What to Pack Last (and First) When Moving Into a New Home
Moving into a new home can feel like a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to.
Strategically using storage when moving can make the whole process easier on your schedule, easier on your back, and maybe even easier on your wallet.
Packing early and staying organized is the key to making your transition as smooth as possible, and strategically using storage when moving can make the whole process easier on your schedule, easier on your back, and maybe even easier on your wallet.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can plan your move, pack efficiently, and make the most out of every space without feeling overwhelmed with a little help from Premium Spaces.
What to Pack First When Moving
We recommend you start your packing process early, and as we’ll see, a residential storage unit can be a game-changer when taking this approach.
It’s easy to underestimate the time it will take to pack, clean, and triple-check your old place before it’s time to move out, so we recommend starting to pack up to 3 months before that day comes.
Of course, you can’t put all of your day-to-day items in storage this early, so let’s start with the basics. Focus on packing the things that are rarely used but still important. We’re talking about extra linens for your bed, seasonal clothes not in use, and anything you would label as “extra.”
If you don’t need it today and you won’t need it tomorrow, pack it. Check out our moving planning tips if you want to learn more about prepping before moving day.
Start Small When Packing
Between dishes, silverware, clothes, and office supplies, you could easily move thousands of individual items. We want to make this easier, so your first step is to come up with an organization plan to turn all your small items into a few dozen manageable boxes.
Start by grouping items together based on use and fragility. You want to keep delicate things, like glassware, separate from sturdier items, like books or office supplies.
Most importantly, label them! The last thing you want is to have a box of fragile belongings break when placed at the bottom of a heavy stack, so clearly label fragile boxes not only to help with organization but also to help make sure everything stays intact during the move.
Assess the Mess Before Packing
Packing early is also a great opportunity to assess just what you need, and what can be donated or thrown away. The more you move, the longer and more stressful it will be, and there is no better time to downsize than now.
To make it easier, set up three boxes or bins labeled “donate,” “keep,” and “throw away” to help you sort as you pack. Remember, every pound you can cut from your packing list is space saved in your moving truck and time saved on moving day.
Need boxes, tape, packing material, and more? We’ve got you covered. Ask about moving and storage supplies for sale as you browse our units.
What to Pack Last When Moving
Once all your smaller, less-frequently used items are packed, it’s time to move up in size and importance.
Large furniture may not need much prep for packing, outside of maybe plastic wrap, but it should be the first on the truck on moving day. This allows you to more easily fit smaller items into nooks and crannies to maximize your space.
Remember this rule of thumb:
- While packing, start small. While loading, start large.
There are some things, like your toothbrush, body wash, and other daily essentials, that can’t be packed until the big day. We recommend having a “go-bag” for these. If you are temporarily staying with friends or in a hotel until you can move in, this is also a great way to keep your necessities close at hand while still keeping most of your belongings packed.
With a unit from one of our storage facilities, you can spread this process across multiple days. If you can move your heavy couch, bed set, or bookshelves into a storage unit before you move, you can not only avoid unnecessary stress on moving day, but you might even be able to save money by renting a smaller truck.
Packing Tips for Moving With Pets
Your packing plan can get a bit more complicated if you own a pet. If you’re moving from an apartment and your lease ends right as your new one begins, that leaves a pretty narrow window. If possible, have friends or relatives hold onto your pet for a day or two to make the final moving steps easier.
Always be mindful of your pets as you pack. The changing environment can be stressful for them, and that’s why you want to make sure they still have their favorite beds, food bowls, and toys to make the transition less chaotic.
When you do start to unpack at your new place, do your pets a favor and unload their dog bed, cat tree, and any other pet furniture first. For cats and dogs, smell is incredibly important. You want your new home to be welcoming from day one, and unpacking these first can create a familiar aromatic environment for your pets to make the adjustment easier.
Self-Storage For Moving Without the Hassle
Using self-storage when moving to a new home can make a world of difference. Even if you pack early, it’s hard to keep everything organized if there’s no space in your current home.
Give yourself some space with a storage unit so you can clear out your home and store your belongings securely, and if you want to give your belongings the best protection possible, opt for one of our climate-controlled storage options.
If you own a boat, RV, work vehicle, or extra car, we can help with that, too. Avoid the automotive shuffle on moving day by storing your vehicles in our secure facility. With plenty of space for both household items and vehicles, vehicle storage from Premium Spaces makes your move more organized.
Rent a Self-Storage Unit Before You Move From Premium Spaces
Renting a storage unit for move-in day can save you a tremendous amount of time and stress, and Premium Spaces has just what you need.
Every home is different. You may only need a 5×10 unit for a few extra items, or a large 10×20 space to hold an entire apartment’s worth of belongings.
Check out our moving and storage tips to learn the best ways to make the most of the space in your unit, and be sure to give our online size guide a try to find the best fit for your belongings without breaking your budget.
Be ready for moving day with reliable and accessible storage from Premium Spaces. Find a facility nearby to get started today.