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Summer leases are expiring, and we’re in the midst of the best time to sell a home (early spring through summer), so for many, a move may be on the horizon. But with summer comes all of the distractions—vacations, barbecues, the kids being home from school—that make packing one of the last things on your to-do list. And while it’s certainly tempting to leave everything until the last minute, in one word: Don’t. We have expert tips for how to stay organized, pack even the most fragile of items, and, above all, stay calm.
First, create a moving checklist.
Before you assemble your first box (or hire someone to do it for you), put together a general timeline. It will help you to avoid a day-of scramble and keep you organized.
Two months before:
- Get estimates from three movers and hire one.
- Declutter and edit your home.
- Start your moving file (see below).
One month before:
- Order packing material.
- Take measurements of your new space.
- Arrange any updates (painting, new fixtures) in the new space.
- Arrange time off from work for your move.
- Fill out a change-of-address form at usps.com.
- Start packing your least-used items.
- Begin to set aside valuables (jewelry, passports) that you should personally transport.
One week before:
- Pack all remaining items and carefully label by room.
- Do a deep clean of the new space, if necessary.
- Reconfirm with the movers.
One day before:
- Pack a box of the items you’ll need the first night (cups, plates, coffeemaker, some cooking utensils, set of sheets).
- Pack an overnight bag with a few changes of clothes and toiletries.
- Get plenty of sleep.
Day of move:
- Do a final run-through of your old home. If you are renting, make sure everything is clean and there is no damage.
- Inspect the new place for damage and take photos if you are renting.
- Clean any area of the apartment that might be difficult to reach once furniture is in place.
Prep your new home ahead of time.
If you can, get any prep work for your new space out of the way before the boxes arrive. It’s infinitely easier to resurface floors, paint walls, and install new fixtures if you’re not in the midst of unpacking. The same goes for doing a deep clean—unless your new home is spotless, cleaning floors, windows, and the inside of closets and cabinets ticks one to-do off of your list ahead of time and means the inevitable post-move clean will be infinitely easier.
Beware common packing mistakes.
If you are packing yourself, and even if the pros are doing it for you, make sure to heed these tips:
Heavy items should go in book boxes or in rented plastic reusable boxes—both are made to withstand a lot of weight. Many standard boxes are not.
For any linens or soft goods like pillows, place in plastic bags to protect them from errant spills.
Do yourself a favor and buy wardrobe boxes (they come with a hanging bar) for any clothes that should be hung. It will help prevent wrinkles.
For fragile stemware or dishes, buy boxes specifically made for those items and still be sure to pack them gently with tissue paper and Bubble Wrap.
Put heavier items on the bottom of each box and lighter ones on top.
Tape your boxes well—tape the center seam twice and add tape along the bottom edges where the flaps fold in. Be sure the tape extends 4 to 6 inches up the sides of the box.
If you are transporting valuable artwork, consider hiring a moving company that has a climate-controlled truck, or possibly having a crate custom made to fit the piece.
Keep all essential information in one place.
Particularly if you are handling all of the moving logistics yourself, keep a moving file. This document should have copies of any important information that you might need day-of, like a moving contract, insurance information, and phone numbers you need to install or uninstall home services.
Stay organized.
Assuming you’ve already purged unnecessary items (to avoid paying to ship things you don’t need), it’s time to move onto packing.
As you’re packing, number each box and keep a list or spreadsheet documenting what the box contains. No need to list each pair of socks, but noting broad categories like “pajamas” as well as specific important items like “grandma’s vase” will save you from aimlessly rummaging through tons of boxes later.
Also clearly mark the ultimate destination—living room, kitchen, garage—of each box on the outside. Bonus points if you color-code.
Enlist help.
The one sure way to burn yourself out during a move is to go it alone. If you can, enlist your family and friends to help; just be realistic about what they can accomplish and play to their strengths. Your mom might not be game for lugging boxes but might be great at keeping the movers in check. And be sure to reward any helpers with a meal—and maybe a drink or two.
Unpack the necessities first.
Once you’re in your new place, start by unpacking the items you’ll need first, such as kitchen supplies, bedding, and key toiletries. Then move room by room.
Expert advice from Ross Sapir, CEO of Roadway Moving; Alessandra Wood, director of style at Modsy; and Shelby Girard, director of design at Havenly.