Smart Packing Tips
1
Color code boxes on ALL sides
Assign each room a color (blue for living room, green for kitchen, etc). Put stickers on every side of the box. Movers can't see the top when carrying, so this lets them drop boxes in the right room instantly.
2
Use what you have for packing
Socks wrap glasses perfectly. Towels cushion fragile items. Clothes fill gaps in boxes. You're packing these anyway, so skip the expensive bubble wrap.
3
Start with what you don't use daily
Begin packing 6 to 8 weeks early with items not in daily use until the move: books, photo albums, hosting dishes, seasonal decorations, guest room supplies. This prevents last minute panic.
4
Give kids a travel suitcase
Let each child pack a small suitcase with favorites: pajamas, comfort toy, a few toys, books. They feel in control, and their essentials stay accessible during the chaos.
5
Photo everything before unplugging
Take photos of TV cables, computer setups, inside cabinets, and kids' room layouts. Create a "MOVE" folder on your phone so you can recreate everything easily.
Unpacking Priority Order
When you arrive at your new home, focus on survival basics first:
| # | Set up first | Because... |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kitchen essentials | You need to eat |
| 2 | Beds and sheets | You need to sleep |
| 3 | Bathroom basics | Toilet paper, soap, towels |
| 4 | Kids' room | Their stability and comfort |
Remember: your kids have their travel suitcase with essentials, so they can manage while you set up the basics.
8 Week Packing Timeline
8 Weeks Before
Getting Started
- Get boxes, tape, markers, colored stickers
- Assign a color to each room
- Walk through home, decide what to donate
7 Weeks Before
The Easy Stuff
- Books you won't read before the move
- Photo albums and memorabilia
- Seasonal decorations
6 Weeks Before
Storage Areas
- Garage and storage items
- Guest bedroom linens and pillows
- Hobby supplies not in active use
5 Weeks Before
Living Areas
- Decorative items, vases, frames
- DVDs, CDs, board games
- Extra throw pillows and blankets
4 Weeks Before
Kitchen Start
- Hosting dishes and fancy glassware
- Small appliances you rarely use
- Cookbooks and extra utensils
3 Weeks Before
Closets and Clothes
- Off season clothes and shoes
- Extra towels and linens
- Kids' toys they haven't touched lately
2 Weeks Before
Getting Serious
- Most toys (keep 5 to 10 favorites)
- Most books and bathroom extras
- Photograph all electronics
- Start using up freezer food
Final Week
The Final Push
Clear your schedule. This is where it gets real.
2 to 3 hours dailyFinal Week Day by Day
Day
7
Kids' Room
Day
6
Bedrooms
Day
5
Living Room
Day
4
Kitchen
Day
3
Bathrooms
Day
2
Final Sweep
Day
1
First Night Box
First Night Survival Box
Pack this in a clear bin and keep it in YOUR car, not the moving truck:
The Essentials
Toilet paper
Phone chargers
Sheets for each bed
Pajamas for everyone
Clothes for the first day
Basic toiletries
Medications
Paper plates and cups
Snacks and water
Trash bags
Scissors and tape
Kids' suitcase (in your car)
How Many Boxes Do You Need?
Answer a few quick questions about your home and family, and get a personalized estimate, so you order the right amount and avoid last-minute runs.
Number of bedrooms
Years lived there
Young children
Home office
Lots of books
75
boxes (approximately)
Box Size Guide
| Size | Best For | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Books, cans, heavy items | 15 kg / 30 lbs |
| Medium | Kitchen, toys, clothes | 20 kg / 45 lbs |
| Large | Bedding, pillows, lampshades | Light items only |
Prepare Your Kids Emotionally Too
"Moving Soon" is a gentle picture book that helps children understand and process the big feelings that come with moving to a new home.
Get the Book on Amazon