For most people, the words ‘packing’ and ‘moving’ are enough to incite stress and anxiety.  Without a doubt, packing is the most arduous moving task.  While it is certainly time-consuming and exhausting at times, the packing process can be simplified by following these 8 steps.

1. Purge and Donate

   It’s no secret that the more things you have the longer it will take to pack.  There is no sense is spending countless hours packing items that you rarely use or don’t need anymore.  Before packing the first box, take time to go through and get rid of anything you don’t need.  Consider donating these items or set them aside for a yard sale.

2. Devise a Strategy

   Avoid wasting time and getting disorganized by coming up with a mater packing strategy.  Follow these three main principles: 1. start with your toughest rooms first. 2.take it one room at a time. 3. Pack heavy items first before moving on to odds and ends.

3. Designate a Packing Area

   You can speed up the packing process by preparing a specific space in your house to serve as the packing station.  This way, the other rooms in your house will remain clutter-free and easily accessible throughout the moving process. 

4. Gather Packing Materials

   Before you are ready to begin packing, make sure you have all of the necessary packing materials.  This includes boxes, packing paper, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and plenty of tape.  You don’t want to waste time running to the store to purchase these items.

5. Start Early

   No matter how efficient you think you are packing always takes longer than expected.  Start about 3 or 4 weeks before moving day so you aren’t rushing around at the last minute.

6. Take it One Room at a Time

   Don’t overwhelm yourself by tracking to tackle too much too fast.  Packing one room at a time helps you to stay organized and it will also keep you from getting too stressed.  It’s always a good idea to start with the toughest rooms first, such as an attic or a garage.  Slowly work your way through each room in the house, saving the kitchen for last. (because you will likely still be using many of these items)

7. Label Your Boxes

   Mark every box with its contents and its destination.  This will make it easier for movers to know where to place each item in your new home and it will also make it easier for you to locate your belongings.  There are also several great apps that can help you to organize your boxes so you can easily keep track of everything as you go.

8. Follow Proper Packing Techniques

It’s not as simple as just throwing everything into a box.  If you aren’t careful, you are likely to waste boxes, strain your back, and even damage your belongings if you don’t follow proper packing procedures.  For example, heavy items such as books should be packed in smaller boxes while lighter items such as pillows and blankets should be packed in larger boxes.  Take care to properly wrap all fragile items and fill the empty spaces in your boxes with packing peanuts to prevent damage.  Finally, don’t pack too heavy!  You have a lot of boxes to move and it will quickly take its toll on your back and shoulders if you are constantly lifting heavy boxes.