Clients often ask me about where to start packing. Viewing your entire house as a whole can seem overwhelming when imagining decluttering and packing for a move, so I have created a packing sequence to help lighten the load and make the process more manageable.
Schedule in Time to Pack
Most people do not realize that it is important to actually schedule time to pack in your calendar. I have found that people are able to handle about two to three hours of packing at a time. Every home is different, but I always recommend to schedule out time, as this will hold you accountable and help make sure you have enough time to get it all done.
Packing Sequence
Where is the best place to start packing for a move? I recommend starting in the rooms you use least, then moving towards what you use most. This helps to make packing less of a burden, while keeping the process comfortable for your lifestyle. Of course, every house is different. The amount of time needed for packing depends on the size of the home and the amount of stuff in the home, which is why moving and packing supply calculators are so important! (Check out my other blog posts for more information on these!)
When beginning to pack, I like to start with rooms and items that are used less and that can be packed without disturbing your normal routine. Typical rooms include dining rooms, attics, guest bedrooms, home offices, libraries, and studies. Typical items include art, lamps, decor, other knickknacks, entertainment pieces and any other items that you don’t have to have to live in your home.
Next, I recommend moving into the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, packing more items that are not in use or not needed to live. This includes offseason clothing, toys that your kids don’t play with, art, lamps, etc. This sequence helps to split the load of packing into manageable steps, while keeping you and your family comfortable in your home.
On the flip side, some personalities may work better starting small, with a task like packing clothing, then working towards more difficult rooms. Whether you start big or small, make sure to know your personality and do whatever will help you gain momentum.
Happy Moving!
