Truck Reserve

Best way to start packing...any moving tips?

It's Monday and we've reserved the rental truck for all day Wednesday. So that gives us just 2 days to pack for the move. We've really been putting it off for the last minute because we've both been working A LOT!! and now that I'm looking around, I'm feeling overwhelmed. We have way too much stuff and need to get rid of a lot of it..

What is the best way to go about packing? Which room is best to start with? Help!!

Pack for the room it is going to - think DESTINATION. Do not mix contents of boxes (i.e. kitchen with living room) or unpacking will be a disaster (my husband did this - look there is room in here! I will stikck in x... ack!).

Get rid of unused stuff.
Pack clothes and soft, unbreakable stuff in garbage bags - but mark them with ribbons or something so you know they are clothes, not garbage.

Do not make boxes too heavy... while you may have energy at the beginning, at the end, you are tired and less heavy boxes are nicer. But true a bunch of boxes does seem overwhelming.

I pack books into milk crates so they do not explode and limit the amount that can go into them so they do not get so heavy.

Make sure you pack one box that is UNPACK ME FIRST - it has essentials like toilet paper (a few rolls), cleaning supplies, paper towels, bottles of water, etc. so you can get rolling cleaning up at the new place but be prepared if nature calls and not have to run out to the store.

Do not label boxes with valuables with labels that show that they have items of value in them (jewelry box!) of they may disappear. Either give those items to friends to hold to deliver after the move or hand carry the items, or label them so that you know and no one else does.

Start with the kitchen and work your way out from there. Discard duplicates and garbage. Two days is short but hope you have a lot of boxes and supplies such as paper and tape! Good luck!