack belongings, you should get moving boxes, duck tape, and materials to protect fragile items.

The main question people ask is – where do I begin? The answer is quite simple. You should start packing process from the items that are not essential for the daily use, such as:

• Christmas decorations,
• out-of-season clothes,
• collectibles,
• linens and towels (keep a few for use until the moving day),
• office supplies that you currently do not need.

The second stage of packing includes:

• artwork and décor, such as pictures, paintings, souvenirs, etc.
• books, CDs, DVDs, and other entertainment items;
• kitchenware that you do not use on a daily basis, such as china, barbecue tools, pie pans, etc.

Two weeks before the move, start packing:

• children toys, puzzles, stuffed animals. Include your kids to this task too and let them decide what toys they can have during the move.
• jewelry and keep it in the secure box.

Important! Do not forget to label your boxes. It’s the only way to know what is packed in each of the boxes. Having a system helps not only to find something you may need during the move but simplifies unpacking too.

1 week before the move

Finish packing the rest of non-essential items: electronics, remaining kitchen equipment, bathroom supplies, clothes, and medicine. However, when talking about medicine, you should prepare the first aid kit.

Additionally, it’s time to do laundry for the last time in your old home. Make sure you have enough clean clothes and do not bring lots of dirty laundry in your new place. Doing laundry should not be the first thing to do once you arrive at a new home.

One week before the move, you should pack your day box. With toiletries, clothes, medication and other items that you use on a daily basis. This box should contain essential items that you will need on the first days at the new place.

1-2 days before the move

When moving day is around the corner, start packing curtains, rugs, furniture, and appliances. The last two days are for packing everything that hasn’t been put into boxes yet.

Moving day

Once you get up on a moving day, pack your bed and bedding, remaining toiletries and medicines, cleaning supplies and items for children or pets. Besides, prepare some snacks and water for the moving day.

Feeling tired already? You can hire a moving company that provides full-packing services. This option will save you time and energy. At Call The Movers, we provide inventory for each client, so you do not need to worry about getting lost in the piles of boxes. You will know what is placed in each box.