order to pack things

What Order Should I Pack Things in When Moving?

You’ve found the perfect home. Now, it’s time to put everything in boxes and take it there. If you’re moving, you know that getting everything from Point A to Point B is the first hurdle. Fortunately, you can make the process much easier by following these tried-and-true packing  tips:

How to Pack Like a Pro: Our Recommended Order of Packing to Move

Whether you’re moving from a tiny apartment or a sprawling home, following these tips will help you pack as efficiently as possible:

1. Start by decluttering

Most of us have too much stuff. Today, about 25% of U.S. households don’t have room to park in the garage, and about 80% of the items people keep are never used. In addition to taking up valuable space in your home, extra junk will make your move more difficult and expensive.

With this in mind, start by getting rid of everything you don’t use. We recommend going through your home room-by-room. While decluttering can be difficult, being ruthless now will pay off during your move.

2. Pack little-used rooms

Get a head start on your moving by attacking little-used spaces first. Start with guest rooms, the basement, and out-of-season clothing, for example. Put these things in boxes by category, and store them where you can easily transport them on moving day.

✅ ProTip: Write location of destination room for ease of placement at your new home… AND write on the sides of the box not the top, so you can see it when boxes are stacked.

3. Pack decorative items

As moving day draws near, start packing your decorative items. Wall art, photographs, paintings, and similar items can be packed several weeks before you move. While your walls may look a bit stark, this is a great way to save time and streamline your move.

4. Pack important rooms

A few days before you move, start packing your most-used items. This includes everything in rooms like the kitchen, closets, bathrooms, and bedrooms. To keep yourself sane on moving day, pack a weekend bag full of necessities. We recommend including a few changes of clothes, your toiletries, a few snacks, and any medications you may need. Having these things on hand prevents you from having to dig through boxes later to find them.

5. Pack furniture

Finally, pack the most substantial items in your home: your furniture (and the items inside your furniture). These are the first items you’ll unpack at your new home, so it makes sense to place them at the back of the truck. This is also the time to pack your electronics (check to see if you have the original box for your TV)

Hire Movers for More Help

If you want to pack like a pro, consider hiring professional movers. Here at Master Movers, our team specializes in handling local and long-distance moves in and around Portland. When you hire us, we’ll help you make a moving checklist, organize all the details, and get to your new home as easily and quickly as possible. Ready to learn more about our team or our services? Contact us today to request your free estimate.