Expert Advice on What to Pack First When Moving to Your New Home

Written by Jennelyn Marangi
·7 mins read
Couple taking a break at the back of moving truck on moving day

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. While the prospect of a new beginning can be invigorating, the thought of packing up everything you own and moving it to a new location can be overwhelming.

One of the most important things you can do to make your move easier is to prioritize your belongings and pack in a way that ensures a more organized move.

In this blog post, we'll share some tips for packing and prioritizing your belongings to help make your move a little less daunting.

Whether you're an apartment renter, homeowner, mom, or college student, these tips will help you get started on the right foot.

  1. Start with the essentials
    When you're packing for a move, it's important to start with the things you'll need immediately when you arrive at your new home. This means packing a box or two with items such as toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, and any other essentials you'll need for your first night in your new home. These boxes should be clearly labeled and kept separate from the rest of your belongings, so they're easy to find when you arrive at your new place.

  2. Declutter and donate
    Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of things you no longer need or use. Before you start packing, take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, what you want to donate, and what you want to throw away. It's a good idea to start this process as early as possible, so you're not scrambling to get rid of things at the last minute.

When deciding what to donate, consider the condition of the item and whether it's something that someone else could use. Clothing, books, and household items are all good candidates for donation. You can either drop off your donations at a local charity or schedule a pick-up.

  1. Pack seasonal items first
    If you're moving during a particular season, it's a good idea to pack items you won't need until the next season first. For example, if you're moving in the summer, you can pack your winter clothes and gear early on. This will not only help you stay organized but will also save you time when unpacking. Make sure to label the boxes with their contents and the season they are intended for, so you know exactly what's in each box.

  2. Pack room by room
    To make packing more manageable, it's a good idea to pack room by room. Start with the least-used rooms, such as the guest room or storage areas, and work your way towards the more frequently used rooms, such as the kitchen and living room. When packing each room, label the boxes with the room name and the contents of the box, so you know exactly what's inside.

  3. Label boxes by priority
    When you're packing, it's important to label your boxes not just with the contents but also with their priority level. This will help you prioritize what needs to be unpacked first when you arrive at your new home. For example, you can label a box as "High Priority" if it contains items you'll need in the first few days, such as kitchen essentials or bedding. You can also label boxes as "Low Priority" for items that aren't as urgent, such as holiday decorations or out-of-season clothing.

  4. Use color-coded labels
    Another helpful packing tip is to use color-coded labels to make it easy to identify which boxes belong in which room. Assign a different color to each room, and then label each box with a corresponding color. This will make it easy for your movers or helpers to quickly identify where each box should go when unloading the truck.

  5. Pack fragile items carefully
    When packing fragile items, it's important to take extra care to ensure they arrive at your new home in one piece. Use plenty of packing materials, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, and make sure to label the boxes as "Fragile" so that your movers know to handle them with care. It's also a good idea to pack these items in smaller boxes to prevent them from shifting during transit.

  1. Don't overpack boxes
    While it may be tempting to fill boxes to the brim to save time and space, overpacking can actually do more harm than good. Overpacked boxes are more likely to break or spill during transport, and they can also be difficult to move around. Make sure to pack boxes so that they are easy to lift and carry, and avoid packing heavy items with fragile ones.

  2. Consider hiring a professional moving company
    Moving can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but it doesn't have to be. Consider hiring a professional moving company to handle the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings. A labor-only moving company like Caddy Moving can provide you with experienced movers who can help you with packing, loading, and unloading your belongings, making your move a breeze.

In conclusion, packing for a move can be a daunting task, but by prioritizing your belongings and following these tips, you can make the process a little easier. Start with the essentials, declutter and donate, pack seasonal items first, pack room by room, label boxes by priority, use color-coded labels, pack fragile items carefully, and don't overpack boxes.

And if you want to make your move even easier, consider hiring a professional moving company like Caddy Moving. With their help, you can enjoy a stress-free move and start enjoying your new home in no time.