Packing for the Big Move: Tips and Tricks

If you’re a brand-new homeowner, you’re probably full of excitement about the big move ahead, if not the packing that has to happen first.

No matter how eager you are for this major transition, the actual process of getting there can quickly become overwhelming. Somewhere in between now and moving day, you have a lot of boxes to acquire and “stuff” to sort and pack up.

With a little planning and a few smart strategies, however, you don’t have to dread packing. In fact, you can view this as an opportunity to start the next chapter of your life feeling more organized than ever and ready to settle into your new home without any unnecessary burdens. Check out a few practical tips below that can help.

Start by Decluttering

Before you even assemble the first box, take time to go through your belongings with a critical eye. Moving is the perfect time to evaluate what you actually want to move to your new home. Every item you pack is one more thing you have to carry, load, unload and – eventually – find space for again.

Many people discover that decluttering before they pack dramatically reduces the number of boxes they need. It also saves time (and money) on both ends of the move and makes it easier to embrace changes in style or decor once you get to your new home. 

Consider tackling your belongings room by room, sorting everything into these categories:

• Keep — Things you still use, love or need in your new space
• Donate — Gently used items that could benefit someone else
• Sell — Furniture, decor or appliances that you no longer want but that still have value
• Discard — Anything broken or deeply outdated 

Tackle surface areas first, but remember that closets, drawers and other storage areas usually have whole collections of forgotten items. Be brutally honest with yourself as you decide each item’s designated category. If you haven’t used something in years or haven’t even remembered you owned it, you won’t miss it after the move. 

Make a Plan for the Kids and Pets 

Moving day can be incredibly stressful for children and pets alike – and their parents. Moving day is always somewhat frantic, busy and unpredictable. There will be lots of people around, doors will need to be propped open, and people will need to be able to carry heavy boxes and furniture without worrying about anything underfoot. You won’t be able to keep an eye on the kids, cat or dog and direct the movers at the same time — and forget about keeping any type of routine in place. 

With that in mind, it is wisest to arrange childcare and/or pet care the day of the move (at least). If the kids can spend the day with relatives, friends or a trusted sitter, the day will feel less chaotic for them and for you. Similarly, consider asking a friend or family member to watch your pets for the day, or arrange a short stay at a nearby boarding facility.

Consider a Night in a Hotel

Booking a hotel can be a game changer when moving, but many people don’t think to do it. 

This trick is especially helpful if you’re moving long-distance, but it can ultimately make any move easier to manage. Staying in a nearby hotel the night before lets you avoid trying to sleep in a chaotic house that’s full of boxes, which means that you can start moving day rested, showered and ready to go!

You may also find that a night in a hotel helps reduce the “mental noise” you might otherwise experience right before a move. Less stress and a good night’s sleep can make it easier for you to take charge and navigate whatever comes your way.

Pack Room by Room

Trying to pack your entire home all at once is a bad plan. Not only does that usually lead to a lot of confusion, but it can also make it difficult to stay organized and turn unpacking into a mess.

A better approach is to work through the house one room at a time. This method keeps the household items organized by location and prevents things from getting mixed together and becoming hard to find.

Label each box with the room it belongs to, as well as a short description of what’s inside. It can also help to assign each room a color using colored stickers or markers. For example:

• “Kitchen – Baking Supplies” – all with green tags
• “Master Bedroom – Winter Clothing” – all with blue tags

When boxes arrive at the new house, your movers or helpers will know exactly where they need to go, which can save a tremendous amount of time during unpacking.

Create a First-Night Bag

The first night in your new house can be rough if everything you need is buried in sealed boxes. A “first-night” bag avoids the issue. The essentials that need to go inside include:

• Toiletries and medications
• A change of clothes for all family members
• The kids’ lovies and favorite stuffies
• Phone chargers and basic electronics
• Paper towels and cleaning wipes
• Basic kitchen items plus snacks, coffee or a kettle (bottle of wine optional)
• Bedding and pajamas

Ideally, everybody in the household will have their own bag. Think of them as survival kits for your first evening in your new place. Having the basics readily available allows you to relax and settle in instead of launching a late-night excavation project through all the boxes you just moved.

Use the Right Packing Materials

Never underestimate the importance of good packing materials when it comes to protecting your belongings during transport.

Some useful supplies include:

• Heavy-duty moving boxes in a few different sizes
• Packing paper or bubble wrap for fragile items
• Strong packing tape and a tape dispenser
• Permanent markers in different colors for labeling
• Plastic bins for items that need extra protection

Avoid overfilling your boxes, especially with heavy items like books. Smaller boxes are often better for dense belongings, while larger boxes work well for lighter items such as linens or pillows. 

Glassware, dishes and delicate keepsakes deserve extra attention when packing. Wrapping each piece individually may take more time, but it significantly reduces the chance of breakage. Use packing paper or bubble wrap and place heavier items on the bottom of the box. Fill any empty space in the boxes with paper or soft materials so items cannot shift during the move.

Take Photos Before Disassembling Furniture

Large furniture pieces sometimes need to be taken apart before moving. Beds, desks and shelving units come apart easily – but they can be super tricky to reassemble if you forget how those pieces were put together. 

Before removing screws or bolts, take a few quick photos of the furniture from different angles. Store all the small parts and any small tools you need for a piece (like that little metal hex key that comes with so many self-assembly pieces) in labeled plastic bags and tape them securely to the furniture piece or keep them in a clearly marked container.

This small step can save a surprising amount of time and frustration later. Some homeowners also take photos of their electronic setups before disconnecting any boxes and cables. This simple step makes reassembly much easier and eliminates a lot of frustration.

Keep Certain Items Apart

Not everything should go in the moving truck. Important documents and small valuables (such as good jewelry) should stay with you during the move, so that they remain safe. 

You have a few options. You can put these critical possessions in the care of someone you trust for a few days, store them in a safety deposit box at your bank (if you have one) or keep them with you during the move. Everybody’s comfort level is different, so do what makes sense for you. Just make sure that you have a plan, so your valuables don’t get misplaced during the move.

Start the Process Early

Finally, start your packing early and go at it gradually. The biggest mistake people make is waiting until the week before the move to start, because sorting and packing almost always takes far longer than people anticipate – especially if you’re trying to balance work and family life at the same time. 

If possible, start sorting and thinning out your possessions 6-8 weeks before the move, and be ready to fill the first boxes about 4-6 weeks out.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic!

Moving requires a constantly evolving plan of approach to get everything done – but you’ve got this! A little thoughtful planning and a strategic approach to packing will let you arrive at your new home feeling organized and ready to begin a whole new chapter of your life!