Moving? These Packing Tips Might Lighten Your Load

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Nobody enjoys the task of moving, but if you’re planning to relocate, hopefully these tips will make your life a bit easier.

Label, label, label! Get your marker or label maker ready because this is an important piece of the packing puzzle. Clearly mark each box in two different places as to what room the box is heading to in your new home. Take it a step further by prioritizing these boxes by number, for instance: “Kitchen-1”. Kitchen-1’s box contains the things you will need first to get your kitchen functional. Items in this box could include your coffeemaker (don’t forget the coffee and filters), a couple each of cups, plates, bowls, napkins, dish towels and utensils. Doing this for each room will help you unpack in an order that makes sense to your priorities. What do you need now, what can wait until later?  

Start early. If you can, start packing as soon you know you are going to move. Decide what comes, what goes and using the priority system, pack up what you don’t need on a regular basis first. If it’s winter, pack your shorts. If it’s summer, you might not need that coat for a while. When was the last time you used your waffle maker? Pack it away along with other seldom-used kitchen items. Begin using up supplies and food in your house that you don’t want to take with you.

Keep important items with you. Passports, IDs, medications, eyeglasses, baby supplies, cosmetics, toiletries, pet supplies and anything you don’t want to misplace, even temporarily, should be kept with you. In the controlled chaos of moving, it’s easy to set something aside or stick it in the wrong box.

Involve others. Include your children in the packing process. Let them pick what items make it to their #1 box. Their favorite book, toy, stuffie? Moving can be scary for children, new places, new friends and new schools are a lot to process.  Would they like to give toys to their friends as a memento before they move or maybe donate gently used toys or clothes to a local charity?  You might also consider turning these items over to a consignment shop. In recent years, consignment shops focusing on kids have become quite popular and you’ll recoup some money.

If your children have left the nest but left some feathers behind (i.e., their “stuff”), set a deadline for them to come and collect items they wish to save.

Pet needs. Keep anything your pet needs immediately with you (leashes, poop bags, food, litter boxes, litter, scooper, medication, beds, favorite toys) and pack the rest. Moving can be stressful on our furry family, so if they can get to their favorite things with familiar smells quickly, it will provide some comfort. Be extra cautious when moving, make sure your pet is secure throughout the move and be sure to update their microchip information with your new address, phone number and a current photo.