How To Pack Up A House To Move (step-by-step Guide)
So, the moving truck is booked. The boxes are starting to multiply like rabbits. And your inner voice is screaming, "Why did I buy all this stuff?!" Fear not, fellow human! Packing up a house can be an adventure, a slightly chaotic one, but an adventure nonetheless. Think of it as a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you're unearthing forgotten socks and questionable decisions from your past.
First things first: the declaration of war on clutter. This is where the real fun begins. Go through every drawer, every closet, every dark corner of your existence. If you haven't seen it in a year, or if it fills you with a vague sense of dread, it's probably time for it to go. Think of it as a pre-emptive strike against unpacking misery.
Now, let's talk about the tools of the trade. Boxes, glorious boxes! You can never have too many. Seriously. Go to your local grocery store or liquor store and beg for their discards. They're free, and they're perfectly imperfect. Don't forget the packing tape. Lots and lots of packing tape. It's the duct tape of the moving world, a true hero.
Next up, bubble wrap and newspaper. These are your packing superheroes. Bubble wrap is for the fragile items that deserve a spa day. Newspaper is for everything else that needs a little cushioning. It’s also great for filling in those awkward gaps that seem to appear out of nowhere.
My unpopular opinion? Packing room by room is for amateurs. We’re going for a more strategic chaos approach here. Start with the things you use the least. Think seasonal decorations, that fondue set you’ve used once in a decade, and that collection of novelty mugs. These can be boxed up and out of the way with minimal emotional distress.
Then, you move onto the less-used areas. The guest bedroom, the garage (oh, the garage!), and any storage spaces that have become black holes. This is where you'll find treasures you forgot you owned. And perhaps some things you wish you could forget you owned.
The Kitchen: A Minefield of Memories (and Mugs)
The kitchen is often the biggest hurdle. It’s a place of culinary triumphs and, let's be honest, some spectacular failures. Start with the appliances you rarely use. That bread maker that’s gathering dust? Into a box it goes!
Next, tackle the dishes and glassware. Wrap each item individually. This is not the time to be stingy with the bubble wrap. Imagine your favorite wine glass embarking on a cross-country trip – it deserves VIP treatment. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like dishes to prevent them from becoming unwieldy beasts.
Don't forget the pantry! Toss any expired goods. Donate non-perishables you won't use. This is your last chance to declutter your culinary adventures. It’s a bittersweet moment, saying goodbye to that exotic spice you bought on a whim.
The Living Room: Where Comfort Meets Chaos
The living room is a sanctuary, a place of relaxation. So, naturally, it’s a prime candidate for packing. Start with decorative items, books, and anything that isn’t essential for survival. Those throw pillows? Yes, they’re great for comfort, but they also take up a surprising amount of space. Embrace the box life!
Electronics are tricky. Label all the cords! Seriously, you will thank yourself later. A tangled mess of wires is the equivalent of a moving day emergency. Consider taking pictures of how your entertainment center is set up before you dismantle it. It's like a cheat sheet for sanity.
The Bedrooms: Unearthing Your Inner Fashionista (or Hoarder)
Clothes are a whole other ballgame. If you can, pack them on hangers in wardrobe boxes. This saves a surprising amount of time and reduces wrinkles. For everything else, roll your clothes instead of folding them. It saves space and prevents those dreaded creases.
Don't forget the sentimental items. Those old concert T-shirts? The yearbooks? These are the things that tug at your heartstrings. Pack them with care, and maybe give yourself a moment to reminisce. It’s a good way to soften the blow of packing.
The Bathroom: Where Things Get… Personal
The bathroom is usually the last bastion of normalcy. Pack up those extra towels, toiletries you’ve stockpiled, and that ancient bottle of nail polish. Keep out only the essentials for the days leading up to the move. Nobody wants to be rummaging through boxes for their toothbrush.
Make sure to empty any liquids carefully. Leaks are the enemy of a well-packed box. Consider putting plastic wrap over the openings of bottles before screwing on the caps. It’s a small step that can save you a sticky situation.
The Art of Labeling: Your Future Self Will Thank You
This is arguably the most important step. Label EVERYTHING. Not just "Kitchen" or "Bedroom." Be specific. "Kitchen - Pots and Pans," "Living Room - Books (Fiction)," "Kids' Room - Toys (Legos)." Use a thick marker and write clearly. You want to be able to find things easily in your new, unfamiliar territory.
Also, consider labeling the outside of the box with a general room designation, and then a more specific list of contents inside. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of boxes. It’s like a treasure map for your possessions. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your labels. "Sarah's Precious Junk" is just as effective as "Miscellaneous."
The Final Frontier: The Last Box of Essentials
Before the moving truck arrives, pack one essential box. This box should contain everything you'll need immediately upon arriving at your new home. Think toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, medications, important documents, a few basic kitchen items (like a can opener and some snacks), and a roll of toilet paper. It’s your survival kit. It’s the difference between a peaceful first night and a desperate search for necessities.
And finally, take a deep breath. You’ve done it! You’ve wrestled your belongings into submission. The house may look like a cardboard graveyard, but it’s a testament to your packing prowess. Now, go get some pizza. You’ve earned it.