7 Foolproof Organization and Packing Tips for Moving

How to Pack Efficiently for a Move

Preparing to move out can be an inconvenience for most people who just want to move into their new place as soon as possible. But by creating an organized and straightforward packing strategy, your move-out can happen effortlessly.

To ensure you pack efficiently, make sure to take your time in moving from room to room. Configuring a simple checklist of key items per room before packing will guarantee that your most valued commodities per room are packed.

After you have your checklist of valuables, assemble your preferred type of box and label prior to placing items. Doing so will make sure you are aware of how many boxes you have per room. This will be helpful to any moving company you hire, as well.

7 Best Packing Tips for Moving

You have a move-out date, but you’re not sure where to start. We have compiled a list of best practices for moving out to help you.

1. Plan a Packing Strategy Ahead of Time

A packing strategy should be simple and clear for you and others to follow if you have family or friends to help with the move-out process.

A three-ring binder with sectional dividers labeled per room is the most effective way to start your packing strategy. The sectional dividers should be color-coded and labeled to be consistent with the same colors as your boxes so when you’re doing a final check everything is in order.

This will save you time and stress in having to retrace your steps in finding any missing items.

2. Color Code Boxes

Utilizing primary colors like red, blue, and green will be the easiest colors to remember for main rooms like the kitchen, living room, or office space.

For additional rooms, favorite colors are the second-best choice — especially when it comes to personal rooms. You can color-code your boxes either with markers or use colored tape for labels if you choose to use cardboard boxes.

Remember that whichever colors you do choose will have to match the colors in your packing strategy binder.

3. Make a List of Items in Each Box

The best tip for organizing your packing is to create a checklist of items that go in each box. The list should be made as you are packing so you know exactly what items are being placed where.

If you have multiple boxes per room, it is best to label your checklist as “Kitchen: #1” and then include each of the items underneath that has been placed in the box. Make sure that all your checklists correspond with the appropriate color in your binder.

4. Use Suitcases for Personal Items

Packing suitcases can be cumbersome. To avoid the struggle of finding the perfect box to fit your suitcase or risk damaging it in the middle of the move, you can use your suitcase as a personalized box for all your most valuable items.

Unlike when you go on vacation, suitcases are not mainly for clothing items but for storing laptops, expensive jewelry, or other items you wouldn’t want to get lost during your move-out. Clothing items can be included but should consist of articles that will last you for about two weeks.

Most of the time, unpacking at your new place can take a while, so including clothes that you wear every day is suggested.

5. Start Packing Room to Room

Tackling your move-out can seem daunting at first, but starting in one room and moving to the next will alleviate some of the stress. It is recommended that you start off with your larger rooms first and leave personal rooms last. This will help you remain organized while assessing and cataloging your items.

As you move from room to room, make sure to bring your binder with you and keep tabs on which items are being packed.

6. Take Apart Larger Items

If applicable, taking apart larger items like tables and chairs will be useful later on when you have to place these items either in your car or a moving truck.

7. Donate Before You Leave

The final thing to consider is if you would like to donate any items you haven’t packed. Check to see if there’s a Salvation Army, Red Cross, or Goodwill near you. Donations can even include bigger items that you couldn’t break down. Furniture that you can’t break down could be repurchased down the road.

What to Do After You Finish Organizing and Packing

You’ve just completed organizing and packing your belongings and have gotten them loaded onto a moving truck, but you still have one last thing to do: hire a move-out cleaning service.

When you move out, your landlord is expecting to move in new tenants as soon as possible. Because of this, they’ll expect the place to be in excellent condition for the next tenants.

Moveout.com features a move-out cleaner marketplace to help you find cleaning service professionals in your area. Now, you can move out without stressing out.