Let’s face it: almost no one actually excited On the prospect of packing moving boxes. I’m always eager to get used to a new place (hello, endless decorating projects!). But as someone who lived in six different apartments in my twenties, I never enjoyed the packing process itself. No matter how early you start, it’s mentally exhausting, physically taxing, and seems to drag on.
Professional organizer shares her best moving packing tips
Because of this, I’ve long been on the lookout for tips on how to streamline the process and make packing for a move a little less daunting. For answers, I turned to Jayna Latimore, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based professional organizer and founder of Ordered, LLC. Here, Lattimore shares how to make moving less stressful—thank God for these tips!
Jayna Lattimore
Jayna Lattimore, owner and lead organizer of Ordered, LLC, began her professional organizing career in 2019. Hundreds of spaces. Without judgment, she strives to inspire her clients to embrace a more organized lifestyle by reducing clutter and creating beautiful and functional organizational systems.
Don’t make large purchases before moving
When I read this I started to cringe because I feel so guilty for ordering everything from new furniture to coffee table books to kitchenware before moving. I just couldn’t hold it in as I was so excited about the decor! But, of course, doing so means you have more stuff to move to your new home, and your choices “may not match your final set-up and decorating preferences for your new home,” Lattimore says.
She adds, “Taking the time to completely unpack and stage your new space allows you to make better decisions about new furniture and decor and avoid the hassle of returns and last-minute product research.”
I’ll be the first to admit that my cute little three-drawer chest that was a “must have” for my New York apartment simply didn’t look right in my space once I moved everything else in. Have this item shipped back to the retailer I ordered from. This is an expensive lesson.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your move
Thankfully, I’ve never been a procrastinator, but if you feel like you work best under pressure, you may want to reconsider that perspective in the months leading up to your move. Yes, I said months — Lattimore recommends starting preparations for the move two months before your lease starts.
First, make a to-do list of pre-move tasks that you can start working on during this time, such as booking a moving company, of course. Additionally, Lattimore says, use this time to focus on one space or room at a time, starting with the space you use least. “Give every room a thorough clean or vacuum everything, and get rid of items you won’t bring to your new place,” she advises. You’ll also want to assemble a donation box and make a list of items that will need to be replaced once you move into your new home.
Don’t let furniture for sale get stuck
I follow a lot of people on social media who post furniture they want to sell before moving and it seems to me that some of them just don’t know when to give up and cut their losses! Posting every day for weeks on end can seem exhausting when you have so many other logistics to focus on.
Lattimore follows a similar philosophy. “If you find items for sale, list them immediately and set a closing date for the sale,” she says. “If it doesn’t sell by the deadline, please consider donating to avoid unnecessary confusion.” Someone in need may benefit greatly from your generosity, and you won’t feel overwhelmed by your excessive presence. thing at your home.
Organize thoughtfully
If organizing isn’t your strong suit, Lattimore suggests asking yourself the following questions: Do I enjoy it? Do I need it? Do I use it? Is there room for it in my new place? She adds, “If these items don’t fit with who you are and your future aspirations, it’s better to let go of them.”
Read more: A practical guide to decluttering your entire home
Don’t forget other important tasks
There’s more to the moving process than just packing all your belongings into boxes, there are many logistical components that are just as important. Lattimore points out that people often forget the following tasks until the last moment:
- Update their mailing address (by notifying USPS and friends and family)
- Arrange childcare or pet sitting on moving day
- Cancel or transfer utilities
- Ask friends or family for help.
Lattimore recommends tackling last-minute to-do items weeks in advance. “Moving is a big deal and incredibly exhausting,” she said. “No one wants to ask for help at the last minute.”
Pack like a pro
Lattimore is full of helpful packing tips to make the packing and unpacking process easier. Here are some of her top tips:
- Pack items you don’t use frequently first. Think out-of-season clothes, holiday decorations, and more.
- Designate boxes for specific categories or rooms. Organizers say this may require more up-front time, but will help you in the long run. “Throwing different items into one box can cause more trouble when unpacking later.”
- Place heavier items at the bottom of the box. Then, pad the top before sealing, which helps when stacking the boxes.
- Label each box. No doubt, but still a necessary tip!
- Pack an overnight bag. This will come in handy the night you first settle into your home. “You’ll be happy that you have a few changes of clothes and toiletries that you need immediately and are easily accessible without digging through boxes,” Lattimore says.
- Open one box at a time. Start with the most critical rooms, such as the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
You’ve made an effort to appear friendly and organized during the packing process, so be sure to keep it that way once you’ve settled in. “It’s time to build storage solutions,” Lattimore said. “Make sure they work for you.” Drawer organizers, bins, and baskets are your new friends, and labels are always great.
You’ll also need to maintain a regular household schedule in your new place. “We recommend decluttering your home at least two to three times a year, and as needed before holidays and special events throughout the year to make room for new purchases,” Lattimore says. “Establish simple routines, such as spending time every day Taking 15 minutes to rearrange your home and organize your mail can prevent things from piling up and sitting around for too long.”
