Packing Up and Moving Out (Part 2)

Today, I'm continuing on the topic of getting things done during a move.  We already have our master lists in hand, and now it's time to start packing.  It's a lot like cleaning, unfortunately you can't expect everything to look nice when you're done.  We'll have to just be content with a pile of boxes and a shrinking list.

Gather Packing Supplies

 

The first thing to do before packing is gather all your supplies.  Below is a basic list that will apply to most people.

•  Boxes - The number of boxes you estimated while writing your list is just an estimate, but it's a better one than you would have made off the top of your head.  If you are hoping for free boxes, start looking as soon as you finish your list.  Free boxes can be difficult to find at the last minute and running out of boxes can halt your packing progress.
• Pen/Marker - You will want these for labeling boxes.
• Packing Tape - It depends on the type of boxes, but you will probably need to tape the bottom of boxes.
• Paper for Wrapping - If you have dishes and breakables, this may be a necessity.  Newspaper and large mail fliers can make a free option or boxes of clean paper can be purchased.
• Dust Cloth - While optional, you will probably find more dust than you expect.  It's up to you whether you want to take it with you.

Get Down to Work

 

1.  Plan to Pack Over Time - Divide your estimated number of boxes by the number of days you have to pack.  Put it on your daily todo list to pack at least that many boxes each day to prevent leaving too much for the last minute.

 

2.  Focus on One Room - You will make better progress if you work on packing one room at a time during a given day.  That's not to say that because you started on the bedroom this morning that you can't work on the kitchen tonight, but your ability to sort, process and categorize will be less strained if you are working on items that are in some way related during the same work session.  Your master list will help you remember what needs to be done in that room and there is a sense of accomplishment that goes with knowing you have done everything you can do in a room.

3.  Don't Need It - Look at your list and start with items you don't need.  Pictures, decorations and special occasion items are examples of items that can easily be packed without causing inconveniences.  Many people have cupboards, drawers and shelves full of rarely used items that can now be put in boxes.  Items you rarely use are not likely to be needed during the few weeks you have for packing.

4.  Set Aside Essentials - Don't let the possibility of needing something keep you from packing an area.  Set aside what you know you are likely to need and pack the rest.  If you keep boxes easily accessible and well labeled, you will have few problems finding an item you packed in the case of a mistake.  If you plan what outfits you intend to wear and what meals you intend to cook for the last week or so before you move, you will find you can pack much more.  As you go, make a new list for items that will need to be packed in the last few days.

5.  Pack to Make Unpacking Easier - Most people find it useful later to have kept items grouped by the room they are currently in now.  People logically expect to find their stuff with other stuff it's always been near.  Also, label boxes as you go by writing what room they go in and what is in the box.  You don't have to write a detailed itemization of the box's contents, but I suggest you are more specific than "Name's Stuff" (real life lesson).

 

 6.  Expect to Miss Items - If you realize while you are still packing that you forgot to put items on your list, add them to your list.  There is more feeling of accomplishment in completing tasks on your list than random tasks you didn't plan to do.  You will likely still miss things.  Save an extra box or two for moving day just in case you find items under beds and behind dressers.  Make sure you go through each room, closet and cupboard one last time before you leave for good.

 

Packing up all of your worldly possessions for transport is not something most people can do in one night.  Use all the time you have!  If you procrastinate, the odds are you will get no sleep the night before move.  You will also increase the possibility of forgetting or losing things in the process.  As is the case with any large project, lists are your friend and better than your memory.  Taking time to organize before you start and working in an organized fashion will make things run more smoothly in the end.