How do you pack for a move? What do you do first? How do you choose what to bring to your new house first? Do you need everything that you’re packing? It’s hard to really know what to do or even where to start when you’re preparing to move into a new house. We’ll give you a few tips and a timeline to follow to help you prepare for your move and make it as easy as possible. 

A few weeks before your move is the best time to declutter your belongings and take stock of your big items you’ll need to move. Make a checklist of big items and mentally take note of what can be broken down to be smaller - like bed frames - and what can’t. Go into every room and write down what will need to be taken. Organize things that you don’t want anymore and don’t want to take with you. It’s good to organize into three separate piles; trash, donate, and sell. If you have the time this is a good way to really get rid of everything you don’t want to take with you into your new space. 

Pack the items first that you haven’t used in a while. Books and other kitchen items are a good start. If you know you won’t absolutely need them until the new house, these items can be taken first. 

On the other hand, pack an essentials box. This box will contain things you’ll need for the few few days in the new house. This is things you’ll need before you have the time to unpack everything. Think towels, toiletries, a few different outfits, and things you need on a daily basis. Think of packing for a short vacation, if you would need it away from home, you might wanna pack it for your essentials box. Also, mark the boxes you’ll need first by writing something on them, like a star. You’ll know those are the ones you’ll need to use in your daily life and will need before your other items. 

When packing, try to move from room to room. This will make things easier instead of going back and forth to other items. If you’re planning on keeping these things in the same room in your new house, it would make sense to pack them together anyway. This will also be a great way to see how much you have left to pack in your entire house. 

Consider labeling all your boxes with your own system. Write a number on each box and keep a list of what’s in what box. This way you’ll know exactly which ones to unpack first and where in your house these boxes will need to go. 

Hopefully some of these tips can make your move easier! If you can get packing a few weeks before your move, you’ll be set. Just try not to procrastinate and take your time. Rushing will only make you more stressed. If possible, invite some friends or family over to enlist some help! Order some food and see how much you can get done with their help. Happy moving!