Even if you’ve made a dozen (or more) moves in your lifetime, Â it’s probably still not your favorite task. No matter how much you look forward to being in a new place, packing to make it possible is no one’s ideal way to spend time.
What is the best way to start?
The process is always harder than you think it will be, and it always takes longer than you think it will. Make Lists; Get Organized; Start Early. Actually, if you begin to sort and dispose of unwanted, unused  and outgrown items, including clothing and furniture, as soon as you even think about moving, the entire job will be easier. Have a garage sale; Donate toys and clothing to a thrift store. You’ll feel good as you lighten your load. Keep only what you need and love.
A corollary is that more hands often do not make the packing job easier. The best way to assure that you know where things are when you arrive at your new home is to pack up each room separately, and to pack it personally. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t call upon good friends to help you; just don’t send them off to pack boxes with no supervision. They might just pack the cat food, whether you want them to or not!
Before you pack that first sweater, book or kitchen pot, consider where you are going, what season it will be, and what you you can do without, either permanently or for a few weeks or months. Tag furniture and boxes accordingly, so that your things will wind up in the right places at your destination. Pack clothing in “summer” and “winter” boxes. It helps on both ends of your move, and will be of benefit as you unpack.
How should I organize?
Make a list of things you will need immediately upon arrival at your new location, and a separate list of items you don’t want out of your sight. Consider your need for personal identification, medical records, car titles, passports, birth certificates and shot records if you must enroll children for school. In the same category, depending upon your individual situation, include employment records, insurance papers, home purchase and closing papers, legal documents that might include marriage or divorce records, wills and military records. Purchase a locking document box if necessary, or arrange for a distinctively-styled secure container that is easily recognizable and won’t get lost amid a jumble of brown cartons. Plan to keep such a box with you, or tag it somehow as vital information. Don’t just trust that an important box will be “last on, first off” of the moving truck.
Mark Every Box
It’s not necessary to keep an itemized inventory of what’s in each box, but it is vital that you know what kinds of items are contained in each box, and what room each should be delivered to. Color code or tag every box and container, as well as each piece of furniture. Pack a box of special toys, or some favorite DVDs for each child and put stars on those boxes, along with the child’s name.
While you’re at it, pick out certain items — coffee pot and small frying pan, cereal bowls and plates and enough silverware for one or two meals, juice glasses and coffee cups, pet dishes and grooming needs — in addition to pajamas, casual clothes and spare tennis shoes. Also include some instant drinks, crackers and snacks, and perhaps some canned ready-to-eat foods. All of them should be included in a “survival box.” This is the box that you might want to have with you if you’re driving to a new destination. Or consider sending it ahead to a friend, family member or even your real estate agent. If your clothes and household goods are delayed, or in case of an accident or emergency, you could “make do” in temporary shelter or in a hotel for a few days. If everything falls into place according to plan, this can become your “picnic basket” for a first night in your new home.
Other “priority” boxes should include sheets and towels, everyday dishes and glasses, basic pots and pans, the toaster and measuring cups, and at least one favorite kitchen/dining item that will make the new place feel like home. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pottery pitcher or a piece of art for the wall. Just try to make it pretty and personal. It will immediately boost your spirits.
Does it make sense?
Moving is not fun, but getting to your new home should be. A lot of valuable information is available to make your move easier.
Think not only about what you’re packing, but about how you pack things. Try not to overload boxes. Whether you’re loading them onto a truck or just pushing them around, heavy is always heavy. Use smaller boxes, especially for books. Try to wrap and pack bulky items in the bottom of boxes, then fill them up with lighter, softer goods. You can use blankets and towels to wrap framed photos and other artwork. Purchase rolls of bubble wrap and sheets of packing paper to protect your valuables. You can buy large, clear plastic bags for blankets, pillows, quilts, sweaters and such, but resist the temptation to use black or green garbage bags. There is too much chance they will be thrown away as garbage. Even if you can see the contents, add tags or color-coding so that boxes and bags will be delivered to the proper rooms.
Don’t empty dresser drawers and chests. They will travel better and you’ll be more organized when you get where you’re going if you leave them filled. Leave hanging clothes hanging, and transport them in wardrobe cartons. Even if you have to buy them new, they’re worth the investment in terms of ease and time savings.
Finally, relax and be good to yourself. Pack some favorite, soothing CD’s and allow yourself some “down time,” especially once you arrive at your new home.
