Even when positive, major life changes like moving can be overwhelming. The thought of packing all that stuff into cardboard boxes and coordinating all the little details of moving can make you never want to move again. We promise that moving isn’t that bad if you understand and plan for it.
The Extra Mile’s moving guide simplifies this complicated process. That starts with one of the first questions you may ask when moving: where do I start?
Move Preparation
Plan your move eight weeks in advance. You can start earlier or adjust this timeline if you don’t have eight weeks to plan. The process includes determining your timeline. This timeline is only a guide because things will always happen to slow you down or speed up your plan.
Planning will replace packing in the first four weeks. The Plan and Prep Phase. You’ll prepare now for the real moving chaos. This phase requires:
Choose between, /movers, https://www.ehomemover.com, and self-packing.
Get quotes for movers.
Make arrangements now to rent or empty a storage unit for the move.
Now is the time to hire house cleaners or send large items like carpets or furniture out for cleaning or repair.
To avoid last-minute stress, arrange help from friends and family now.
If you’re packing yourself, decide where you’ll get your supplies—free moving boxes, store-bought packing materials, etc.
Pack.
Clear your home of everything you won’t take. Room-by-room or item-by-item to simplify this process.
Remove unpacked items. This could involve having a tag sale, throwing things away, recycling them, donating them, selling them, or giving them to friends or family.
Moving Packing
Packing time depends on your home’s size and decor. After decluttering, allow one to two days per bedroom to pack up a studio apartment and four to six days for a four-bedroom house. If you’re not used to packing, have a lot of storage, work slowly, or take breaks, it will take longer. Bathrooms and kitchens have many small, fragile items. You may prefer to pack quickly, but it may take days to pack a room. Either way works, which is another reason to give yourself plenty of time before moving day, Professional movers.
Prepare your supplies before packing. This avoids last-minute shopping. If you’re ready, it will happen less often. Required:
Boxes
Tape
Newspaper, tissue, and bubble wrap are packing materials.
Stickers, paper, or pens for labeling boxes
A container for items you leave behind (Even if you declutter before packing, you’ll likely find some things to donate, sell, or throw away during packing.)
Four Weeks to Move Day
Start packing four weeks before moving. Start with those you won’t need until after the move. Packing:
Attic and basement storage
Garages, sheds, and closets hold extra supplies.
Pack winter boots and heavy sweaters if you’re moving in summer.
Tools and equipment not needed before moving day
Unused collections or display items
Three Weeks to Move
Pack artwork and home décor three weeks before moving. Pack extras. Expect:
Most of your books
Music\sDVDs
Gadgets
Stationary
Toys
Kitchen appliances and other less-used items
Two Weeks to Move
Packing intensifies two weeks before moving.
Start with the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, electronics, and valuable and fragile items.
Check drawers and cabinets. (Check the top closet shelf and stove drawer.)
Avoid packing items you’ll need in the coming days or during the move. When packing the linen closet, leave a set of bedsheets so you can change the beds. Leave enough kitchenware for two weeks. Keep daily beauty products and clothing separate to avoid packing them.
Week Before Moving Day
Final packing and cleaning. Rooms should start emptying with an official “complete” stamp now.
After finishing the loads, pack up the laundry room.
Pack any non-essentials.
Leave cleaning supplies, snacks, and clothes for moving day.
If you’re moving long-distance, pack everything you’ll need for the days you’ll be between homes.
Avoid packing important moving documents.
1–2 Days to Move
Start disassembling furniture for the move. Finish packing your household items. Simple meals reduce cooking and eating supplies. (Buy some paper plates and cups if needed.) Pack curtains, area rugs, and other items. Complete your essentials bag with:
Toiletries
Two days of clothes (or more if moving far)
Your medications, glasses, and contacts.
Must-haves
Snacks, water
Phone charger
Day
This is an exciting time—almost it’s over! Pack your bed and any remaining medications and toiletries. Check your pets’ moving supplies. Keep snacks, drinks, and paper goods for yourself and your helpers, as well as supplies for last-minute cleaning after the house is empty.
In a complex move like packing and moving a household, advanced preparation and good planning will help you avoid surprises. This guide should help you break down the packing process and enjoy moving.
