![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/best-way-to-pack-for-moving-declutter.png\")
<\/a>Step 1: Declutter and purge<\/h2>\n
It may seem like the most obvious place to begin, but getting rid of what you don\u2019t want to move is key before you actually start packing. You don\u2019t want to bother putting things into boxes if in a few weeks or months after your move you\u2019ll wish you would have just taken it over to the Salvation Army<\/a> or Goodwill<\/a>. It\u2019s just plain, good ol\u2019 common sense!<\/p>\n \u201cGoing through the sale process, there’s no better time than before you list to actually start making donations, so that once you go under contract, you don’t have to worry about that 45-day squeeze to get things out of the house,\u201d says top real estate agent Megan Toll, of Toll Realty Group<\/a> in the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area.<\/p>\n So how to start decluttering? Work room by room, starting with the big items first. Any side tables, lamps, desks, or anything heavy and large that won\u2019t fit into your new home or won\u2019t match the new decor will have to go. Tag these items with sticky notes or move them all into one room or one area of the house.<\/p>\n Next, go from room to room, but this time with clothes, appliances, books, and other items in mind. If you haven\u2019t used an item in months, if it doesn\u2019t fit, or if it doesn\u2019t \u201cspark joy\u201d as Marie Kondo<\/a> says, then put it into a donation box.<\/p>\n Tackle the attic, the basement, and storage closets last. These areas are usually filled with nostalgic items and can be the hardest area of the house to go through to get rid of things.<\/p>\n Last on the list is arranging for a donation pickup. Many charities or nonprofit organizations will pick up your donations for free, so check with them before hauling boxes or bookshelves all over town. Simply schedule a pick-up and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.<\/p>\n Or, if you\u2019re feeling extra proactive and have a strong case of the can-do attitude, plan a garage sale and use that extra moolah to put toward your moving fund!<\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve skimmed the foam off of top with your declutter-a-thon, it\u2019s time to get prepped. The best way to pack for moving for every room of your house starts with an inventory list<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here, you\u2019ll want to itemize every item you\u2019ll be moving so you can get a handle on what kind of packing supplies you\u2019ll need, including quality boxes, bubble wrap, tape, a tape gun, packing paper, markers, blankets, a dolly, and other moving tools.<\/a><\/p>\n As Toll conveys, \u201cPacking supplies can be expensive. Use what you have on hand to help protect your valuables and to buffer some of the more delicate items that you’re trying to pack.\u201d If you\u2019re on the hunt for some inexpensive boxes, Toll recommends searching \u201cbuy nothing\u201d sites like Facebook groups or FreeCycle<\/a>. She also advises \u201cusing food delivery boxes for packing because they are sturdy and are a great size!\u201d<\/p>\n You might be surprised that this step comes before organizing and packing. You and any family members will want to make sure you have your valuables with you, as well as a few days\u2019 worth of clothes and necessities to get you settled in your house quickly. You won\u2019t want to go hunting for your toothbrush in boxes!<\/p>\n Packing important items can also be helpful if your closing or moving process doesn\u2019t run on schedule. \u201dWhat if the settlement is delayed for a couple of days and all of your belongings are stuck in a truck?\u201d Toll notes. \u201cYou\u2019ve packed your entire life into boxes, forgetting that all you have are the clothes on your back.\u201d<\/p>\n Also, you\u2019ll want to make sure that you get your own important documents, sensitive paperwork, and essentials out of the way before you begin putting things in boxes. \u201cTake your passport out and put it as far away as possible from everything you\u2019re packing\u201d to make sure it doesn\u2019t unintentionally end up in one of the boxes, says Sayra Rafi at Imperial Movers<\/a> in New York. Consider purchasing a portable filing tote<\/a> or at least a document folder to store all your important documents and keeping them with you and your suitcase before tackling packing your home.<\/p>\n Now that your essentials are in place and you\u2019re the proud owner of a lot of cardboard and tape, it\u2019s time to get organized. Wait. Did we just hear you groan? Did you just utter organized-schmorganized? Well, we are here to keep things fun so you can stay on top of the game.<\/p>\n Here are our top quick tips for getting organized:<\/p>\n Experts agree that the best way to pack your house involves a room-by-room approach. The order you approach those rooms, however, is up for debate.<\/p>\n Packing companies often recommend that you start in one corner of the house, and work your way to the other corner of the house systematically.<\/p>\n Toll favors a different approach and recommends packing up the \u201ccatch-all room first, whether that\u2019s a basement space or maybe an extra bedroom,\u201d as that is the room mainly used for storage and likely contains the things you use least often. \u201cFirst pack the items that you’re not using every day, last are the items that you’re using every day like your main kitchen items,\u201d Toll says.<\/p>\n With that in mind, you\u2019re welcome to take the approach that works best for you, decide which room to start with, and go in any order you please. While we\u2019re listing the kitchen first, you can go bananas and start with the living room. The choice is yours!<\/p>\n Ah, the kitchen! Where cookies are made and lemons are zested. Keep in mind that the kitchen is usually the most difficult room to pack and, therefore, takes the longest. Most items here are fragile, sharp, or come in odd shapes and sizes \u2014 we\u2019re looking at you, fruit juicer!<\/p>\n Dishware:<\/b> Wrap dishes and pack them vertically, and use padding under dishes and to fill extra space on top to keep things from breaking. Pack bowls inside of each other and put paper or paper towels in between. Stack cups with paper in between them; or use a box with cardboard dividers \u2014 wine boxes work very well for this!<\/p>\n Small kitchen appliances<\/b>: Pack like items together and approach your boxes as if you are putting together a puzzle. Try to fit things into them in such a way that they are secure, and that box weights are balanced as well. Experts recommend<\/a> that boxes don\u2019t exceed 50 pounds<\/a>, so putting your entire cast-iron skillet collection into the same box might not be the best plan. When it comes to packing small kitchen appliances, make sure you tape down any moving parts, remove any accessories, and add lots of packing paper or padding around them to prevent damage during transportation.<\/p>\n Large kitchen appliances: <\/b>Make sure to defrost your refrigerator<\/a> at least 48 hours prior to moving out and to disconnect your oven from the gas line at least 48 hours prior. Everything should be disconnected and unplugged before moving day.<\/p>\n Food: <\/b>Moving companies cannot move perishable foods. However, when it comes to canned goods, spices, non-perishable foods, or wine bottles, it is recommended that you pack them and put them in your own car.<\/p>\n Speaking of putting things in your car, remember to pack your box of kitchen essentials last and to label it clearly. It\u2019s recommended to bring it with you in the car, rather than putting it in the moving truck<\/a> so you have quick and easy access to it when you first arrive at your new home!<\/p>\n Everyone\u2019s dining room is a little different. Maybe it\u2019s an extension of the kitchen and only includes a table and chairs, or maybe it\u2019s a formal banquet hall with candelabras and hutches filled with china and crystal. Depending on what your dining room looks like, instructions will vary.<\/p>\n Fine china<\/b>: If you have a more lavish dining room, then our instructions will be similar to aforementioned advice in the kitchen area: put similar items together, wrap dishes vertically, and use dividers in between boxes as necessary. Use extra bubble wrap or packing paper to make sure that your fine china and crystal are protected!<\/p>\n Dining room table and chairs: <\/b>When moving a dining room table, it\u2019s helpful to remove the table legs first by unbolting or unscrewing them. Then put the hardware in a resealable plastic bag and tape it under the table. Wrap the legs in bubble wrap<\/a> for added protection. When it comes to the chairs, the best way to pack them for moving is to wrap them in table cloths or blankets and then wrap the table around the base and legs of the chairs so they are secured. If it is possible to remove their legs and you opt to do so, tape them to the bottom or back of the chairs (and don\u2019t forget to attach the hardware)!<\/p>\n Hutch or cabinet:<\/b> These are heavy duty pieces of furniture! After removing all items from the interior, then determine if your cabinet itself can be disassembled. Sometimes glass shelving can be removed, and this can be done cautiously with the use of protective cut-resistant gloves<\/a>. If you decide not to disassemble, make sure you tape all drawers and doors closed to prevent them from opening accidentally in transport.<\/p>\n The den or living room is likely your area of relaxation \u2014 a room for a true reprieve. Yet, packing it can feel a bit daunting. Getting all the items in your den and living room ready for a move can feel tricky, as there are usually a lot of electronics, artwork, or fragile lamps. Let\u2019s outline how best to pack common items.<\/p>\n Electronics:<\/b> What is more frustrating than reassembling electronics? We feel you. Make sure to snap some photos on your phone of the back of your television, the back of your modem or router, and any other electronics that use cables, cords, and wizardry to put together.<\/p>\n Lamps:<\/b> When moving lamps, disassemble them before packing them. This includes taking the light bulbs out! Light bulbs can break in a snap and that fragile glass is a pain to clean up. We recommend putting them in plastic storage containers wrapped in kitchen towels if you don\u2019t have the original boxes handy. If you\u2019re in a pinch, you can store them in empty (cleaned) Pringles cans with padding around them. Genius idea? We think so.<\/p>\n Rugs:<\/b> Make sure your rugs are rolled nice and tightly like burritos. You know what they say about snug as a bug in a rug, right? Make sure you vacuum up your rugs before packing so that all your (Pringles!) crumbs aren\u2019t moving with you.<\/p>\n Artwork: <\/b>Whether we are talking about painted canvas or framed family photos, you\u2019ll want to treat your artwork like gold to avoid damage. Good advice<\/a> is to match the artwork to appropriately sized boxes, mark glass with an \u201cX\u201d using painters tape, wrap the piece in paper or bubble wrap, and test the box for any shifting inside. Lastly, you\u2019re going to want to make sure to reinforce the bottom of the box, and don\u2019t forget to protect the artwork or frame\u2019s corners by purchase or make protective cardboard corners<\/a>.<\/p>\n TV: <\/b>See below!<\/p>\n Staring at your office and wondering what\u2019s the best way to pack for moving? We get it. The home office is usually a place of organized chaos, bursting with documents, meaningful mementos, and decor.<\/p>\n Books, rugs, and miscellaneous<\/b>: Start by packing the easiest items first, such as books, rugs, and miscellaneous things on your desk and on your shelves.<\/p>\n Electronics: <\/b>When it comes to packing electronics, remember to take photos of how all the cords are connected. Given the price of electronics, you may want to consider investing in boxes that were specifically created to hold computers or TVs if you don\u2019t have the original packaging. For example, U-Haul<\/a> offers kits that are specifically designed to pack computer monitors or TVs and have an eight-point protection system in place as well as built-in cushions.<\/p>\n File cabinets:<\/b> Good news! File cabinets can be moved exactly as is. Just add a little tape to the drawers so they don\u2019t open in transport, or lock them with keys. As we mentioned earlier, we do recommend taking all sensitive documents with you in your car to prevent any loss, damage, or theft.<\/p>\n Do you take one look at your closet and cringe when you think about folding all those clothes? There\u2019s usually more in our bedrooms than we think there is \u2014 whether tucked under the bed or pushed to the back of our closets. Let\u2019s cover how to pack the bedroom.<\/p>\n Clothing:<\/b> The good thing about dressers is that you get to leave your clothing in the drawers. No need to unpack them, just tape them up so nothing falls out during transit. When it comes to your closet, for the simplest moving experience we recommend leaving your clothing on hangers. Consider getting wardrobe boxes. Alternatively, Toll recommends using garbage bags. \u201cCardboard has a distinct smell to it that can sometimes permeate clothing,\u201d she says. \u201cKeep your clothes on the hangers and wrap a garbage bag over them, as if you’re getting dry cleaning back. This helps make it easier to go from in-the-box to in-the-closet without having to re-wash everything.\u201d<\/p>\n Jewelry: <\/b>Pack your jewelry in your suitcase or carry-on bag. Take it with you, whether you are driving or flying. It\u2019s always better safe than sorry! If you don\u2019t have soft-cloth jewelry bags, you can wrap jewelry in tissue paper and keep it in small, individual plastic bags to prevent scratching.<\/p>\n Linens: <\/b>When it comes to bedding itself, it can be a good idea to use it as extra packing material. Extra blankets can help pad boxes or can be wrapped around some more delicate items, like lamps, to provide soft cushioning.<\/p>\n Bed: <\/b>Strip the bed and disassemble the frame or headboard, if possible. Seal the hardware in a plastic bag and tape it to the frame so you don\u2019t lose it.<\/p>\n It\u2019s quite possible that packing up the bathroom is the easiest room in the house. Moving companies will not move the majority of your cleaning supplies<\/a> or even cosmetic chemicals like nail polish remover.<\/p>\n Bathroom supplies: <\/b>If you want to keep your bathroom supplies, then pack them upright in a sturdy plastic tub and use packing paper or wrap to make sure they don\u2019t shift when transporting them in your personal vehicle. Use masking tape to secure the caps to prevent leakage. This includes shampoos, conditioners, and other liquid-based products. Keep in mind that moving companies will not move aerosols either.<\/p>\n Cosmetics:<\/b> Your makeup bag? Your shaving kit? They\u2019re coming with you!<\/p>\n Does your laundry room have that fresh laundry scent? Wonderful! It\u2019ll make packing everything up a soothing experience with lavender and vanilla bean scents wafting around.<\/p>\n Cleaning chemicals:<\/b> The movers won\u2019t take them. (See above.)<\/p>\n Washing machine: <\/b>Clean your washer with a washer cleaning tablet and leave the door open for at least 24 hours<\/a> to let it dry out completely. Next, turn off the power and water supply to the washer and disconnect the power cord and hoses. (Note: You may want to leave this to a professional as a matter of safety.) Let the hoses drain into a bucket, then put them in a sealed bag and attach it to your washer so you don\u2019t lose it. Tape the cord to the washing machine so no one trips on it while moving. Finally, you\u2019ll want to secure the washer drum and door and wrap the machine with blankets. Consult your owner\u2019s manual for more information.<\/p>\n Dryer:<\/b> Clean out the lint trap, filters, and dryer vents. Turn off the power to the dryer before unplugging it to help avoid injury. If you have a gas dryer you\u2019ll need to shut off the gas valve on the dryer and disconnect the gas line. If this isn\u2019t something you\u2019ve done before, get help from a qualified professional.<\/b> In fact, many moving companies won\u2019t disconnect or hook up your appliances<\/a>.<\/p>\n Give yourself a high-five if you have a home gym and you actually use the spiffy equipment in there! When looking at your home gym, you might be thinking that the best way to pack it for moving is disassembling everything. Hold your horses! As Rafi asserts, \u201cWe generally advise not to disassemble anything. Don\u2019t take your treadmill or gym equipment apart. Wrap it in moving blankets, so nothing gets scratched or damaged. Any tech items, like screens, you can remove and take with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Large gym equipment:<\/b> When it comes to moving a treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical or other large gym equipment, all you need to do is unplug and remove any technology, such as screens. With stationary bikes you\u2019ll want to wrap a blanket around it to protect it.<\/p>\n Handbells or dumbweights<\/b>: The best way to pack handbells or dumbweights is to place them in sturdy plastic tubs that can handle their weight. Include some yoga mats, cushions, or blankets in the tubs to keep the weights from knocking around against each other.<\/p>\n Packing the attic, garage, basement, or external storage unit comes last. Rafi recommends that you work with larger items first to \u201cmake sure you have a clear playing field, and then target the smaller things. It\u2019s easier with things not blocking your vision.\u201d She suggests placing the furniture and other large items in the corner closest to the door, so everything bulky and big is completely out of your way.<\/p>\n Lawnmower, chainsaw, weed whacker:<\/b> Any items that operate using gasoline and oil must be drained of all flammable liquids prior to packing and moving.<\/p>\nStep 2: Get prepped<\/h2>\n
Step 3: Pack your suitcase<\/h2>\n
Step 4: Get organized<\/h2>\n
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Step 5: Go room by room<\/h2>\n
How to pack the kitchen<\/h3>\n
<\/a>How to pack the dining room<\/h3>\n
How to pack the den and\/or living room<\/h3>\n
<\/a>How to pack the home office<\/h3>\n
How to pack the bedroom<\/h3>\n
How to pack the bathrooms<\/h3>\n
How to pack the laundry room<\/h3>\n
How to pack the home gym<\/h3>\n
How to pack the attic\/basement\/garage<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Step 6: Know what not to pack<\/h2>\n