The Ultimate Packing Checklist for an Organized Move

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If you’re looking for tips on packing, we have just what you need! There are a couple of key tips that you can consider to make the move easier on yourself (this applies to both short and long trips).

First and foremost, the more organized you are at the beginning of the entire process, the smoother everything is going to go by the end. Moreover, no matter what you add to your moving list, some things are still going to get left behind. You must learn to let go!

Here’s the ultimate packing checklist for all your needs as you move to a new home. It’s all you’re ever going to need (feel free to add to it as there may be a few personal items we leave behind).

Before You Pack: Essentials to Gather

Before you dive right in, it is important that you gather all the pre-packing essentials you may need just so you don’t have to go back and forth once you begin. Arrange for sturdy packing boxes (cardboard boxes will do), packing tape, permanent marker, and bubble wrap if you have any fragile items to pack.

These basics won’t just keep you organized; they basically help protect your belongings. Along with these essentials, make sure you keep some handy tools nearby to disassemble any furniture if needed. You could also set up a packing or disassembling station within your home to minimize the mess.

Room-by-Room Checklist

When tackling a big move, taking it one room or one item at a time is a huge help. It makes the process much less overwhelming.

Bedroom

●       Clothes & shoes (pack by season)

●       Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets)

●       Nightstand items (lamp, alarm clock, books)

●       Jewelry & accessories

●       Wall decor (pictures, mirrors)

●       Personal items (diary, keepsakes)

Bathroom

●       Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.)

●       Towels & washcloths

●       Medications & first aid kit

●       Cleaning supplies

●       Shower curtain & bath mat

Kitchen

●       Plates, bowls, and cups

●       Pots, pans & cooking utensils

●       Silverware & kitchen gadgets

●       Small appliances (toaster, blender, etc.)

●       Pantry items (spices, dry goods)

●       Dish soap & sponges

Living Room

●       Electronics (TV, gaming consoles, speakers)

●       Cables & chargers

●       Books & magazines

●       Decorations (vases, figurines, candles)

●       Rugs & curtains

Office/Workspace

●       Important documents (passports, IDs, contracts)

●       Computer & accessories

●       Desk supplies (pens, notebooks, chargers)

●       Filing boxes

Garage/Storage

●       Tools & hardware

●       Outdoor gear (bikes, sports equipment)

●       Seasonal decorations

●       Car essentials (jumper cables, cleaning supplies)

Final Checklist

●       Pack an Essentials Box (change of clothes, toiletries, chargers, snacks, important documents)

●       Label all boxes clearly

●       Set aside a Donations Box for unwanted items

Decluttering Before You Move

Most popularly known as the Keep, Donate, Toss, or Recycle method, this four-step tactic is key to ensuring minimal waste as well as an organized packing process. When packing, go through each room and decide what you want to keep, what you’d rather donate, what can be recycled, and what should be tossed.

If the item hasn’t been used in over a year it is probably time you let it go. You don’t need to toss it in the bin. You could definitely donate it if it is in usable condition. You could also sell off the items you think would bring in some extra cash.

Utilize a minimalist approach so you need to pack fewer things and have a lot more space in your new home. A cleaner, more organized home is the key to a smooth packing journey.

Pro Tips for Fragile and Valuable Items

When packing fragile and valuable items proceed with caution. Begin by wrapping glasses, dishes, fragile electronics, and mantle pieces or ceramics in bubble wrap. You can also utilize your clothes and fluffy blankets to cushion much larger items such as mirrors or TVs.

Consider choosing specialized boxes for added security, especially if you have valuable electronics and much more delicate pieces. For expensive artwork or jewelry consider getting insurance to cover any potential damage during the move.

Best Practices for Labeling Boxes

This can be quite fun when done the right way. Begin by assigning color codes, numbers, or categories to each room or item type. For example, you can assign the color jade green to the bathroom or blue for the bedroom. This way, you know where the box is supposed to go.

You could also create sub-categories for items within those rooms. For example, toiletries could be marked with a lighter shade of green, fragile items or jewelry can be marked golden, and so on. For extra caution, consider creating an inventory list which can help you track what’s in each box and ensure nothing gets lost.

Ready for the Move?

If everything feels a bit overwhelming, expert OKC movers can provide you the assistance you need to make the process feel relatively easier. Professional teams can do the packing and unpacking in less time since they already have all the tools they need. So, if this seems like a process you’d rather outsource, feel free to do so!