The Ultimate Packing Checklist for a Move

Published: April 15, 2024

Moving to a new home is a significant milestone, but packing up your entire life can be overwhelming. From deciding what to keep and what to let go of to ensuring everything is properly packed and labeled, there are countless tasks to manage. However, with careful planning and organization, the moving process can be made much smoother and less stressful. Here is the ultimate packing checklist for a move to help you stay on track and ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Before You Start Packing:

Create a Timeline: Set a timeline for your move and create a schedule to ensure you stay organized and on track.

Gather Supplies: Stock up on essential packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels. If needed, consider purchasing specialty items like wardrobe boxes or mattress covers.

Declutter: Before you start packing, take the time to declutter your belongings. Donate or sell items you no longer need or use to lighten your load and reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack and move.

Packing Room by Room:

Kitchen:

• Start by packing non-essential items such as cookbooks, decorative items, and specialty appliances.
• Pack fragile items such as dishes, glassware, and ceramics carefully using bubble wrap and packing paper.
• Label boxes containing fragile items as “fragile” for easy identification and careful handling.

Living Room:

• Pack electronics such as TVs, stereos, and gaming consoles in their original boxes if possible. Otherwise, use plenty of padding and secure them in sturdy boxes.
• Wrap delicate items such as picture frames and lamps in bubble wrap and pack them in appropriately sized boxes.

Bedrooms:

• Pack clothing, linens, and bedding in sturdy boxes or vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
• Use mattress covers and furniture blankets to protect mattresses and furniture during transit.
• Pack personal items such as jewelry, toiletries, and medications separately for easy access.

Bathrooms:

• Secure toiletries and cleaning supplies in leak-proof containers or ziplock bags.
• Wrap fragile items such as mirrors or glass shelves with bubble wrap and pack them in small boxes.
• Dispose of expired medications and hazardous household products safely.

Home Office:

• Label cables and cords for easy reassembly.
• Pack important documents, files, and office supplies in clearly labeled boxes.
• Back up electronic files and store backup drives or disks in a safe place during the move.

General Packing Tips:

1. Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking.

2. Pack Essentials Separately: Pack a separate box with essentials such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.

3. Use Packing Hacks: To maximize space, use space-saving hacks, such as filling empty suitcases or laundry baskets with items.

4. Secure Fragile Items: Use plenty of padding and packing materials to protect fragile items during transit.

Moving Day:

Stay Organized: Keep your checklist handy to ensure nothing gets left behind.

Communicate With Moving Services: If you’re using moving services, communicate any special instructions or concerns about fragile items.

Inspect Your New Home: Before unpacking, do a walkthrough of your new home to ensure everything is in order.

Moving can be a stressful and chaotic experience, but with proper planning and organization, it can also be a smooth and manageable process. By following this ultimate packing checklist for a move, you can stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure a successful transition to your new home. Remember to take breaks, ask for help when needed, and focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter in your new home. Happy moving! Need help moving? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Boise or call (208) 487-6710 today.