How to Pack for a Move

The sooner you start packing, the better! The easiest place to start is with the items you don’t use every day, so head to your storage spaces first. For example, start with your holiday decorations or off-season clothing; make sure these items are securely packed and clearly labeled. Get rid of anything you no longer need, and use a sticker to mark the boxes you’ve reviewed, so you know they’re ready to go.

There’s no rule that says you have to bring everything with you. As you pack your belongings, be honest about what you actually need and use in your life. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything that you haven’t used in over a year. Check your local freecycle or neighborhood groups to find a new home for the things you no longer need, or consider donating them to Goodwill.

Moving can get expensive, but you can find plenty of free boxes if you know where to look. Start by saving your delivery boxes and asking friends to do the same on your behalf. You can also check Facebook Marketplace or other local exchanges for boxes from others who have recently moved. Still in need? Call nearby big-box stores, grocery stores, and even your local hospital or doctor’s office to pick up sturdy boxes for free.

Careful packing makes unpacking much easier. For a smoother start in your new place, pack items that go in the same room together, and label the box with the room where it ultimately belongs. This will help your movers—or your friends—unload the truck and get things into the right spots so you can quickly find your coffeemaker and laptop on the first morning in your new place.

Your suitcases and backpacks also make great moving containers. It’s a no-brainer to use them for clothing, but wheeled luggage is also an excellent choice for heavy, awkward items. The same is true for tote bags and backpacks, which are designed to be easy to carry. Consider tucking lamps, small appliances, and serving dishes into these containers for ease, and keeping lightweight clothing in boxes.

It can be very tempting to stuff as much as you possibly can into a box, but keep an eye on how heavy it will be. For example, use smaller boxes for books, as stuffing a large box or crate to its brim could make for a box you can’t even lift. In general, put heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in big boxes to keep from overexerting yourself on moving day.

For each box, place the heaviest items on the bottom and work your way up to lighter items. You also want to fill the box evenly, covering the entire bottom first before moving up a layer. To maximize space, square and rectangular items make the best base, while irregular shapes should be placed on top.

The trick to protecting fragile items in transit is to make sure that they can’t slide around in their boxes. To do this, stuff glasses and other hollow items with newspaper, then wrap them in bubble wrap. Pack them carefully into the box, and then fill any empty corners with packing peanuts or newspaper until the items can no longer move when you (gently) shake the box. Don’t forget to label it as "fragile"!

Unless you have a very minimalist lifestyle, you’re going to need help moving all your boxes to your new digs. If you plan to hire movers, get estimates and schedule your move as far in advance as possible to secure your team. If you’re planning to ask friends to help, set the date and plan where you’ll pick up the pizza and beer at least two weeks ahead of time; send your friends reminders as the date gets closer.

The first day in a new home can be chaotic, but you can alleviate the stress by packing a bag filled with things you’ll need right away. Include bedding and PJs, plus a clean set of clothing, toothbrush, soap, and deodorant. You’ll also want to include snacks, a water bottle, a box cutter, and some cleaning supplies so you can dive into the unpacking tasks right away.