What To Start Packing First When Moving

Okay, so you’re moving. The boxes are piling up like a modern art installation gone wrong, and the stress levels are rising faster than avocado toast prices in Brooklyn. Deep breaths. We’ve all been there. The key to a smooth move? Strategic packing. And that starts with knowing what to pack first. Forget that last-minute scramble. Let's make this move feel less like a chaotic symphony and more like a well-conducted jazz ensemble.

Decluttering: The Pre-Packing Packing Step

Before you even think about touching a roll of packing tape, you need to declutter. Seriously. Moving is the perfect excuse to channel your inner Marie Kondo. Ask yourself, "Does this spark joy?" If the answer is a resounding "Nope," then donate, sell, or responsibly discard. Think of it as lightening your load – both physically and mentally. Plus, less stuff means fewer boxes, which means less to unpack later. Winning!

Pro-Tip: Be ruthless. That questionable kitchen gadget you bought on a late-night infomercial three years ago? It's time to say goodbye. Let it spark joy for someone else.

The Sentimental Stuff: Capture the Memories

First up: those sentimental items. We're talking photo albums, yearbooks, that quirky souvenir from your trip to Reykjavik. Why first? Because these are the things you'll want to handle with care and maybe even take a little trip down memory lane while packing. It also gives you a chance to organize these items, digitize old photos, and decide what's truly worth keeping close.

Think of it as creating your own personal museum exhibit. Label boxes clearly ("Family Photos - Handle with Care!") and consider keeping them with you during the move, rather than entrusting them to the moving company.

Off-Season Items: Packing for the Future

Next in line: off-season clothing and decorations. It's July? Pack away your winter coats, Christmas ornaments, and that inflatable snowman you swore you'd use "someday." This frees up valuable closet and storage space, making your current wardrobe and everyday items much easier to manage as moving day approaches. Think strategically.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the average American closet contains over 100 items of clothing, but we only wear about 20% of them regularly? Talk about closet clutter!

Books & Media: Pack Before You Need

Books, DVDs, vinyl records (if you’re cool like that) – pack ‘em up early. Unless you're planning on re-reading "War and Peace" in the week leading up to your move, these items are prime candidates for early packing. They tend to be heavy, so distribute them across multiple smaller boxes to avoid straining your back (trust me, your future self will thank you).

Tip: Use smaller boxes for books to avoid making them too heavy to lift. Reinforce the bottom of the boxes with extra tape. You do not want a book explosion.

Kitchen Gadgets & Appliances: Non-Essentials First

That bread maker you used twice, the smoothie blender that’s been gathering dust – pack those up! Leave out your essential kitchen items – coffee maker (a must!), a few basic pots and pans, and enough utensils to get you through the final week. Consider using your slow cooker or order takeout often, anything to minimize dishes the days leading up to the move.

Remember: Clean appliances thoroughly before packing to prevent any unpleasant surprises upon unpacking.

Holiday Decorations: Get Ahead of the Game

Unless you’re moving in December, those holiday decorations can be packed away early. Organize them by holiday to make unpacking easier when the time comes to deck the halls again. Clear plastic bins are ideal for this, as they allow you to see the contents without having to open them.

The "Open First" Box: Your Moving Day Survival Kit

Finally, don't forget to create an "Open First" box. This should contain all the essentials you'll need immediately upon arriving at your new home: toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools, snacks, and maybe even a bottle of wine to celebrate surviving the move! This is your lifeline. Label it clearly and keep it with you during the move.

Essential additions to your "Open First" box:

• Toilet paper. Seriously.
• Hand soap.
• Basic cleaning supplies.
• A few snacks.
• Phone chargers.
• Medications.

Moving can be overwhelming, but by tackling the packing process strategically, you can minimize stress and create a more manageable experience. So, take a deep breath, put on some upbeat music, and start packing those sentimental items. You've got this!

Reflecting on the Packing Process: Just like life, moving is about letting go of what no longer serves you and embracing new beginnings. By decluttering and organizing, you're not just preparing for a move; you're creating space for new opportunities and experiences. So, pack with intention, and remember that every box you pack is a step towards a fresh start.